Black Hole

I don't often buy graphic novels (with some notable exceptions) - despite my continuing adultescence and status as a member Generation-Y, I'm not really that into typical comic books or superheroes - you'll never find me in a Spiderman T-shirt and I find the writing in even some of the "good" comic book serials, well, a bit far-fetched and stupid. I'm glad I took a chance with this one, though and I hope you, dear reader, will too! Set in Seattle in the early/mid 1970s, "Black Hole" inhabits the damp, sticky, slightly wiffy world of teenage angst, as it following the lives of a group of senior high school kids over the course of a long (somewhat rainy and miserable) summer: so far, so "Dazed and Confused". The fantastical conceit here (don't worry, no vampires or werewolves in sight), is the underlying presence of a disturbing, teen-only epidemic that's gradually infecting our young charges one-by-one. "The Bug", as it's referred to colloquially, is spread via sexual contact (or is it?) and manifests itself in the form of a spectrum of strange physical mutations - from the subtle and concealable, to monstrous physical deformities; X-men it ain't. Regardless of the severity, the over-riding fact seems to be this: once you've got "The Bug", that's you forever. Those afflicted find themselves ostracised by their peers and some seek refuge by running away into the local woods, leaving them vulnerable to drink, drugs and other perils... Clearly the disease trope has parallels with the AIDS epidemic of the 80s, particularly in the early years when a diagnosis of the so-called "Gay Plague" was effectively a death sentence, and where fears about blood, hygiene and transmission vectors lead greater society to condemn and quarantine those unfortunate sufferers. Having said that, it would be lazy to allow such a pat interpretations; there's a whole lot going on within these beautifully bound pages. Teenage themes abound: identity, personal experimentation, awkwardness, conformity vs. independence, ennui, isolation and otherness all feature prominently but the story unfolds an elliptical, open-ended and deliberately ambiguous manner. The heavy symbolism in the drawing (lots of slits, incisions, breaks and openings, the title itself), combined with beautiful draughtsmanship in the monochrome inking, suggests layers of complexity and meaning bubbling under the surface - I can't remember a graphic novel that truly demonstrated the uniqueness of the art-form so clearly; makes you think that maybe Alan Moore was right about the futility of adapting them for the screen. Notably, luminaries such as David Fincher have tried (and subsequently given up). Like Moore, there's an undercurrent of eroticism prevalent throughout which (unlike Moore) thankfully never feels like exploitation or just there for male gratification; it adds a heady credibility to the thick, hormonal atmosphere - there's a strong autobiographical element here for the writer it seems. The All-or-nothing extremes of youthful emotions are captured with succinctness, sensitivity and poignancy throughout. That's not to say there isn't a brutal, sinister quality to it as well, with echoes of Columbine and Astoria in the background. Some other commentators have mentioned there's a lack of humour - probably have to agree - which can make it a bit depressing. In addition, due to stylistic choices by the author, some of the characters look quite similar, which, combined with the semi-flashback structure, can initially cause confusion between key characters. These are fairly mild criticisms of what is a masterpiece of the genre. Maybe you never read graphic novels. Perhaps were maybe put off by the macho "costumed vigilantes" of "Watchmen" or "The Dark Knight Returns"; perhaps you thought comics were just corny and superficial. If you find yourself in that position, maybe take a chance with "Black Hole" - it might just change your opinion....

Reading Black Hole is like falling into a beautifully illustrated fever dream where adolescence is a literal disease … and not just metaphorically. Charles Burns takes the awkward horror of teenage years and cranks it up to eleven with a sexually transmitted plague that gives kids grotesque mutations. Think acne, but make it existential and lizard-tailed. The art? Stunning. Every panel is drenched in inky dread, like someone spilled a bottle of anxiety on the page. Burns’ black-and-white illustrations are so crisp and eerie, you’ll start side-eyeing your own reflection. The story jumps between perspectives and timelines, which makes it feel like you’re piecing together a diary written during a blackout. It’s not a light read. You won’t finish this and say, “Wow, what a fun romp!” More like, “I need a hug and maybe a tetanus shot.” But if you’re into body horror, psychological depth, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel like you’ve been emotionally mugged (in a good way) this is a must-read. Just don’t gift it to your niece for her 13th birthday unless you want to be banned from family gatherings.

Great delivery. In perfect condition. The graphic novel itself is the best I have ever read. It is original, and the drawing style is mind-blowing. This is a graphic novel that I can't recommend enough if you are into weird stories and drawings.

It took me about a year to get round to reading this. 'Blackhole' is a rare piece of art in itself and the artwork is so impressive that it doesn't do anything but impress all the way through. It's a highly unusual Graphic Novel but it borders around the description of 'David Lynch on LSD'. I have to admit I've never read anything like it and it's profound, massively sad, and also very inspiring. If you don't like or admire Charles Burns artwork, then avoid it but if your interested in having your mind expanded, then read on...

The art work in this graphic novel is excellent and the storyline is also of a high quality. Definitely not for children though. To say the plot is all about teenage angst would be a little harsh, but I think it would be fair to say that the main theme probably centres around the issues faced with being a teenager and awkward transition from childhood into adulthood. There are a few subtexts interweaved with the main narrative, both cultural and ideological but for me the main draw is the way the stroy is told, increasing with intensity as it progresses. I like the way the reader is allowed to make their own conclusions at the end, although I did feel slightly disappointed some of the threads where left unresolved... I might have to read it a few more times to really get it though. Good book and worth adding to your collection, if you don't already own it. I'll be checking out more of Charles Burns' work soon.

Suburban Seattle in the 1970s, just before the Bowie era, qv before the era when you could look like a boy if you were a girl and a girl if you were a boy: kids are doing what kids did in those days, dating each other and wondering if it's still cool to wear their older brother's cast-off bootcuts. The kids in Black Hole suddenly become aware that there's a new danger besides being unfashionable - no, not just how to get hold of enough dope to take to Planet Xeno (the local woods and parkland); there's what happens when you have sex. You could read this as an allegory on AIDs, perhaps, or just as a comment on self-destructive tendencies in adolescence. The fact is these kids don't get away with sexual experimentation - they are changed. Some might develop skin allergies of an extreme kind, so much so that they shed skins, lizard-like. One girl grows a tail; one boy's face folds in on itself; Rob grows another mouth - on his neck. So what are they going to do about it? Hide it of course - have you never been a teenager? Any point of difference between you and somebody else is a point of potential ridicule. Gradually there are two kinds of kids in this suburb, those who have not had sex and those in trouble. Black Hole is a classic of the genre - one of the funniest and most moving graphic novels I've ever come across.

It's more than just a teen novel about relationships. The book creates an atmosphere that draws you in, keeps you there and freaks you out a bit. For me the standout feature is the artwork, the black and white images are just beautiful, even the creepy ones. Loved it.

Quite simply; the BEST graphic novel collection I have ever read. I thought nothing could trump Preacher by Garth Ennis but this blew me away. Creepy and disturbing in equal measure. The story line and epic illustrations are a perfect fit. Fans of Burns' previous work will be familiar with his winning art work. Does not disappoint!