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Monday, April 8, 2019

Nocturnal Conspiracies: Nineteen Dreams From December 1979 to September 1994 (Graphic Novel)

 
 
by David B.

Publisher: NBM Publishing (December 1, 2008)

Softcover, 124 pages

 
   


 

This compilation is by the illustrious David B. who rose to fame with his semi-autobiographical graphic novel Epileptic. The book is exactly what it claims to be, a collection of dreams in illustrated form from the author’s 20s to his mid-30s. There is no attempt to interpret the dreams or make sense of them (if such a thing is even possible) but they are presented as the author remembers them. Odd shifts in location, characters appear then disappear, the motives of the narrator shift without reason.

For most people, myself included, listening to someone’s dreams is about as enjoyable as getting the getting the car washed or cleaning out earwax. William Burroughs’ book on the subject of his own dreams My Education was the worst thing he ever churned out. However if one has to do so, then the graphic novel format makes it at least interesting to look at, as the narrative is an ever-shifting mishmash.

Of course it isn’t the story that makes one want to read this book. It is the distinctive style of David B. that allowed me to happily dance from page to page. The art and its seamless interaction with the text create a unique "space" for us to enter and explore. It is dark and cool and blue. In short, if you can find this book for a reasonable price, it might be worth an hour of your time.
For more readings, try books by Rex Hurst. 
 
 
For more readings, try books by Rex Hurst. 

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