by Max Miller
Dowdle (Author)
Publisher: Artagem
Graphic Library; First Edition (2014)
Hardcover, 154
pages
On the eve of a
major exhibition of new paintings, prosperous artist Matthew and his wife
Caitlin, a pharmaceutical company researcher, encounter an old friend, a
philosophical ex-con named Pierce. Pierce confronts the couple about the
enigmatic experimental drug they took eight years ago, and the puzzling
circumstances that led to his incarceration. In light of Pierce's revelations,
Matthew must fight to keep his marriage and career secure, for the secret of
all of his success may have sprung directly from Pierce's tragedy.
This
is the first work by the author and illustrator, so I tend to go a little easy.
Essentially this is an interesting story with sci-fi overtones - a drug that
allows a person to share dreams with others, which the protagonist uses to
steal inspiration from others and literally paint their dreams. The problem
with this story is one of pacing. The story easily could have been told in half
the time and much of the action takes place in a bland motel room - which
doesn’t really allow the artist to show off his full range of skill.
Additionally
at the end of the book, there are various bits and pieces - fake police
reports, autopsy, various other personal effects of the characters- which
probably would’ve been better used scattered throughout the story as hints of
what was coming and the eventually big reveal. Again, this isn’t a bad book. It
had some great ideas, but it doesn’t live up to its potential, especially when
it comes to the dream sequences.
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