Grotesque
By Sergio Ponchione
Published by Fantagraphics
Source: TwelveFingers

“Quite a wild ride.” – Sequart

“Beautifully drawn light Lynchian fantasy… it’s a fun set of vignettes, with a few really clever, moody set pieces.” – Dick Hyacinth

“Sergio Ponchione’s trippy take on time and memory [is] well worth your while.” – Newsarama

This is our first featured comic, and I have to admit it was difficult deciding on a single book. I looked and read - thought about and considered every book I could find, before finally choosing Grotesque by Sergio Ponchione.

Sergio Ponchione has done an incredible job with Grotesque. The artwork is crazy-cool and at times reminds me of Robert Crumb with the heavy lines and crosshatching shadows. Every page is mixed with strange imagery and creative dialogue. I loved Grotesque and Grotesque #2, I am leaning on the second book as my favorite. I think at this point I’m beginning to drift into book review writing which is not at all my plan for this article. The Monthly Feature is not a review, this is not a critique, this is a recommendation. If you would like to read a review, there have already been a few, SEQUART has a great one, check it out. (Grotesque Review)

No my friends, I am here only to say “take a look at this comic! It’s freaking brilliant!”. Comics are a completely unique form of art. When the opportunity arises to read through a book that’s five shades of cool, you must seize that opportunity, or it least give a flip.

A long time ago, a devious late-night pact altered the destiny of small community, its inhabitants forever cursed to live as mere clay in the hands of the capricious Mister O’Blique and the Wicked Barons. But is change finally afoot? Professor Hackensack journeys to the town in order to wrest from the Barons the secret of their power. He will be helped (or hindered) on this quest by Inspector Demifayce, Lady Puzzle, the Encephapolyp, the Taxmen and other players in the complex, not always human mosaic that forms the strange and twisted architecture of the Cryptic City. Find out why this surreal masterpiece from Sergio Ponchione was the sleeper hit of the 2008 Comic-Con!