The Rulers built Underground. The Rulers set down the rules to keep everyone safe. Everyone has their place. Except what was surrendered to achieve this status? And is it as comfortable as the Rulers allege assuming that the Rulers actually still exist?
Andrew Vachss sets forth a series of 8 stories, read from some sort of Canon by assorted narrators, that tell of various characters and situations in The Tunnels. The stories are they being told as factual situations within this fictional setting or are they a second level of fiction on top of the setting created by Vachss and team? = provide a lesson as to truth, human nature, and other aspects of life within the Tunnels.
On the surface, the 8 tales that make up Vachss: Underground are pretty good in their own right. However, each allows the reader the opportunity to dig deeper into the point which the creators are trying to impart and some, in fact, almost BEG the reader to stop and ponder further. There are so many aspects of human nature and society that are covered in this book that it almost BEGS to be the subject of book club discussion. (There is an essay at the end with one interpretation as to what Vachss is trying to say. I believe that this opinion piece might MIGHT have captured the authors' intent. BUT I am not totally convinced of that, AND I suspect that the writer did not peel back any of the other layers of Vachss' work.)
One of the most thought-provoking comics or graphic novels I have ever read.
RATING: 5 stars. It's well done, it stays with me, and it makes me think.
DISCLOSURE: This book was provided free of charge by the publisher without obligation. I'm sure they will appreciate an unbiased posted review, and will be grateful that it turned out to be favorable.
Andrew Vachss sets forth a series of 8 stories, read from some sort of Canon by assorted narrators, that tell of various characters and situations in The Tunnels. The stories are they being told as factual situations within this fictional setting or are they a second level of fiction on top of the setting created by Vachss and team? = provide a lesson as to truth, human nature, and other aspects of life within the Tunnels.
On the surface, the 8 tales that make up Vachss: Underground are pretty good in their own right. However, each allows the reader the opportunity to dig deeper into the point which the creators are trying to impart and some, in fact, almost BEG the reader to stop and ponder further. There are so many aspects of human nature and society that are covered in this book that it almost BEGS to be the subject of book club discussion. (There is an essay at the end with one interpretation as to what Vachss is trying to say. I believe that this opinion piece might MIGHT have captured the authors' intent. BUT I am not totally convinced of that, AND I suspect that the writer did not peel back any of the other layers of Vachss' work.)
One of the most thought-provoking comics or graphic novels I have ever read.
RATING: 5 stars. It's well done, it stays with me, and it makes me think.
DISCLOSURE: This book was provided free of charge by the publisher without obligation. I'm sure they will appreciate an unbiased posted review, and will be grateful that it turned out to be favorable.
