A pulpy graphic novel series transports readers to 1980s Los Angeles Apr 22, 2021
In the Reckless series of graphic novels, written by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Sean Phillips, a principled if unorthodox private eye looks back on his career as a “trouble-maker for hire.” In the latest book,
Friend of the Devil, Ethan Reckless investigates the disappearance of a missing woman and, in the process, exposes a seedy and sinister side of Hollywood. The longtime collaborators spoke to
PW about their inspirations for the series, developing character across multiple story arcs, and working together but separately.
As you describe, the Reckless books are standalone graphic novels, but they are connected by way of the protagonist who appears in each installment. Can you talk about some of your models for creating this kind of series driven by a particular guiding character but with stories that stand independently of one another?
By the delicate hand of Didier Kassaï (
Storm Over Bangui) comes a comic book documentary about the street children of Bangui, told in a style that mixes photo and illustration. In the Central African Republic, children grow up in a state of insecurity, poverty and malnutrition. The 2013 conflict only exacerbated this situation. The Central African Republic has become what many call “a house without windows.” Through illustrations and photos, this comic takes you into the heart of this “forgotten crisis.” With Central African artist Didier Kassaï and British photojournalist Marc Ellison as your guides, watch children at work in a diamond mine, observe life in a refugee camp and meet the street children of Bangui. Marc Ellison is currently based in Glasgow, Scotland, though this award-winning photojournalist’s favourite subject is Africa. Difficulties of reintegration of girl soldiers in Uganda, practices of female genital mutilation, topics on child marriage in T
Every year, we gather some of our favorite creators to take our ‘Creators’ Year in Review’ survey. When thinking about this year, however, the usual questions didn’t seem to make as much sense. So, we’ve tweaked the questions a bit to better reflect what 2020 was truly like for all of us.
Profuse thank yous to the creators who took a few minutes to answer our questions. You’ll be seeing all five of their responses this week and next, as we continue our Holiday Season celebrations. Happy Holidays to all, and please stay safe!
What Were the Comics That Got You Through 2020?