Born to Exile by Phyllis Eisenstein with illustrations by Stephen E Fabian. Arkham House, 1978. 0870540823. 202pp. Â
The first four stories about the wandering teenage minstrel, Alaric, who has a secret ability. Completely enjoyable. Originally published as four stories in F&SF magazine. I've already tracked down a copy of the second collection of Alaric stories.
Spaniel Rage by Vanessa Davis. Drawn & Quarterly, 2017. 9781770462564. 120pp.Â
I came across this at the library last month. On the back are quotes from folks whose comics I love: Sammy Harkham, Lisa Hanawalt, Eleanor Davis, and Michael DeForge. So I had to read it.
The book is a collection of sketchbook comics from 2003 and 2004, plus a few published comics at the end. Most of the sketchbook work is pencilled but not inked. The words are a bit hard to read in places, but the art is so good. I'm envious of Davis's amazing, panel-less layouts because of the friction-free way they flow together. This is a beautiful book which makes me want to read more by Davis. You can sign up for her substack newsletter, too, at https://vanessaruthdavis.substack.com/Â
Death in Trieste by Jason. Fantagraphics, 2025. 9798875001253. 176pp.Â
Jason's most recent book from Fantagraphics contains three deadpan stories: Death in Trieste, The Magritte Affair, and Sweet Dreams. Artists go missing, paintings by Magritte drive people crazy, Rasputin is murdered, Dada poetry is recited, and 80s New Wave band members use their powers to save humanity. There's a lot to love in this book.Â
