Leviathan arrives in the USA at last, in the form of The Book of Leviathan, published by Overlook Press. Everyone who is serious about exploring the more far-flung and adventurous realms of comics, enjoys graphic intellectual stimulation, or appreciates a healthy sense of the absurd has an excellent chance of finding what they are looking for in The Book of Leviathan.
This is a truly one-of-a-kind item. The Book of Leviathan employs a wry wit with dextrous aplomb at every turn. Right from the initial impression -- the overall book design, with its ruby edged pages, making it resemble a accountant's ledger -- the reader is put in the position of having to ask questions, such as, in this case, "What exactly are we keeping track of here?", and then later, once we've gone a few pages into the book, "What, in our lives and most especially in our early, childhood years, goes into the plus columns and what goes into the minus?" and, finally, "Will it all add up in the end?"
Most readers confronting Blegvad's work for the first time will find themselves mysteriously compelled to grab the first person who happens by to share their enthusiasm: "Hey! This is really different. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this before." Some readers may find themselves somewhat unsettled at first, if only from the sheer unfamiliarity of Blegvad's narrative strategies. In the end, however, all readers that prevail will come away from The Book of Leviathan with a deepened appreciation for the unknown corners of our lives, and a sense, finally, of the ultimate incomprehensibility of being.
And, if you don't want to take our word for it, how about these guys:
"Peter Blegvad's comic strip is one of the greatest, weirdest things I've ever stared at. Give me Leviathan or give me death!"
--Matt Groening
"Whenever I'm asked for proof that literature, art and poetry can exist in comic-strip form, I point to Peter Blegvad."
--Ben Katchor
Here's a few links to help prepare you:
Leviathan -- This is a must!
A review by Gary Sullivan from Rain Taxi Online
A Short Biographical Sketch of Peter Blegvad
Leviathan has been out of print fot quite some time now, and the day has finally come when we are down to the last few copies of what was once our massive supply. So, alas, gone is the special deal! (Also, now: Limit, ONE per customer.) We are scouting about in a search for more, and while we are not overly optimistic that we'll find a hidden stash, you never know!
