Cypher

by Brad Teare

In this gritty, black and white comic illustrated in a woodcut style, author and illustrator Brad Teare explores the alternative universe of an unnamed protagonist. Originally anthologized in Heavy Metal magazine the story outlines the surreal experiences of one man's collision with the manic energy of New York City. In a series of loosely continuous short stories the reader is taken on creative a journey with cameos from Jean Paul Sartre, M. C. Escher and Salvador Dali.
This highly acclaimed volumes was included the first Spectrum Annual , celebrating the best alternative comics illustration in America, as well as inclusion in the Comics Encyclopedia .

Genres: Graphic Novels

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Carl Waluconis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cypher is a puzzle and this 1990-2 graphic novel explores encountering symbols and images seemingly embedded in life, then trying to uncover or discover their meaning. The style is that of underground comics, especially like Bill Griffith and Justin Green. The surreal and at the same time gritty journey keeps one moving through the pages. Is there a solution to life's cypher? It depends on what you call a "solution". Best read it to find out.