Status Updates From Mirror, Window: An Artbabe ...

Profiles of the Staley plant workers in Decatur, IL, are still so sadly timely. "There's no future for our kids unless they organize." -This was in '97.

The main collection, prior to the non-fiction epilogue/coda stuff, seems to be organized by increasing melodrama and diminishing returns. "Goddamn Hollywood" is probably Abel's least visual and involving story. It's simply missing the strong personal identities, fluidity, and balanced tones of the first two and even "Point of Departure." Ah, well. As an introduction to a serious comic artist, one could do much worse.

Engrossing, nuanced portrayal of characters continue in "Point of Departure" even if I don't as strongly identify with the relationship gossip. Loved the dissection of Jamal's short story in the coffee shop.

I wish I could fully express my appreciation at the moment, but I'm distracted.... The first two stories - "As I Live and Breathe" and "Châiné" - are simply exceptional. This is even more significant, because Abel's panels are some of the most unbelievably text-heavy I've come across. (In #2) Possessed by self-doubt, Paloma's inner monologue is so real (cue Jeff Buckley). Dialogue/dynamic with Nina is fascinating.