Fear of Comics (Love and Rockets)
Gilbert continues to prove that the comics format is an effective vehicle for Latin American-style magic realism. Several stories inFear of Comicsrelate strange happenings in a small Mexican village: a tree dispenses spiritual guidance to a lovesick hunchback; the ghost of an irresponsible mother searches for the children she killed; the village is invaded by a giant "love gremlin," etc. Short absurdist tales and some decade-old sf round out the contents. Gilbert's new stories featuring members of the cast of hisLove and Rocketsstories set in the village of Palomar are stronger than these selections. Still, though lacking the scale of the Palomar saga, these stories still feature his fluid cartooning, bold compositions, and singularly intriguing characters.Gordon FlaggCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved