Concrete Volume 3: Fragile Creature (v. 3)
Grade 10 Up–This book continues the story of the mild-mannered speechwriter who, after having his mind transferred to a superpowered, nearly indestructible body, finds his life changed forever. One of the central themes of this series is Concretes efforts to maintain some semblance of a normal life. Here, he hears the call of Hollywood. Faced with extreme budgetary issues, the producers of a fantasy/action film hire him–not as an actor, but to cut their special-effects budget by putting his abilities to use. Concrete spends his days tossing boulders, tearing down sets, and even powering the shell of a car careening through a city street. Much of the action works as wry satirical commentary on the art and fakery of filmdom. Chadwicks visual style is at the same high level as in previous volumes; black-and-white drawings lend an odd sense of realism to the impossible happenings. Originally published in four separate issues,Creatureis the longest Concrete story to date. Chadwick makes full use of the extra space, working in layers of satire and mixing in a few subplots with side characters. But the heart of the story–and its main appeal–lies firmly within the well-developed, and ever-evolving, character of Concrete. Through it, the author continues to show what the medium of superhero comics can do in the hands of someone willing to push the boundaries just a little bit.–Matthew L. Moffett, Fords Theatre Society, Washington, DCCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.