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They Gave Me a Loaner While Mine’s in the Shop

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Jan’s Atomic Heart original graphic novella
Writer/Artist/Cover artist: Simon Roy
Publisher: New Reliable Press
Price: $5.95 US

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of New Reliable Press. I’d never heard tell of comics creator Simon Roy. And I certainly never heard of Jan’s Atomic Heart before, so when the publisher provided an advance preview of the book for review, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. That probably enhanced my appreciation of this book, as it kept surprising me. At first, I didn’t realize it was science-fiction, even with the cues on the cover, as the opening sequence dances around the sci-fi premise. As I continued to read, I enjoyed the writer’s unconventional examination of friendship, so much so that I didn’t see where he was leading me with convincing and provoking background details of a political and military nature. Jan’s Atomic Heart is both incredibly grounded and mind-blowing in its originality. It’s touching and frightening. Roy has crafted a compelling story that’s relevant and relatable, and if that’s not enough, he brings it to life with inventive designs and a slightly rough style that brings out the humanity even in characters that doubt their own humanity. The fact that this book is being published by a lesser-known outfit will mean this book will likely fly under a lot of readers’ radar, but Jan’s Atomic Heart merits a lot of attention from a lot of people.

A recent motor-vehicle accident in Frankfurt has really proven to be a pain in Jan Nilssen’s ass. He has to deal with his insurance company not only about the damage to his car, but to his body as well. Jan’s been temporarily transplanted into a robot body, something his best friend Anders needles him about playfully. But then an off-hand comment alerts Jan to a connection between the make and model of his mechanical form and a machine recently employed in a terrorist bombing by off-planet separatists. Worried his body might betray him and that his memories have as well, Jan turns to Anders for help, and he in turn urges Jan to bring his concerns to the attention of the authorities.

Simon Roy brings a Euro-comics look to bear on this project, which makes sense given that it’s set in Frankfurt. His style here is easily comparable to that of Guy (B.P.R.D.) Davis, and the gruff, grizzled look of some of the characters also reminded me of similar characters in Paul Grist’s Kane and Jack Staff. The story presents a visual challenge in that the robotic facade of the main character isn’t the most emotive of visages, but Roy demonstrates his skills by conveying the appropriate feelings through the character’s body language. There’s a nice variety in his repertoire of storytelling techniques. He offers some convincing cityscapes and backgrounds, but there are other times when he isolates the characters in fields of white to emphasize a moment or to enhance a particular mood. His choices at the beginning of the book focus the reader’s attention on more routine, down-to-earth ideas, and that enables his real plot to have a more profound impact on his readers.

Roy captures a genuine tone in the dialogue that really sells the friendship between Jan and Anders, and that’s a vital part of the story and the illusion the writer constructs to make for the most effective climax possible. That dialogue is key when it comes to selling the reader on Jan’s humanity, given the fact that his appearance tells a different story. I also found it interesting and unusual at first that the book opens with Anders rather than Jan. It made me feel as though we were getting a more rounded look at this Frankfurt of the future, and the sequences serves to delay the revelation of Jan’s irksome predicament. Of course, those who read the book will discover there’s greater significance to that sequence, to Anders’s role in the plot.

Given the look of the art and the cosmopolitan tone of the writing, I’d assumed Roy was an established European creator. I actually inquired with publisher Ed Brisson about the origins of the book; I had a hunch this was actually a reprint of a well-received European comic. To my surprise, I was informed that Simon Roy is actually a Canadian comics creator who’s just starting out. This is a powerfully effective and thoroughly impressive debut from a young, new talent. Roy — whom Brisson tells me is only 20 — exhibits maturity and a level of craft beyond his years. He’s a real find, and fans of comics or just strong storytelling ought to seek out Jan’s Atomic Heart… and his future endeavors as well. 10/10

April 13, 2009 Don MacPherson

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Shot Through the Heart → ← Quick Critiques – April 9, 2009

10 thoughts on “They Gave Me a Loaner While Mine’s in the Shop”

  1. jabrams007 says:
    April 14, 2009 at 12:37 am

    Thanks for the review Don. I probably would never have heard of this book if it wasn’t for you. Now I’m going to see if I can get my local retailer to order me a copy.

    Keep up the great work!

  2. Dan Amit says:
    April 14, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    This sounds really promising. I really love the artwork – I’ll definitely be checking it out.

  3. Joe says:
    April 14, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    This book really stood out to me in the C&GN section of Previews. Having read your strong, strong review, I’ll be picking it up for sure now.

  4. Perry Beider says:
    April 15, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    There’s a 22-page preview (of a 56-page book!) at the publisher’s website. I don’t know B.P.R.D. or Guy Davis’s work (wait–didn’t he do some Sandman Mystery Theatre years ago?), but something about the preview reminds me of cartoons by people like Sidney Harris (the “What’s So Funny About Science?” guy) and maybe Roz Chast (of New Yorker fame). Anybody else see that?

  5. Don MacPherson says:
    April 15, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    Perry wrote:
    I don’t know B.P.R.D. or Guy Davis’s work (wait–didn’t he do some Sandman Mystery Theatre years ago?)

    Yes, Davis illustrated most of Sandman Mystery Theatre. He’s also known for his work on The Nevermen, The Marquis and numerous other titles.

  6. Bob says:
    April 16, 2009 at 10:33 pm

    This comic sounds amazing! I think everyone should read it! I will DEFINITELY pick a copy up! (such a cheap price) I know the author (Simon Roy is a relative of mine) and I know he’s worked on this SO hard and it’s payed off! Woo Hoo

  7. Liela says:
    April 16, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    WOW! HOw immpressive! Congrats to the author…I’m sure it will be a smash!

  8. Soph says:
    April 16, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    YAY SIMON! WAIT TO GO! IT”S GONNA BE AWSOME! WOOT WOOT!

  9. vernon wiley says:
    April 19, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Thank you for opening my eyes a little wider on this one, Don. The solicit in Previews had just enough in it to order a couple of copies for my shop. With your encouraging review, I think we’ll put a half a dozen up there. Your column and others on comics reviews help shop owners like myself discover books I just don’t have time to discover, and I appreciate your efforts to bring hidden gems out into public view. Keep up the good work.

    Vernon Wiley
    The Comix Gallery

  10. Mr.Esty says:
    May 24, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Simon Roy is a great talent, and one to watch. New Reliable Press is a quality outfit, and Ed really goes out of his way to put great books in your hands.

    Good review, mr. Don MacPherson, I totally agree.

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