This is the second issue in the latest title to provide an overview of some of the best underground comic artists in Montreal. Once again, the local comics scene proves its ability to pass on visual styles and the DIY ethic to a new generation of artists. Our editors-in-chief in this case have likely not reached their 20’s, yet they’ve managed to bring out old-timer legends for some very quality material. A standout is the dense 36-panel account by Valium (in his trademark broken English) of a trip to Bethesda, MD, for an underground comics convention. Every panel absolutely seethes intense hatred for everybody except for maybe Kim Deitch, whom Valium would like to fuck. Anyone who criticizes Montreal comics for being too much about style and less about storytelling should read this strip. Also featured, among others, are Guy Boutin, Billy Mavreas, Carlos Santos (D. Bilos), Caro Caron and of course several relative newcomers Counterfeit, Alice Jarry and the co-editors, Julien Bakvis and Melissa di Menna. Styles run the gamut from straight narrative strips to full-page drawings, high contrast, no contrast, collage and comic-jammed. The progress in the layout and silkscreening since the first issue bodes very well for the future; overall, this is an excellent graphic compendium of young and old, male and female, English and French, served up with no pretension whatsoever – what more could you want? (Louis Rastelli)
comic, #2, 32 pgs, bilingual, $2 plus post., Melissa, 3850 Gouin E., Montreal-Nord, Que. H1H 1C4