One Second In The Life Of The Man Who Thought A Hundred Times Faster Than Other Men/ Chronicle of a Life/ The Interview

Definitely the most interesting new name out of Quebec City, Leif Tande draws the most inventive comics I’ve seen in ages. He seems to craft a unique style for each of the twisted, original plots he writes. What’s more, the size and shape of his comics (very professionally printed to boot) are also uniquely designed for each story. This guy works harder on one strip than anyone I can think of. Both “The Interview” and “One Second In The Life…” contain over a hundred and fifty panels!!! “One Second…” is about this this guy who just knocked over a glass. That’s all it’s about. Thing is, seeing as he thinks a hundred times faster than anyone else, he spends a miniature eternity regretting his mishap while watching it tumble in excruciating slow motion. He has time to speculate on just what it’ll spill on, ages with which to fret over his now-dampened keyboard, hours to wonder how many pieces it’ll break into when it hits the ground, until finally… (well, I won’t give it away). It might sound like a one-liner, but he manages to really milk it without being in the least repetetive. “Chronicle of a Life” is, appropriately, more crudely drawn, and lives up to its titles portentous claim: Norbert, an average working stiff, from birth to death. “The Interview” is a jitteringly-drawn account of a nervous, sweaty-palmed man waiting to get called in for his job interview. These were a pleasure to read, and a pain to review because all I feel like writing is: “Buy them.” (LR)

comics, French (from Quebec City) / main creator: Leif Tande / $1.50 each plus post., / c/o Fichtre!, 436 de Bienville, Montreal, QC, H2J 1S9

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