Tricked

(Top Shelf, 2005)
™ and © 2005 Alex Robinson

It’s probably been said that Alex Robinson, whose prior efforts include Box Office Poison, is ironically the opposite of box-office poison when it comes to comic books. So, too, is he with his latest work, Tricked. In Tricked, Robinson presents six characters—Ray, Nick, Phoebe (Chandler, Joey, Monica…), Steve, Caprice, and Lily—telling a story that spirals toward its conclusion, bringing each of the six ever closer to each other.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this book is that outside of the chapter numbers, which descend from 49 to zero, the story does not feel forced toward its conclusion. The evidence is clear as the pages continue that the characters are gravitating toward each other, but it’s a pleasant ride the whole way; at no time does Robinson make jumps in the flow or insert awkward situations to complete his effort.

Granted, Robinson’s characters do not come off as “someone you know” (at least not to me), but they’re real and within that reality, they make a very captivating story. You won’t easily put this one down.

— Ray Sidman

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#1

July, 2005
Cover Price: $19.95
1 copy available for $9.00

Alex Robinson