Dead End

(Fantagraphics, 2003)
™ and © Fantagraphics Books, Inc.

Thomas Ott drew attention when Fantagraphics published his graphic novel Greetings from Hellville a little while back. Less noticed was this unrelated follow–up, published late last year, but it’s a follow-up that deserves just as much recognition.

Ott uses the same starkly contrasted, black and white (mostly black) style of art that’s ideally suited to both stories in this volume—stories that shroud the reader in the blackness of night and use this cover of darkness to enhance the tension that’s already so prevalent.

As though it came from the mind of Rod Serling, the first story, “The Millionairs” (sic), features the proverbial mysterious briefcase full of cash and the horrible fates that await those who try to claim it. “Washing Day” is about a magician who uses his craft to thwart his own assassination. The full circle nature of both stories ironically belie the title of the book; perhaps that is Ott’s message: A dead end and a circular path are similar, in that they both result in failure to reach a goal.

Whether fans of Ott or not, those who missed this book will want to seek it out. The only downside? The wordless stories make this way too quick an experience for the price of admission. This oversized hardcover would have been better off in the smaller comic book format.

— Jim Johnson

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