Bipolar

    (Alternative, 2003)
™ and © Alternative Comics

Aptly named, Bipolar consists of a pair of strange tales loosely focused on a theme of sorts, but diametrically opposite in their scenarios, executions, and outcomes. It’s not even a theme that can be easily categorized, but perhaps “life’s unexpected turns” is a fair shot.

In Keret’s story “Pizzeria Kamikaze,” the unexpected turn for the characters in question is life’s end, particularly their own. Immediately after death, friends reunite and strangers meet in a world that’s part Tim Burton, part Twilight Zone, but mostly a world not so different from that of the living. Where all this leads is unclear, but, hey, that’s what the next issue is for.

Hanuka’s “Telekinetic,” however, is basically a self-contained story in which a man slowly watches his life disintegrate, as his youthful expectations continue to remain unrealized. In this existentialist story, the main character deals with life’s disappointments, not by trying to make things better, but, instead, by burying his childhood dreams deep within himself. He then replaces them with retroactively lowered expectations that, in relative terms, make his life seem more pleasant and bearable.

Keret’s story is fairly straightforward, although many unanswered questions abound, while Hanuka’s requires careful study. This won’t appeal to everyone, but those with an open mind should be able to appreciate one, if not both, of these thought-provoking tales.

— Jim Johnson
Jump to issue:
  • 1
    #1
    Nov 2007
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka
    5 copies from $29.95
  • 1-3
    #1 - 3rd printing
    Nov 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka
    1 copy for $12.98
  • 2
    #2
    Sep 2001
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka
    1 copy for $14.95
  • 2-2
    #2 - 2nd printing
    May 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka
    1 copy for $7.98
  • 3
    #3
    Back cover reads October 02 while indicia reads September 2002
    Oct 2002
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Asaf Hanuka, Tomer Hanuka
    2 copies from $14.95
  • 4
    #4
    May 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Tomer Hanuka, Etgar Keret  ·  A: Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka
    Translated from Hebrew by Miriam Shleisinger
    2 copies from $12.98
  • 5
    #5
    Cover: $2.95
    1 copy for $14.98