Church & State (Cerebus, Volume I)

Rating:
Summary: Aardvark? hmm . . .
Review: Church and State is a fascinating introduction to the modern comic book, especially for those who are still expecting tights and superbreath. It is a compellingly complex political intrigue, as Dave Sim constructs his elaborate world in detail in this 3rd installment of his decades long work. Rather than being an illustrated history, the story moves from moments of remember to breathe humour to tenderness to satire to byzantine machinations and back to laughs. I'm especially fond of the end sequence when Cerebus has a cold: one of the chapters is entitled "na shid hids na fan." And every once in a while, you have to stop and slap yourself and say, "hmm . . . it's an aardvark."

Rating:
Summary: Where Cerebus Breaks Through
Review: Church and State is where Dave Sim really breaks new grounds in art, plot, characterization, and scope. There is a definite shift from simple sight gags and cute one-liners - although both are present - to more elaborate storytelling functions. Church and State is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoyed High Society, as well as anyone who enjoys political or religious satire.

Rating:
Summary: Where Cerebus Breaks Through
Review: Church and State is where Dave Sim really breaks new grounds in art, plot, characterization, and scope. There is a definite shift from simple sight gags and cute one-liners - although both are present - to more elaborate storytelling functions. Church and State is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoyed High Society, as well as anyone who enjoys polical or religious satire.

Rating:
Summary: The High Point
Review: In my opinion the two volumes that comprise Church and State are the best of Cerebus. No longer Prime Minister and no longer caring about anything Cerebus is nominated to pontiff and decides everyone should give them gold. His object lessons with the young and old will give you a heartattack they are so funny. The underlying statements on religion, politics, and humanity is thought provoking and intense.

Rating:
Summary: Cerebus grows up.
Review: The overall tone in script and art, on the surface, appears drier and less fun. The length of the written passages and the frequent use of cityscapes and room interiors for backgrounds makes the whole book seem as fun as a three hour course in industrial toothbrush manufacturing.
In truth this is one of the finest examples of what a graphic novel can be. Dave Sim's writing had matured beyond anything that was published at the time, and I will argue, anything since. It has, at times, so many turns and surprises that you rush to reach the end of each chapter and then he will turn completely around and deliver some of the funniest one-liners and slapstick. (one of the few times I have laughed out loud at a comic happens in this series). A classic cast of original characters as well as icons stolen from the golden ages of comedy. Gerhard's art is amazing and the book requires and second reading just to appreciate his work in full. This is a fun read for any fan of good writing or artwork and essential for every fan of a good comic.