Cypher

Rating:
Summary: Sanity is relative
Review: A sane guy in a mad world? A mad guy in an insane world? Dunno, but the ride is terrific and the scratchboard illustrations are top-notch. Its looseness adds to the urgency of the story.

The format of the book resembles Maus II, both in size and weight and in the colors on the cover, but that's where the similarities end. The mark of a good graphic novel is that it works on many different levels, which this one does. I enjoyed it immensely from a humor standpoint, and actually got most of the references to psychology and modern art. I enjoyed it enough to reread it shortly after the first time and would recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Sanity is relative
Review: A sane guy in a mad world? A mad guy in an insane world? Dunno, but the ride is terrific and the scratchboard illustrations are top-notch. Its looseness adds to the urgency of the story.

The format of the book resembles Maus II, both in size and weight and in the colors on the cover, but that's where the similarities end. The mark of a good graphic novel is that it works on many different levels, which this one does. I enjoyed it immensely from a humor standpoint, and actually got most of the references to psychology and modern art. I enjoyed it enough to reread it shortly after the first time and would recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Mind Blowing
Review: All I can say is... "wow". Truly a gifted writer/illustrator, Brad Teare sends you on a powerful trip through destiny and defeat. A must read

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating, unique roller coaster ride in a bizarre world
Review: Cypher is one of the few books which, upon finishing, I immediately turned to the front and read again. It's like a roller coaster ride you never want to end. Teare's everyman protagonist is plucked out of his mundane existence and shown first hand how bizarre and deep this world can be if you're willing to peer beneath the surface. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Cult Classic
Review: This is probably the best graphic novel I've ever read. Don't read Cypher if you're shopping for the same tiresome drivel you read in mainstream graphic novels. Teare is both a creative writer as well as a phenomenal illustrator. I remember seeing his work in the New York Times a few years back and his work has only improved.