I recently purchased some random independent comics hoping to stumble across something I really enjoyed. In this case I not only enjoyed, but was thrilled with the title Schism by Paul Lindsley and published by Summertime Books and Comics.
Joshua is having dreams; nightmares really. In his dreams he sees demons; feels the evil within them. He watches as a demon attacks and possesses a man filled with light who serves the people. He senses a need to stop this event, but, in his dream-like state, is only able to watch. Joshua doesn't know that he was sent to this world to confront the demons and stop them from attacking an ancient tribe of elders. He is unable to remember who he is or what he was sent to do. Meanwhile elders are being killed and another one must sacrifice his life to help Joshua cross over into the spirit world and fulfill his calling.
This first issue reads very much like a dream in surreal tones and meanderings. Lindsley aptly conveys the confusion and complexity of what Joshua is experiencing while still giving enough information to let the reader know what is happening. Still, he doesn't give too much. In fact, after the first issue I find that I have more questions than answers. I don't really even know the world in which it will take place. This approach really intrigued me and is part of why I enjoyed the book so much. Probably the largest reason I enjoyed the book was the amazing art. I'm not talking about some nice comic drawings, but true art. The kind of stuff that you'd hang on your wall (if you were into dark imagery of demons and tortured souls that is). Each page was really a treat to look at.
Below are two of the inside pages. Go the the Schism page to see them at a larger size, to see additional pages from inside the book, and to see a gallery of Paul Lindsley's work. If you haven't read this book, I recommend purchasing a copy while you are at the Summertime Books site. Rating: 9/10
| December 17, 2003 03:10am | 
art
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because there’s nothing that amuses me more than hearing your pathetic opinion
creepy...
Valette | December 17, 2003 8:08AM
THis is some of the better and more thought out of comics or graphic novels that I have seen. This man's artistic skills are refined to an excellent quality, and as the article says, it is truly as much of a witness to "true art" as one can get in a graphic novel experience. Paul's work is prfound even beyond the purely visual end, and his stories show as much thought and care as do any one of his drawn or painted pieces. If one enjoys his still art, one will most definitely enjoy his animated films (Bully Boys and another which I can't recall at the moment), for which I was an enthusiastic witness to this past week. Definitely, someone out there needs to finance this next Renaissance man. And if not, then millions of individuals need to buy his work. Support this genius, ladies and gentlemen.
Khylov | April 24, 2004 7:49AM
Khylov, I totally agree. Thanks for the comment.
nomad | April 25, 2004 7:14PM