0
Writer/Artist: Diaz Canales, Juanjo Guardino
Publisher: Dark Horse, $29.99
I'm beyond happy that Dark Horse brought Blacksad back into print because more people in the states need to experience it. And I say experience because once you finish reading it you should come to one realization: this is how good comics are done. Scratch that. This is how beautifully awesome comics are done and this should be considered a zenith in comic book production.
Written by Juan Diaz Canales with beautiful art by Juanjo Guardino, Blacksad is a series of crime noir stories starring anthropomorphic animals. In general I'm not drawn into a series just because it utilizes anthropomorphic animals as a stylistic choice. I know many people actually are and this may enchance your desire to read it, and it may also turn you off from it. The thing about Blacksad is that it truly is a unique approach that enchances the story. Gardino's ability to bring out a character's true personality using a specific species and then beautifully emoting them is nothing short of fantastic.
If you like crime noir stories, this is for you. As far as modern crime noir comics go, you can't really find many people doing it on this level besides Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips. If you like humour and great characterization, this is for you. If you like beautifully painted artwork, you need to own this. I can read this book and then just look at it again and again to just take in the art. Very cinematic, very detailed, and very thoughtful. There are very few other artists in the industry that can truly captivate me with their facial expressions and Guardino is right at the top of the list along with the likes of Carla Speed McNeil, Steve Dillon, and a few others. 
There had been some English translations a few years back that are not only tricky to find but horrible expensive ($100 for the first volume the last time I checked ebay and Amazon). The third volume in this new hardcover has never actually been translated either, so you get a real treat with this package. Considering all that, the $29.99 pricetag is a super deal. I'm half expecting this volume to go out of print soon simply because of the support and word of mouth it's going to pick up soon. The likes of Will Esiner and Steranko praised the hell out of this book, and I've been wanting to recommend it to all my customers for the past five or so years. I would recommend picking it up while you can.Grade: A+++
If you like this then try: Grandville, Criminal
Printer-friendly version