More Than Words: Graphic Novels in Kentucky's Libraries

Graphic Novel Review: Further Grickle

Further Grickle is an encore presentation of Grickle, which was nominated in 2002 for the YALSA Best Graphic Novel for Young Adults and the Harvey Awards. On his second outing with Grickle, Graham Annable gives readers something to think about with his clever collection of ten short pieces exploring the foibles of relationships, both human and animal.

Written and drawn by Annable, both art and text are presented in a sparse style that manages to speak volumes. Somehow, the stories told here are able to be funny and profound, with just a touch of melancholy, all at the same time. (Story continues below...)

“Living for the Moment” takes a look at using time travel to improve witty comebacks during an ill-fated dinner conversation, while everyone can empathize with the predicament of “Wotta Mess Pete.” Anyone who knows cats will find themselves smiling at the three vignettes entitled, “peeks” featuring a self-absorbed feline focused on food.

Cats aren’t the only creatures susceptible to a manic ego, as evidenced in “Dead Weight.” But this time, it’s an incredibly selfish party-goer who can’t seem to comprehend the concept of appreciation for others that’s under some serious cartoon scrutiny.

Annable doesn’t keep things serious for long, especially in “A Saturday Afternoon,” where a particularly flatulent uncle explains to his nephews about the origin of the “children of the gasses.” A completely different mood is expressed in “Round Trip” as the main character waffles between his desire to leave familiar surroundings and wishing to return home. An unorthodox medical treatment has its pros and cons in, “Walk In,” and the last story, “By Necessity,” is a lovely, yet bittersweet exploration of consequences to personal actions.

Although appropriate for either teens or adults, the stories shared in this collection will probably be appreciated more by adults. However, it is one of those works that can be enjoyed at different levels, so it should appeal to a broad range of library patrons.

Edited by Susan Dunman, Public Library Development Office/Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Assisted by Nancy Houseal, State Library Services Marketing.
Web markup and graphic design by Gabrielle Gayheart, Commissioner's Office, KDLA.

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives is an agency of the Education, Arts and Humanities Cabinet, located at 300 Coffee Tree Rd, Frankfort, Ky. 40601. This publication was created with federal funds and is available in alternative formats upon request.