November Volume I

by Matt Fraction

[Quirky Cat]

November Vol. 1 is a new series from Image Comics, with Matt Fraction, Elsa Charretier, Matt Hollingsworth, and Kurt Ankeny all working together to bring the story of three women to life.

Three women, three completely different lives. The only thing that all three have in common? The violence that has found root within their homes, cities, and lives. All of which might just be the cause of one strange man.

First, there's Dee, an addict approached to do something...questionable. She knows the job is too easy, which means there's something dark going on. She takes the job anyway. Next is the good Samaritan. She found something that didn't belong on the streets, and tried to do the right thing. Finally, there's Kowalski, a 911 dispatcher who has seen it all, and it wears on her.

November Vol. 1 is almost a tale that defies explanation and summation. The story that unfolds within these pages is unique and enthralling, and no mere description could ever truly hold a chance of capturing it's essence.

One of the best features about November is that it is a tale full of noir themes, one that feels very classical in a sense. The story carries that sense of intrigue right from the start, doing it's best to answer some questions, while leaving twice as many hanging in the air.

It's more than that though, the slow building story is being told in three parts – thanks to these three women. It's clear that they're all connected, but not as clear as to the how and why. Naturally, things feel more than a little bit dark at times, and will likely get darker before the tale is done.

Despite all of that, I can't seem to bring myself to look away. There's something so compelling in the way the story is written, in the way it is illustrated. It keeps pulling me back for more.

The artwork in November Vol. 1Is bold and different. It's a cross between a more comic book style (with noir elements) and a watercolor palette. Frankly put, it's divine. I love how different it is, and it easily stands out in my memory. Not to mention, it is an excellent support structure for the story itself. The end result is something that feels retro, and while not being spot on for noir, it does work well here.

I'll confess that I've already gone ahead and read all of November Vol. 2 – something I don't regret in the least. I'll leave my commentary on that one for a different review, but I will say that the series is worth continuing.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks