November vol. 1: Then It’s the End of the World

An unusual almost arthouse cinema-quality book, November is a book that demands full attention. This is largely due to a twisting story that leaves you constantly and consistently guessing where the next panel will lead. Matt Fraction’s ability to weave four seemingly disparate stories into one overarching, mysterious tale is incredible, as usual, and definitely leaves readers curious for future volumes.

The art is intriguing, giving way to body types generally not seen in comics–a refreshing change of pace. The color work is spectacular, dominated by unnatural hues that lend an eerie, otherworldly feeling to a book grounded in a strange version of reality. The colors in particular give a pulpy quality to the book, but in the most complimentary way possible. My only major complaint is about Ankeny’s letters. As an illustrator he has a very artistic quality to his lettering, which–while beautiful–is difficult to read in certain places. With handwriting that changes every chapter dependent upon the character of focus, the eyes of the reader can grow tired. 

The storyline is divided into four contingent parts, each following a different person on what is likely one of the worst nights of their lives. As the story continues we begin to see how these tales converge, but we are still left wondering how this will play out. Given the sense of urgency and drama propelled forth by Fraction in this book, it will undoubtedly either explode magnificently in future volumes or weave with subtlety. While this book is a departure from expectations for the seeming genre, it is fascinating in its efforts.

November is most certainly worth picking up for an intriguing, genre-bending book that leaves you with more questions than answers. Hopefully and most likely future issues will leave us stunned yet satisfied with how the storyline concludes.