Hankiewicz, John – Bald Knob

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Bald Knob

OK, generally speaking I try to review things that most people at least have a chance to get themselves, because otherwise there’s not much of a point, but I noticed after reading this that there were only 68 copies made. Maybe it’s only a first printing, maybe this will be included as part of some future graphic novel, or maybe this review is only for myself and 67 other people. Still, even if that’s the case, it’s as good a chance as any to get John’s name up at the top of the main page again. This is a mini, which is rare enough for John these days (and boy am I looking forward to getting to John’s massive Asthma when I get the chance), and he’s more than good enough to be able to make one think whichever format he’s using. This is the story of a young man reminiscing about his father while the images are densely inked pages of a couple of young men searching through a desolate rural landscape. That’s one thing you can always count on with John: even if the nuance of the plot loses you for a minute, you know damned well that he takes “meticulous” to a whole new level when it comes to his art. The story has a poignant moment or two, with more than a few silent, thoughtful images thrown in, then it’s over, as this is a shorty. It’s worth a look, as is everything this guy has done, although you may want to dig into something meatier and then work your way backwards. No price, but there’s a nice color cover, so… $5?