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Glogowski, Philippe Ypres Memories TJ Editions, 2014, pp48, £14.99 978 293074 303 5
This evocative, powerful, poignant and dramatic graphic novel coinciding with the centenary of WW1 grips the reader from the start. Produced by TJ Editions, a European publishing house specialising in historic graphic novels, its eye catching cover demands immediate attention. The gas masked and bayonetted soldier's pointing and beckoning finger on the front reflects 'your country needs you' symbolism urging you to read this book and understand the reality of war. On venturing inside one is met with an alarming frontispiece. Belgian artist Philippe Glogowski, a hand lettering expert, has punctured the title font with bullet holes and added black lines dropping off the bottom of the letters to create the effect of dripping blood.
The artist contrasts this first shock with a peaceful opening set in 1986 in the highlands of Scotland using a soft colour palette of blues, greens and pastels to portray rolling hills. We are introduced to Gordon, a War veteran being taken on a special visit by his family for his 90th...