Grandville: Mon Amour/Bryan Talbot

Grandville: Mon Amour by Bryan Talbot (Grandville, book 2); graphic novel, steampunk; 108 pages

This follow-up to last year's Grandville is every bit as action-packed as its predecessor. Detective Inspector Le Brock once again returns to Paris (aka Grandville), this time on the trail of an escaped serial killer whose killings may not be as random as they seem. At the same time, he must come to terms with the death of his beloved Sarah, and his responsibility for her departure.

I was only too eager to return to Talbot's world. The black and white art (with occasional splashes of red) is fantastic, and the feel of this world is surreal and familiar, all at the same time. The characters are almost exclusively anthropomorphized animals, but don't let that fool you into thinking this is a children's book: Le Brock uses as much force as necessary to apprehend his quarry, and defend his allies. In short, this is a great book in what is shaping up to be a fine series. I can't wait for the next one!