Black Hole (Pantheon Graphic Library)

I read Black Hole for my graphic novel class. I had never heard of, and had no idea what to expect. Although it doesn't have page numbers, Goodreads says it is 352 pages long. It felt a lot shorter than that, as it moved extremely quickly. I finished it in two sittings. However, the content makes it seem longer -- this was a strange book. Black Hole I honestly got confused with this plot, which isn't something I can say about a lot of novels. This may have been, in part, because of the fact that two male characters (and even the main female character) all looked alike -- they all had black shoulder length hair with short bangs. I plan to go back through, and reread the novel again knowing that the two guys, Keith and Rob, are not the same person. Now this may have been a hard mistake to make for some, but it made things a little confusing at first for me. I believe the basic plot takes place in the 70s and is structured around Rob and Chris, who have a rocky start to a relationship, and their various friends. The other possible main character is Keith, who I figured out was a separate person from Rob about halfway in... All these people are somehow dealing with a type of 'bug' or disease that is being spread through sexual contact/saliva that physically disfigures people in strange ways (facial restructuring, growing new body parts -- Rob's second mouth, for example). This was really odd, and not well explained, but interesting all the same. This disease is incurable, and makes people social outcasts. Many who have it resort to living in the woods, stealing food to get by, and avoiding normal society. One thing that really struck me about this book was, unsurprisingly, the artwork. Partially because the characters do drugs quite a bit, and also partially due to the weirdness of their world, the artwork was beautiful and mind-opening, and just absolutely wonderful in every way. I know it sounds like I'm fawning over the art -- probably because I am. One character does artwork throughout the book, and you get to see some of it, and even that is wonderful in a weird, disturbing way. I spent much longer taking in the details of the strange layout (when Rob is tripping on LSD) than looking at the words that just described what he was seeing. The panels start to get wavy, start to weave into one another, and start to change shape when things get trippy -- I feel this was a fantastic way to help the reader know what the characters were experiencing. If you don't have an open mind about drugs, sex, and horrible teenage actions, I would warn you away from this book. However, if you are open to that sort of thing, I would highly recommend it. Even the 'sexual' drawings, shoot, even the art from the pornographic magazines, didn't feel out of place or negative. It all fit in so well with the content of the story, that I think it really worked. The only downside (if I can even call it that) is the confusing plot. I think on a second read, everything will clear up a bit. Though I know some of it won't -- that's part of the mystery of the book; the full spreads of black pages with a few white, spiraling objects makes you question the story, the characters, and their motives. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely plan to reread it soon.

*Warning – This GN includes heavy elements of sex, violence and drug use. Where do I start with this whirlwind of a read that left me with an unexpected and odd sort of satisfaction? I admit that I jumped into Black Hole almost fully blind. I had to make myself slow down and read through the synopsis. As someone who is developing a rapidly insatiable appetite for graphic novels, the deal was solidified when I noted the literary awards attached to the work and its author. Black Hole is set within the high school scene of the 70’s in Seattle. Needless to say there are drugs, alcohol and sex involved. We are thrown right into the lives of several teenagers who are not only tasked with the challenges of becoming young adults and self-discovery but doing so in the midst of a plague. A plague that happens to be transmitted through sexual contact. Yes, I think you can see where this is headed.. The sexually transmitted disease is spreading rapidly and causes mutations that range from minor to extreme abnormalities. During the course of the story, there is no cure. Students who acquire the disease become outcasts that are quickly ostracized by their peers upon discovery. Some have chosen to hide their subtle afflictions, while others have moved to isolated areas in attempt to achieve a safe and “peaceful” life. What ensues is a graphic tale of love, hate, sacrifice and violence. I want to address the artwork of Black Hole first because it was a huge success with me. Depicted solely in black and white, the illustrations still manage to provide a surprisingly rich and somewhat noir experience. No amount of detail has been sacrificed with lack of color and each scene transitions beautifully. I found this to be a strangely, aesthetically pleasing journey that set the appropriate atmosphere. The plot falls together quite well and manages to accomplish something remarkable in the end. If you are going to choose to write a graphic tale centered around an STD, I can think of no better setting that high school during the 70s (perhaps aside from during the 60s). The concept brilliantly increases in effect as you dive further into the story, connecting with the main characters and grasping the reality of just how catastrophic such an event would truly be while placing a new spin on the real alienation and self-consciousness that is being a teenager. “I felt like I was looking into the future… and the future looked really messed up.” Dripping with teenage angst, rebellion and exploration that is on a one-way collision course with a total nightmare, Black Hole delivers a welcomed experienced that infected me the very moment I picked it up. Solid dialog, atmospheric art and smoothly transitioning narration bring to life a surrealistic combination of youth in the throes of a terrifying plague that has quickly climbed the ranks to one of my top graphic novel experiences to date. Yet, I am not recommending this to all. Why? Simply and only because of the nature of the content.

Outstanding! Absolutely the best graphic horror novel ever written, and brought together in one book that I literally finished in only a few hours. Then I had to go back, and peer once again at the wonderfully twisted graphic cells. Forget herpes and AIDS, this story is about a $exually transmitted disease that is sweeping through the teen population in Seattle WA during the 70's. Sure, it may be fatal, but when teenagers are so concerned about looks and cliques and fitting in, this little bug reaches into the core of their self esteem and strips it by making them become...freaks. Every reaction is different, from second mouths to boils to skin peels to total disfigurement. In an era of heavy greenery-smoking, a group of friends, including Keith Pearson, like to make their way to a private spot in the woods to get high. They find strange items, like a campsite of sorts. Keith is enamored by a girl in his biology class, Chris. But Chris has a crush on Rob Facincanni. At a party, Rob protests but Chris seduces him, only afterward discovering why he protested. Rob is one of "them", the 'diseased'. While Rob and Chris come to an understanding, Keith meets an affected girl names Eliza. Rob helps Christ to escape to the `encampment', a place where the 'diseased' live in peace, in their makeshift camps. Keith tries to save Chris from the camps, but still feels Eliza pulling him to her. But really, can anyone be saved from this monstrous evil? Is hiding the best way, or would running away be better? How many of the diseased within the camp are also diseased in the mind? What will happen to Keith, Chris, Rob, and Eliza? Certainly, you will find it to be more than your average teen must deal with. 'Black Hole' is heavy gauge graphic-novel-horror at the best its ever going to get. Subtle in places, horrific in others. The setting of the 70's really touched me also, concert tickets to Emerson, Lake & Palmer, David Bowie's "new" album 'Diamond Dogs', the parties, the smoking, the haircuts. Its all realistic and stupendously great. 'Black Hole' makes my teen years in the Seattle area not look so bad after all. The only thing I could find wrong with 'Black Hole' is that there wasn't enough of it. I want more. More disfigurement, more violence, more squinginess. If you read only one book in 2006, make sure it's 'Black Hole'. A MUST for any aficionado of the horror genre, and the graphic novel nuts. Definitely worth the price. Enjoy!

The artwork of the graphic novel is impeccable as is its presentation. The drawings within are remarkably perfect and for once, you have no trouble differentiating between characters, environments and interpreting the images. The book is a solid (like a big textbook) hardback decorated with more of Mr. Burns remarkable art. The story is not as straight forward as might seem apparent. The artist/author has crafted a tale of a sexually transmitted disease that, on its surface, appears horrific (varied external mutations) and ostracizing. But the deeper story is a dystopic one of the alienation of youth. The period of the story, the 1970s is a perfect one. That was the decade I grew up and much of what takes place aligns very well with my memories. Everything from songs, to images to little touches that the artist supplies. I won't pretend that there aren't repellent images and thoughts within. The artist does not stay away from portraying nudity and sex with his characters. Instead, he tries to use these images to show vulnerability and the same kind of confused inner life that we experienced and survived back when we were teenagers. In my humble opinion, I believe Black Hole is a remarkable story, one that they are already talking about making into a film (which part is John Cusack talking about playing??) that I plan to revisit. The only negative to this review is that the story can be confusing at times. It is not entirely linear and it is unclear what is real or delusion within the mythology of the story. But let's face it, if it was completely clear and straight forward, it would have been boring. Half the fun is decoding Mr. Burns' tale.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is into graphic novels. The artwork is phenomenal as well as the storyline.🖤

I suppose I'm grateful to have stumbled upon this book now, as it's available all in one piece, as opposed to as the serials which were released over a 10-year time period. It would've been hard to wait that long to read more! This book was recommended to me by a community interested in "disturbing books." How right they were, but in the best possible way. I've scarcely read anything that was so surreal, and yet still seemed so in touch and to perfectly describe the unbearable awkwardness and insecurity of being a teenager, with your hormones developing faster than your brain could keep up. Everything in this book feels disturbingly familiar, and yet surprisingly alien, all at once, which is part of it's genius. While you feel so in touch with the characters, having experienced that awkwardness, that young love, and that desperate longing for sex, coupled with the intense fear of the consequences, everything seems just a tiny bit...off. Just far enough from reality, just surreal enough to keep you on your toes. I would highly recommend this book, and am already trying to pass it on to friends to share the read. The book is overall very strong, and I did not find it predictable, pandering or even boring at any point, which is saying a lot. I will agree with some of the other reviews - the two biggest complaints would be that I absolutely wanted more, more of everything, and the fact that one storyline ends...in a way that feels mildly like trying too hard for a happy ending for someone, when you might not believe it could be. Again, overall...I really recommend this book. If you're into graphic novels, if you liked Ghost World, or if you're just looking for something a bit disturbing, make the time to read it. You won't be sorry.

Black Hole is a dark, disturbing graphic novel in all the right ways. It presents such an interesting concept and the story line was heart wrenching as well. The drawings themselves amplified the atmosphere the author was looking to create—heavy black ink with white highlights, and eerily disturbing graphics that make it hard to look away. Definitely an 18+ book in my opinion due to themes, but an excellent story.

pretty good read, i finished it in under 2 days between work/sleep.

Great graphic novel, a must read

eine geschichte um teenager, die ihre sexualität entdecken. in szene gesetzt in der amerikanischen provinz. drogenkonsum, langeweile und existenzangst, garniert mit bodyhorror und einer mysterythrillerstimmung. die deprimierende athmosphäre ist greifbar. die durch die aidsepidemie geprägte zeit lugt um die ecke. eine grosse erzählung, in schwarz weissen bildern umgesetzt, die aus der tradition von maserel und der frühen deutschen expressionistischen druckgrafik kommen und doch ganz eigen sind. gehört in den kanon der grossen bilderzählungen.

Esse livro é do começo ao fim sobre sexo. Permeia outros tópicos, claro, especialmente os mais pertinentes à adolescência...na verdade, deixa eu reformular. Esse livro é do começo ao fim sobre sexo entre adolescentes. Se essa ideia te incomoda, não recomendo a leitura, mas se você busca um quadrinho honesto e estranho, essa é uma pedida fenomenal. É dificil falar sem dar spoilers ou arruinar a experiência - uma leitura mais cega acho que é a melhor opção -, mas o melhor pitch para o quadrinho é que existe um vírus sexualmente transmissível que causa mutações nos contaminados. A história segue essencialmente um garoto e uma garota e seu circulo de amizades lidando, não só com seus desejos e frustrações, como com a realidade do vírus e as deformações por ele causadas. A arte é esquisita, densa e pesada; combina com a narrativa, mas torna por vezes bem difícil distinguir os personagens uns dos outros. Acredito que tenha sido intencional, porque a personalidade e voz dos personagens é muito clara e distinta. Eles compensam o departamento visual com carisma, sem sombra de dúvida. Não citei e acho importante comentar: o livro também apresenta uso de drogas, violência, morte, nudez gráfica e exploração de temas sexuais. Não é das leituras mais tranquilas, como "Pílulas Azuis". Na verdade, é quase o oposto completo. Enquanto a obra de Frederik Peeters trata do amor e superação de adversidades, o trabalho de Charles Burns evidencia o lado mais grotesco e pessimista de nossas relações. As atitudes inconsequentes adolescentes tem os resultados esperados, e o final é longe de otimista. Black Hole é uma daquelas famosas graphic novels essenciais, e pode sentar confortavelmente ao lado de "O Escultor", "Retalhos" e "Maus" em sua prateleira. Se estes outros são experimentos em como quadrinhos podem evocar sentimentos cândidos ou tristeza, Black Hole foi feita para evocar o questionamento e a intriga. É esquisito, sim, mas brutalmente cativante.

Plongez dans le trou noir, on en revient pas indemne et ce pour notre plus grand déplaisir.

I purchased this after reading my positive reviews and as I first started through it, I didn't quite understand all of the hype. Sure, it interesting and it was quirky and weird but I thought that was it. Rest assured, by the time I was finished the book, the only words I could say we're "wow!". The way the story wraps up is so incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of comic books and a fan of dark, black humor.