GRAPHIC NOVEL

Glacial Period

Glacial Period is a graphic novel published jointly by ComicsLit and the Louvre. Apparantly it is the first time this company has published in the U.S. The Louvre is involved in a series of four graphic novels, all by different authors, dealing with the classic artwork of the Louvre.

While DeCrecy’s artwork is very good, especially his interpretations of the museum classics, the story is abstract, hard to follow and dry. The cover flaps of the book are very deceiving in regards to the story, calling DeCrecy a “mad genius,” which is a bit of an overstatement. Definitely intended for a teen + audience. It could be useful for an introduction to the Louvre museum and its masterpieces. DeCrecy was also nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Painter in 2007 for his work in Glacial Period.

The graphic novel category is sort of new to me. I used to read Batman comics as a kid. He's the only superhero I really like. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can really get into this genre again. In this graphic novel, the words were sparse, and flipping through the pictures wasn't all the interesting.

I did enjoy the concept of Louvre of the future and looking at famous artwork from another perspective.

Some books I'd try based on those themes:

Nike: a romance
A first novel by Nicholal Flokos - this story features the return of the statue Nike of Samothrace which was taken to the Louvre in the 19th century. Sounds quirky and original.


Something out of Nothing: Marie Curie and Radium -Carla Killough McClafferty

This is a biography featuring Maria Curie and her work as groundbreaking scientist. She was the first woman to win a Novel Prize. A very readable account of her life and times.