Cerebus

1 Cerebus (1-25; w & a Dave Sim). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: Welcome to Estarcion, the wildly absurd and funny world of Cerebus the Aardvark. This initial volume collects the first two years of stories from Dave Sim's 300-issue magnum opus (still in progress after 20 years). Don't be discouraged by the initially crude artwork or the silliness of the stories. It gets better--even noticeably within this volume. This first installment is the most valuable in preparing for the larger stories ahead. When we first meet Cerebus--a small, gray, and chronically ill-tempered aardvark--he is making his living as a barbarian. In 1977, when the CEREBUS comic book series began, Sim initially conceived of it as a parody of such popular series as CONAN, RED SONJA, and ELRIC but quickly mined that material and transformed the scope of the series into much more. Even by the end of this volume, the Cerebus story begins to transform beyond "funny animal" humor into something much more complex and interesting. High points in CEREBUS include the introduction of Lord Julius, the dictator of Palnu, who looks, acts, and talks just like a certain cigar-smoking, mustachioed comedian; Jaka, Cerebus's one true love; Elrod the Albino, an innept swordsman; and the Cockroach, the-mother-of-all-superhero-parodies and "inspiration" for the much-later TV and comic character--the Tick. All of these characters appear later on in the series as part of a constantly present ensemble of supporting figures. Even if Cerebus doesn't knock your socks off, give its successor, HIGH SOCIETY a try, as this is where the plot really gets going.]

2 High Society (26-50; w & a Dave Sim). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: Volume Two of the CEREBUS THE AARDVARK series, HIGH SOCIETY is the beginning of the main Cerebus story line and one of the finest graphic novels ever published. If you have to start from the very beginning, you'll need the first volume, CEREBUS, but if you don't mind a modicum of confusion, this is a much more satisfying place to begin. The artwork is much improved and the level of humor reaches its high point in the series to date. (Unkind critics point to HIGH SOCIETY as the older, funnier book of the CEREBUS series.) Parliamentary politics were never so much fun as they are in the Prime Minister election of 1414. Lord Julius and the mysterious Astoria battle for control of the city-state Iest with Cerebus as their unwitting pawn. Goats, bunny sketches, the Regency Elf, and Moon Roach join the pandemonium, helping to set the stage for things to come. HIGH SOCIETY is a home run; an instant classic both as a stand-alone volume and in the context of the rest of the series. Beware though, the ending dovetails directly into CHURCH AND STATE; You may want to grab that volume as well, because once you start the series, the story of Cerebus gets increasingly harder to put down.] Old Book of the Week 7/8/04

0 Cerebus Number Zero (51, 112/113, 137-138). [From Aardvark-Vanaheim: Reprinting the "in-between" issues: issue #51 which falls between High Society and Church and State I, issue #112/113 which is an epilogue to the whole Church and State storyline and is immediately before the start of Jaka's Story, and issues #137 and #138 which go between Jaka's Story and Melmoth.]

3 Church & State I (52-80). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: CHURCH AND STATE is volume three of the CEREBUS THE AARDVARK series and picks up right where High Society leaves off. To compound matters further, this reprint volume is part one of a two-part story that is self-contained within the larger framework. A face from Cerebus's past returns with an offer he can't refuse. But the gray one has learned a few lessons from the powers that be and turns the tables on the would-be puppet masters. This volume also marks the addition of Gerhard as a background artist, and the artwork begins to create a visual impact equal to the creative impact of the comic book's ideas and stories. The storytelling also becomes subtler, the beginning of a stylistic trademark in CEREBUS that leads the reader to believe more action is taking place peripherally than in the actual pages. High points include a two-part dream sequence, which is visually unparalleled in the history of comic art; a pee-break which is unrivaled in length in the history of comic art; the return of Jaka; and "the baby incident." Don't forget to pick up CHURCH AND STATE, Volume Two, as volume one ends with the cruelest of cliffhangers. This is the IVAN THE TERRIBLE of graphic novels, both in terms of its subject matter and the creative peak it represents for the author.]

4 Church & State II (81-111). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: CHURCH AND STATE, Volume Two, is the second part of a story that exists as a whole and as part three of the CEREBUS THE AARDVARK series. Many consider this volume to be Dave Sim and background artist Gerhard's best visual work to date. The action picks up right after the cliffhanger at the end of part one of CHURCH AND STATE. Cerebus attempts to regain his lost throne amidst warnings of a larger crisis. Mountain climbing, the introductions of Prince Mick and Prince Keef (exactly who you might think they are), the Super Secret Sacred Wars, and an Ascension to Vanaheim mark this second half of the Church and State opus. The major plot lines, which started 10 years earlier in CEREBUS and HIGH SOCIETY, are resolved (to some degree). The ending sets the stage for the more restful and introspective volumes--JAKA'S STORY and MELMOTH--that follow.]

5 Jaka's Story (114-136). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: JAKA'S STORY is the fifth volume in the CEREBUS THE AARDVARK series and perhaps the most personal chapter. Initially notable for the absence of the main character in the first half of the story, this volume also represents a major departure in pace and storytelling from the rest of the series and the beginning of a "quiet period" that persists into the next volume, MELMOTH. The artwork is breathtaking, a continuation of the visual peak Sim achieved in the second volume of CHURCH AND STATE. The story picks up directly after the events of CHURCH AND STATE, so if you haven't read the preceding volumes, it is recommended that you do so. JAKA'S STORY does work quite well as a standalone volume as it includes only minor references to preceding events, but it is even more enjoyable in context. Secluded from the social and political realities that surround them, Jaka and her new husband Rick live in a small villa with a grocer, Withers, and an eccentric poet, Oscar (another one of Sim's wonderfully familiar characters). The story focuses on the couple's personal relationship and daily activities and is interspersed with memories of Jaka's childhood in Palnu. These scenes are so beautifully illustrated that you may find yourself flipping through the pages to look at them and going back to read the accompanying text later. This particular portion of text may seem a little flowery at first, but once you get a little farther into the story, the reason for this tone becomes abundantly clear. Cerebus shows up rather accidentally, becoming--for this volume at least--one of the peripheral characters, while Jaka is in the spotlight. This volume contains plenty of humor, but like Cerebus, the humor is more sparse in this story, giving way to deeper examinations. Jaka of JAKA'S STORY is an artist, an aristocrat, the wife of her slacker husband, friend of the creature Cerebus and Oscar Wilde, the object of many characters' desire, and a scoff-law, but that's all on the surface. Inside her lives the Dancer, her perfected alter-ego. Dave Sim--comic artist, writer, publisher, and philosopher--and co-author Gerhard are adept at portraying the "roller-coaster madness of small deceptions, petty conceits and mutual mythologizing which are married life." Throughout, Oscar Wilde makes his appearance in full evening dress to field questions posed by his entourage. Anyone who's been in a relationship can enjoy the dark humor of JAKA'S STORY. CEREBUS THE AARDVARK is a 6,000 page comics novel about the life and death of a warrior aardvark. But what started as a CONAN THE BARBARIAN parody has evolved into a brilliant commentary on politics, gender roles and the creative urge. JAKA'S STORY is the fifth book in the series, and it tells the story of a dancer (Jaka) stranded in a deserted town surrounded by her carefree husband, a lecherous bartender and Oscar Wilde. Rich and satisfyingly complex, this is well worth your time.]

6 Melmoth (139-150). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: More than 11 years into a 25-year project of chronicling the life of a single main character, Dave Sim took a small detour (of sorts), put his main character Cerebus on the sidelines, and told this story of the last days of Oscar Wilde. Some CEREBUS readers think this book is a needless distraction from Sim's master epic; others think this is one of Sim's finest achievements, and that by combining and slightly altering the very real letters of Robert Ross to More Adey (originally printed in the COLLECTED LETTERS OF OSCAR WILDE), Sim was able to add a depth and breadth to his fiction never before possible. Either way, Sim and exquisite background artist Gerhard are in fine form as they weave this tale of Wilde into their fictional landscape of a new matriarchal establishment.]

7 Mothers & Daughters 1: Flight (151-162). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: For readers of the monthly CEREBUS THE AARDVARK comic book, there are five years between the end of CHURCH AND STATE and the beginning of FLIGHT, the first volume of the long-awaited MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. In a single sword stroke, the story returns to the world of politics, religion, magic, and weirdness that is the essence of CEREBUS to so many of the comic book series' fans. This volume is packed with the intrigue, mysteries, revelations, dream sequences, and raunchy humor that are Cerebus trademarks but that basically disappeared in the two preceding volumes. This is not a complaint, however, as the impact of these elements in Flight are only heightened by their previous absence. From the first page of FLIGHT, it becomes abundantly clear that MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS is from the old-school CEREBUS and Dave Sim is at his best. The story jumps off (literally) from the final pages of the MELMOTH epilogue. Under the backdrop of the Cirinist government's matriarchal occupation of Iest, a bevy of strange mystical things are happening. Many of these events--along with some of the artistic stylings--are a direct throwback to the very first issue of the comic book. The best of the supporting cast--Lord Julius, Astoria, Elrod, and the reactionary, woman-hating Punisherroach (the perfect foil to the reactionary man-hating Cirin)--returns, as well as a few surprises from the past. Because of the heightened pace of the storytelling, there are numerous highlights, which include the joy of flying, the unmasking of Death, and chess with Suentuous Po. The counterpoint to the impressive foundation of the two-volume, 1,200-page CHURCH AND STATE is the equally impressive, equally complex MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS, the first volume of which is FLIGHT. This graphic novel concerns the fight between the newly established matriarchy and the opposing "daughterarchy." Cerebus, trying to regain the power he lost when the matriarchal Cirinists took over, heads down a fateful, blood-soaked path. Dave Sim is often reviled as a misogynist because of the radical politics and philosophy laid down in his books, the groundwork of which begins here and builds toward the climax of MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS, which was so explosive that when it was initially released it cost Sim several close friends.]

8 Mothers & Daughters 2: Women (163-174). [These issues feature the first appearances of Swoon and Snuff, the Cerebus Sandman parody, Cirin, Astoria, and Cerebus, as well as many revelations about the nature of the nature of Cirinism and Kevillism. This volume is paced faster than last year's 'Flight.']

9 Mothers & Daughters 3: Reads (175-186). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: The ninth volume of the CEREBUS THE AARDVARK series, READS, is the penultimate chapter of the larger MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS story. This is one of the most powerful editions in the series and one of the most ambitious narratives that Dave Sim has ever attempted. In addition, READS is the most controversial volume of the CEREBUS series to date because of a parallel narrative involving two characters--Viktor Reid and Viktor Davis--who are both alter egos for Dave Sim. This controversy is a shame because the offensive section in READS--which explores the relationship between men and women--represents only one possible view of this subject. When read as part of the whole series, the passages that may have seemed shocking to some, appear (like all points of this narrative) to question and provoke rather than offend. Viktor Davis is far from a reliable narrator, an idea that is reinforced by the final paragraphs of his narrative and demonstrated by the scariest of all CEREBUS practical jokes. Are Viktor Davis or Viktor Reid representative of Dave Sim or simply aspects of his persona? The ending suggests the answer. Meanwhile, Cerebus, Po, Cirin, and Astoria debate the important stuff, including our aardvark friend's genitalia, the history of Illusionism, the nature of power, and the fate of Astoria's child. Despite the bad rap, READS is CEREBUS at its finest. Like the best of art, Reads has the power to shock, surprise, amuse, and offend--and it even has a whiz-bang fight scene. What more could you want?]

10 Mothers & Daughters 4: Minds (187-200). [From The Comic-Book Superstore: Sim's previous volume of CEREBUS, READS, and the final volume of his MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS--or, "the other big book" of the CEREBUS storyline--is one of the most controvertial in the history of comics to date. It has shaken up a number of people. Some it has offended. Some it has made think. All... (pregnant pause)... it has affected. MINDS is not READS. Let's get that point across straight from the start. MINDS is not about you, the reader. The story arc MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS ended with the afore-mentioned final volume of which it was composed. Yes, Cirin is still there, for awhile anyway. The first approximately 60 pages, she and Cerebus have what is essentially a repetition of the screaming match between him and Astoria in issue #105, only instead of in the dungeons of a small Tarimite church, this one takes place on a large chunk of rock shooting through space. But, even though we will get to hear some talk about her behind her back, MINDS is not about Cirin. So, accordingly, Sim gets rid of her. No, no, don't be upset-slash-throw a party (whichever you prefer). He simply sends her to Saturn for a while. So Cerebus is left all alone on his large chunk of rock. Now the fun begins. Did I mention MINDS is not about Cirin, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS, or you? It concerns, in fact, a certain puzzling grey-furred personality whom we have all come to know and love/hate. And his Creator. As you know, Sim has spent something like 20 years on his title character, Cerebus. He has been "Prime Minister, then he was a houseguest, than he was Prime Minister, then the Pope, and then a house guest again." Don't forget mercenary, Kitchen Staff Supervisor, and... aww, skip it. He has been offensive, cruel, cunning, barbaric, sophisticated, loving, unlovable, scheming, noble, petty... Etcetera. He has been the focus of attention, and he has been in the wings. He has been a lot. So what is he? Well, it hurts to say it, but he remains much the same in one tragic respect. He is destructive. He has wrecked, or had a part in wrecking, the lives of a lot of people, and he is well on the way to wrecking his own. Sim has tossed just about every trick in the book at him, and he still continues unswervingly on his path to a grim death "alone, unmourned, and unloved." He seems inviolate. It has become painfully clear that nothing on earth is going to make him change. Well, he's not on Earth now, is he? Sim has taken the voice of a lot of people in his books, including Cerebus himself, Oscar Wilde, Jaka, and Victor and Viktor. Now, in MINDS, he takes his own in a lengthy discussion with Cerebus: Creator to Creation. You see, Cerebus has run up against a brick wall. With all that has happened, he continues grimly on the road to self-destruction. To draw a parallel, he has now encountered that same fork in the road Neil Gaiman's Morpheus encountered. He must either change...or die. If a "needle in Cerebus' eye," "Jaka's new boyfriend," and "abandoning Cerebus on Juno" don't make him change, it's not likely anything else will. MINDS concludes on a humorous note, but there is still danger. Cerebus seems resolved to change his life, but then again, he's no longer stranded on Juno, is he? Instead, he's falling through space...to the rest of his story. Well, this volume was released in June of of 1996. We have until 2006 before the story ends. Ten years in which Cerebus can either shape up or revert back to his old ways--change or die. Is that a cliff-hanger or what?]

11 Guys (201-219). [The most popular Cerebus storyline since 'Jaka's Story' is reprinted in its entirety. 'Alcohol is free-and there's no last call.' Prince Mick, Mrs. Thatcher, Harrison Starkey and Richard George, Alec, Marty, Bear...they're all here, so pull up a barstool and get ready to laugh!]

12 Rick's Story (220-231). [Picking up where "Guys" left off, it seems as if Cerebus in never going to get out of that stupid tavern when along comes Rick Nash, Jaka's former husband, now a would-be writer. Rick's memoirs take a very strange turn as he takes up residence. Then, along comes Cerebus' former squeeze, Joanne.]

13 Going Home (232-250). [After Jaka's return, she and Cerebus head north to Cerebus' boyhood home in Sand Hills Creek. But will they get there? Features guest appearances by Greg Hyland, Rick Veitch, Alan Moore, and others, including F. Stop Kennedy. Reprints the notes on "Fall and the River" and "Chasing Scott."]

14 Form & Void (251-265). [In the concluding half of the "Going Home" storyline, meet Ham Ernestway, the only writer capable of turning Cerebus into a complete drooling fanboy. Ham and his wife Mary guide Cerebus and Jaka along The Chesmi River Trail, north to Sand Hills Creek, Cerebus' boyhood home. Includes the collected notes on Form & Void, "To Ham & Ham Not.]

15 Latter Days (266-288). [Includes "This Aardvark, This Shepherd," as well as The Three Wise Fellows, Moshie, Loshi, and Koshie. Plus, Cerebus in his Rabbie "secret idolatry." Also, Konigoberg, the Not-So-Good Samaritan stars in "the movie within the graphic novel," and Cerebus' commentaries on the Pentateuch]

16 The Last Day (289-300). [Follow Cerebus' last day on Earth as he deals with debilitating aches and pains, memory loss, political turmoil, indigestion, incontinence, and when, exactly, is his son going to come to pay a visit?]