NEUROCOMIC

NEUROCOMIC

Writer: Dr. Hana Roš

Artists: Dr. Matteo Farinella 

$24.95, Nobrow Press, 144 pgs.

ISBN 978-1907704703

This engaging educational graphic novel takes the reader on a journey through the structures and functions of the human brain. Learn about axons, dendrites, and about a million other fascinating pieces of the human puzzle...and meet some key personalities from the history of neuroscience along the way! Despite its fanciful vibe, the material herein isn't "dumbed down" or simplified; this is not a book for young readers. That said, this complex science is made easily accessible to lay readers through a highly effective combination of words and pictures. The text is clear and concise, and the imagery walks a fine line between surrealism and technical illustration.

If NEUROCOMIC has a flaw, it's that it is fairly formulaic as far as instructional comics go. Now, as an experienced creator of instructional comics in my own right, I understand there's often a roadmap for these kinds of projects, and there's nothing wrong with that! However, NEUROCOMIC hews a bit too close to the model established by Scott McCloud's UNDERSTANDING COMICS (which has a rather "meta" cameo in NEUROCOMIC). This isn't so much a criticism as it is a cautionary note: if you're familiar with McCloud's work, NEUROCOMIC's presentational style may feel a bit too familiar, which can make the book feel a bit derivative in spots.

TIPS FOR LIBRARIANS: Educational comics are always worth having in your collection; they engage readers, introduce new readers to the medium of comics, and go a long way toward silencing those old-fashioned folks who still say comics lack redeeming qualities.

READERS' ADVISORY TIPS: Science buffs, self-described geeks, and just about anyone intrigued by the human brain will surely enjoy NEUROCOMIC. And remember, non-fiction comics are a great way to get people who otherwise wouldn't read comics and graphic novels to give the medium a try!

Review©2014, C. Michael Hall.