Review Detail

I'm a huge fan of graphic novels and one of my favorite publishers has to be First Second books.

WHAT WORKED: This is interesting twist on a man being offered a chance to fulfill his childhood wish of being a sculptor. Only in this case he only has 200 days to do that before Death comes and takes him.

I love authors who think outside of the box and THE SCULPTOR is that and much more. The graphic novel format reveals David's inner demons and fears which include getting close to anyone. So when he meets the 'love of his life' right after he makes his deal with Death, makes this story even more bittersweet.

David is tortured but tries to break free and create intriguing sculptor pieces. Each piece shows glimpses of his soul--tormented, angry, and hurt.

Meg, his love interest is shown, in what I felt was a realistic light. Her bipolar swings from helping strangers off the street to extreme depression and black moods rang very true. As someone who grew up with a bipolar father, I was witness to similar acts all the time. McCloud doesn't dwell on the negative with Meg but rather fleshes her out. Their relationship isn't without ups and downs especially when David struggles to tell her the truth about his deal with Death without coming across as nuts.

The illustrations are evocative and engaging. They strip away any pretenses and go to the bone which I feel shows David and Meg's personalities.

Original and unique story line filled with a cast of colorful characters which will have readers gasping at the end resolution. How far would you go to fulfill your secret wish? A must read for anyone who loves an unique graphic novel tale. This one won't disappoint.