The nobody

Gr 8 Up-In a story inspired by H. G. Wells's The Invisible Man, Lemire creates an antihero whose exploits in the small town of Large Mouth change the life of a teen. As Vickie guides readers through the strange events involving a man who is wrapped completely in bandages, the art reveals that if he removes them, he is completely invisible. Griffen was a prominent scientist, but now he is hunted by his one-time peers and mourns the death of his wife. Vickie knows little of his inner struggle but is determined to become his friend, and to give him support until the very end. The story is a bleak one; it's as much about the hollow growth Vickie experiences when she begins to see the world through what she imagines is Griffen's perspective as it is about Griffen's ultimate fall. The style is intentionally rough, minimizing the details of the predominantly black-and-white art, which is shaded with light blue in order to heighten moments of flashbacks to Griffen's previous life, sketched entirely in blue. The setting is a small town with easily prejudiced residents, whether against the mysterious man in bandages or the town's one African-American resident, who is a noted loner. A good selection for most collections.-Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Taut, elliptical graphic novel serves as both existential parable and homage to an earlier era of classic comics. Written and illustrated by Lemire, creator of the Essex County Trilogy (The Country Nurse, 2007, etc.), the story could hardly be simpler or more spare. A strange man arrives in the small town of Large Mouth: "Home of the World's Biggest Bass! Population 754." He comes without a vehicle, identification or much in the way of possessions. He is wrapped head to toe, arm to arm, and finger to finger in bandages. He wears glasses that are more like goggles, obscuring his eyes. He introduces himself as John Griffen. He is "The Nobody" of the title. The year is 1994. Explains 16-year-old Vickie, whose father owns the town's diner, "All I know for sure is that after he came here, everything changed forever." Well, yes and no. Though Vickie is the only one who develops a friendship with the bandaged stranger, the small town seems to absorb his presence until he's almost part of the citizenryor maybe part of the scenery. He keeps to himself; he doesn't make trouble. Vickie works at the diner under her dad's watchful eye; he has been particularly protective since his wife disappeared when Vickie was nine. Vickie has a hole in her life that perhaps the stranger can help fill. She takes him meals. She learns that he was formerly a professor in Chicago and that he remains involved with some mysterious chemistry experiments. He seeks in Large Mouth the peace of mind that he couldn't find in Chicago, while she hopes to escape to the big city and leave her small-town boredom behind. When another woman disappears from Large Mouth, Griffen is the immediate suspect. Is he really a friend to Vickie, or is he a threat? Is he even John Griffen? Black-and-white artistry perfectly complements the noirish plot. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.