The amateurs

"I fear that all my life I've been sheltered from some horrible truth, some terrible knowledge that I've only glimpsed the remotest edge of"-these words in a schoolgirl's diary set the tone for this stunning debut graphic novella set in a rural past that resembles Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The tale opens when two schoolgirls find a rotting human head on a riverbank, and it warns them to "Look back!" The reader immediately does so, flashing back to two butchers, Winston and Jim, who have suddenly forgotten how to do their jobs and where they came from. When two women enter their shop and ask for their usual cuts of meat, a hideous and hilarious ballet of carnage begins as the pair haplessly attempt to butcher a cow and pig, cutting off as much from themselves as from the animals in the process. Although this is Stechshulte's first graphic novella, his mastery of the form is stunning, from the cover, which supplies an essential clue to the story, to the dense lettering and borderless panels that drag us right into the "terrible knowledge." The grim and humorous grotesqueries of the tale are reminiscent of Vehlmann's Beautiful Darkness from earlier this year and should appeal to the same readership. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Stechschulte's debut graphic novel is a horror tale set in a period that precedes modern day; the clothing and buildings reflect a post-1920s United States. The main story follows two butchers who wake up one morning and discover they cannot remember their trade. As one might expect in a violent tale, the pair decide to butcher some animals while in this amnesic state and end up slashing each other and removing body parts in the process. While the butchers provide the bulk of the plot, the narrative also briefly follows a schoolgirl and two women who attempt to buy meat from the butchers. As much as through the text, the story is told through impressive black-and-white illustrations. The characters are drawn in a more traditionally cartoon style, while the backgrounds are detailed and realistic. The use of irregularly shaped panels adds to the visual impact. Verdict The creative and well-drawn illustrations outshine the story line, which is muddled by the inclusion of the schoolgirl's diary. This book will likely be enjoyed by horror and indie readers but is not a must-purchase.-Katherine van der Linden, Metcalfe, Ont. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.