Grass Kings

In this lushly drawn graphic novel, Robert and his brothers rule the Grass Kingdom, a sovereign nation somewhere in modern-day rural America whose residents consider themselves independent from the government and outsiders. When Robert takes in Maria, a woman on the lam, a standoff develops between the Grass Kingdom and the neighboring town of Cargill, whose corrupt sheriff has been waiting for an excuse to organize a raid. The conflict between outlaw homesteaders and lawmen bent on vengeance has the form of a modern-day western, but Kindt lends a broader scope with flashbacks across the violent history of the area and the sense that, over the centuries, "this patch of earth has been earned." Though the Grass Kingdom is a weedy trailer park community, Jenkins's carefully observed, jewel-toned watercolor art imbues a sense of magic, as the inhabitants see it: a fantasy kingdom of woods and fields, sunset-drenched farmhouses, and eccentric makeshift homes such as a houseboat lodged in a tree. The first volume resolves the central plot while setting up a mystery around a long-missing serial killer to carry the story into future installments. Elegiac in tone, this story and its fictional world are drawn with rich details that make it seem possible for the reader to stroll right in. Agent: Charlie Olsen at Inkwell Management (July)

A little-known American lake with a sinister history of murder and blood sacrifice is the location for a cluster of rundown utopian bailiwicks. The borders of three, self-sustaining communities are jealously and lethally guarded by one of three brothers-Ashur, Bruce, and Robert-all constables, and all feuding. When a strange woman literally floats into Robert's village from neighboring Cargill, protected by rival sheriff Humbert, smoldering tensions rise, and a fragile truce is shattered. A turf war is eminent. Will this be just another annihilation of lakeside populations like so many dozens before, or will capricious fate intervene? Artist Jenkins (Peter Panzerfaust; Snow Blind), joined by letterer Campbell, creates a lovely painterly style that, though delicate to the eye, carries this complex tale well, while Harvey Award-winning, Eisner-nominated Kindt (Dept. H; Mind MGMT) scripts a robust narrative that demands rapid page turning. Verdict Suspense addicts and those who enjoy the sheer craftsmanship of graphic art designed by a watercolor master can't help but enjoy this. Nice binding and a gallery of additional illustrations in the final section contribute to an overall classy work. [Volume 2 in the ongoing series is coming this month.-Ed.]-Russell Miller, formerly with Prescott P.L., AZ © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.