Section 241

Of all the comic books that I read, there is only one whose every installment is highly anticipated and eagerly devoured. I speak of course of James Turner’s Rex Libris.

Rex Libris #8 concludes the three-part “Book of Monsters” story, bringing Rex’s second published adventure to an end (during this issue we’re given footnote references to his untold stories, such as “Rex Libris and the Vat of Brains”). Although the previous issue delighted me by pitting Rex against a number of literary monsters, this time out his opponents are culled mainly from films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the 1978 version, no less), Nosferatu and Omega Man. I was disappointed that the only monster of literature present seemed to be Grendel, but I can’t quite complain about the Nazi zombies.

Also, Hypatia encounters some vaguely Lovecraftian demons, and Rex does battle with “the most insidious beast of all: radical militant memes!” His reaction?

This issue also includes “Selected excerpts from the Book of Monsters,” an editorial by Barry in which he defends the senseless violence enclosed, and another grand back cover illustration: “The Jumco Imperial Penguin Transport!” You may never look at penguin travel the same way again.

In a recent interview Turner mentions the challenges of getting Rex out on a regular basis, and his awe at those artists who can adhere to a monthly schedule. As long as he keeps producing Rex’s adventures, I’ll be there to buy them.