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Concrete #7
Concrete, Volume 7: The Human Dilemma
Life as Concrete is about to change forever. Former speechwriter Ron Lithgow returns as the title character of Paul Chadwick's critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries. Trapped in an alien's rock-hard body, Lithgow is an accidental celebrity whose high profile is being courted by a front-page CEO. Though Concrete believes overpopulation to be an important issue, does he want to become the spokesperson for a controversial population control program? While Concrete mulls this generous proposition over with his biologist, Maureen, his longtime aide Larry Munro mulls over an entirely different sort of proposal. Life and violent death take center stage in this compelling new collection from an industry-renowned creative master, and the subject of overpopulation is given the trademark thoughtful exploration that Chadwick fans have come to expect.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
About the author
Paul Chadwick
203 books60 followersPaul Chadwick (b.1957) has worked widely as an artist and writer for comic books, with collaborators like Ron Randall, Doug Wheatley, Alan Moore, John Bolton, Harlan Ellison, Jan Strnad, Randy Stradley, Archie Goodwin, Brian K. Vaughan, and others.
He's most noted for his award-winning series Concrete, about a thoughtful man stuck in a brutish, rock-coated body. Born in Seattle, he grew up in its lakeside suburb Medina, then a haven for Boeing engineers and their families, now the site of palaces for Bill Gates and his ilk. His father Stephen F. Chadwick was City Attorney for the small hamlet.
As a teen, he joined Apa-5, the amateur press alliance of comics fans which also provided a creative outlet for future comics luminaries like Frank Miller, Mike Richardson, Randy Stradley, Chris Warner, Randy Emberlin, and others.
He attended Art Center College of Design, majoring in illustration. Around this time Chadwick lived in a courtyard apartment building, The Golden Palm, which teemed with talent. Bryn Barnard, Ron Harris, David Mattingly, James Gurney, Thomas Kinkade, Kurt Cyrus, Mark Verheiden, Andy Su, Terry Robinson all lived there, five of them as Chadwick's roommate (at different times).
Chadwick graduated in 1979, and began storyboarding movies for Disney, Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm and others. Credits include Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Strange Brew, The Big Easy and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. Chadwick says the auteurs behind two small films he worked on, Lies (Jim & Ken Wheat) and Miracle Mile (Steve DeJarnatt) were the greatest personal influences on his writing.
Chadwick also freelanced illustration, mainly for movie advertising (Streamers and Galaxy of Terror were the only finished posters among the dozens of preliminary paintings he did) and for SF and Fantasy paperbacks.
Chadwick decided to devote himself to comics, but Concrete didn't sell at first. Chadwick's first comic in print was The Life of St. Norbert, published by an order of Norbertine monks. Going from the sacred to the (mildly) profane, he next drew Steve Perry's strange and silly Salimba, about a jungle girl fighting "wormboys" and a giant three-headed were-dog.
A year on Marvel's Dazzler completed Chadwick's apprentice years, and he sold Concrete in 1985 to Dark Horse comics. It has appeared intermittently ever since.
A Concrete movie has been in development for years. Chadwick has written several screenplays for it, first in collaboration with Larry Wilson, then solo. Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh wrote one, as well, which briefly won a green light for the film.
The decision was reversed upon the release of the surprise hit The Blair Witch Project, which caused the sudden mass delusion that Hollywood could dispense with costly visual effects and stars. The fever passed, but Concrete's window had closed, at least until somebody with the clout or energy decides to brave the thousand demons that lay waiting to kill every movie.
Chadwick wrote and drew (inks by Ron Randall) eight issues of The World Below, about a network of vast, mysteriously lit caverns beneath northern Washington State, and the strange beings and technology to be found there. Dark Horse plans to reissue the series as a collection.
The Human Dilemma, the newest Concrete series, won an Eisner Award (best cartoonist) and a Reuben Award (best in comic books division) from the National Cartoonist Society.
Chadwick is currently drawing a miniseries for DC, Seven Against Chaos, written by Harlan Ellison.
He's also working on a (non-Concrete, TBA) graphic novel for Dark Horse, as well as a new Concrete miniseries.
Biography updated 2010
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 13, 2008
Like Concrete : think like a mountain, this is collection that seems like it should be too heavy-handedly moralizing, but which really works well (although I guess it helps that I'm pretty sympathetic to the whole Zero Population Growth movement). Although Concrete supports the stemming of overpopulation trends, there's somewhat of a moral ambiguity in his urging others to submit to voluntary sterilization, especially as that's a choice he is incapable of making for himself.
Meanwhile, Larry becomes more of a problematic character (in a good way) and Maureen becomes more complex (in a way I'm not sure I like - Alan Moore did it a lot better with Abby in Swamp Thing. It's definitely worth a read and a look; Chadwick's line work still blows me away.
(Side note: I'm finally done with this backlog of reviews and I'm never going to let them pile up like that again)
Meanwhile, Larry becomes more of a problematic character (in a good way) and Maureen becomes more complex (in a way I'm not sure I like - Alan Moore did it a lot better with Abby in Swamp Thing. It's definitely worth a read and a look; Chadwick's line work still blows me away.
(Side note: I'm finally done with this backlog of reviews and I'm never going to let them pile up like that again)
June 9, 2024
Unlike vol. 5, this dive into campaigning does not reflect well on Concrete. His attempt to address human overpopulation reflects the author's own thinking on the issues (which is confirmed by a note at the end). The debate within the book centres around whether to encourage voluntary sterilisation in Americans. This is criticised within the book as not addressing the main centres of human population growth in the 'developing world', a stance also taken by the author. While his recommendations of increased education and contraception availability as tools for reducing birthrate are not in themselves bad things, the book fails to address that it's the west (in this case the USA) that have the largest impact per capita. Overall, as in previous volumes, a diehard liberal viewpoint prevails and is not often challenged. It's not a particularly nuanced debate, in which the author's own view (given by a side character) is given as a winning argument and not contested. The story and characterisations are also poorer than the previous volumes
August 6, 2023
Shockingly good
April 14, 2016
during the last volume, i couldn't help but think the art is a little like jack chick,
whose ridiculousness has amused many athiests like myself. (although ironically,
i must give jack chick some credit for his design aesthetic/form factor of
his "tracts": i feel like there's bits of a marketing genius in there somewhere)
but there's more than the occasional art style in common: concrete is preachy.
normally, that would absolutely turn me off, but chadwick is quite rational,
and *isn't afraid to discuss the downsides to the extremes of his side
of a debate* --something the outspoken religious should do!
(you think it'd be easy for a religious person to say "i don't know,
because i'm human, but god does!", but no: the loudest ones claim
to know everything, because "god told them", or some other bullshit.)
anyway, at the same time the author was crafting fiction to bring awareness
of overpopulation, i was attending a long now lecture which surprisingly
indicated that we had already crested, and rates are *decreasing* significantly:
2004-02: the depopulation problem
this is not to say that we're not still killing our environment, and the other dooms
that chadwick foresees aren't happening (triple negative, i.e. *they* *are*),
but i'd like it a little more if chadwick was a little less er, "concrete" in his position,
as opponents to such a message thrive on discrediting the entire message when
one little bit turns out to be different that forecasted. just as in the many debates
in which the main character participates in this volume.
even if you don't agree with him 100%, still some great storytelling here,
in particular: weaving multiple variations on the same theme (the extremist
position, the opposition's, concrete's physiological changes, larry's situation).
whose ridiculousness has amused many athiests like myself. (although ironically,
i must give jack chick some credit for his design aesthetic/form factor of
his "tracts": i feel like there's bits of a marketing genius in there somewhere)
but there's more than the occasional art style in common: concrete is preachy.
normally, that would absolutely turn me off, but chadwick is quite rational,
and *isn't afraid to discuss the downsides to the extremes of his side
of a debate* --something the outspoken religious should do!
(you think it'd be easy for a religious person to say "i don't know,
because i'm human, but god does!", but no: the loudest ones claim
to know everything, because "god told them", or some other bullshit.)
anyway, at the same time the author was crafting fiction to bring awareness
of overpopulation, i was attending a long now lecture which surprisingly
indicated that we had already crested, and rates are *decreasing* significantly:
2004-02: the depopulation problem
this is not to say that we're not still killing our environment, and the other dooms
that chadwick foresees aren't happening (triple negative, i.e. *they* *are*),
but i'd like it a little more if chadwick was a little less er, "concrete" in his position,
as opponents to such a message thrive on discrediting the entire message when
one little bit turns out to be different that forecasted. just as in the many debates
in which the main character participates in this volume.
even if you don't agree with him 100%, still some great storytelling here,
in particular: weaving multiple variations on the same theme (the extremist
position, the opposition's, concrete's physiological changes, larry's situation).
May 15, 2021
I've read quite a bit of Paul Chadwick's Concrete over the years, and have always been impressed by the author's willingness to tackle issues relating to society and the environment. The stories featuring speechwriter-turned-rock being Ron Lithgow were generally sensitive and thoughtful, and far more cerebral than your average superhero fare. But it was during the reading of The Human Dilemma that I finally tired of Mr. Chadwick's political views.
The Western liberal's call for population control in the developing world is hopelessly hypocritical seeing as how carbon emissions per capita are so much higher in North America and Europe. Not only that, but there have been several instances where Mr. Chadwick has shown a disdain for the non-Western world, Islamic societies in particular. The apparent Western chauvinism coupled with the casual misogyny exhibited by the Larry-character is simply too much for this discerning reader, and I doubt that I shall be reading anything by Mr. Chadwick again.
The Western liberal's call for population control in the developing world is hopelessly hypocritical seeing as how carbon emissions per capita are so much higher in North America and Europe. Not only that, but there have been several instances where Mr. Chadwick has shown a disdain for the non-Western world, Islamic societies in particular. The apparent Western chauvinism coupled with the casual misogyny exhibited by the Larry-character is simply too much for this discerning reader, and I doubt that I shall be reading anything by Mr. Chadwick again.
August 23, 2007
Still a joy to read. This novel is strange, tragic, and funny. It also tackles some heavy moral issues. I always feel the after effects of reading Clowes like ripples in my conscience and I'm frustrated that my library has run out leaving my experience incomplete. This novel ends on a cliff hanger on par with Pirated of the C. II! if any has more issues, please SHARE!
October 12, 2024
**Review Only for first and second issue. Goodreads doesn't have the single issues populated.
I really, really, enjoyed these two issues and can't believe this book is not talked about more. Except that I can -- it has never been reprinted past the original runs of trade paperbacks. It's been years, almost two decades, since many of Concrete's stories have been printed, and it just breaks my heart that this story isn't more accessible.
These comics are incredibly human, thoughtfully crafted, and not afraid to advocate for the world around them. I hope I can read more of this series soon.
I really, really, enjoyed these two issues and can't believe this book is not talked about more. Except that I can -- it has never been reprinted past the original runs of trade paperbacks. It's been years, almost two decades, since many of Concrete's stories have been printed, and it just breaks my heart that this story isn't more accessible.
These comics are incredibly human, thoughtfully crafted, and not afraid to advocate for the world around them. I hope I can read more of this series soon.
March 23, 2018
The Human Dilemma is a meditation on childhood. As Chadwick believes that the Earth is overpopulated, Concrete supports a willing sterilization agenda, which is thrown into whack by his own... well, you have to see it. Plus, Concrete assistant Larry Munro reaches a huge turning point in his relationship. Extremely human, extremely personal and awesomely moving - Chadwick remains a comics creator who is nearly impossible to beat.
June 28, 2018
So my favorite creature of stone is going to get involved in family matters? As it happens, I actually think this is kind of realistic story.
September 16, 2018
The best Concrete story. Heady discussions of issues of overpopulation and consumption, but with a lot of heart and human drama woven in.
April 10, 2019
Read it in Spanish. Really great story telling.
July 1, 2024
This is one of the most interesting things I’ve ever read.
December 29, 2020
The strongest structuring of story in any of Paul Chadwick's Concrete volumes. The bits about population control are particularly interesting to read in a modern political setting.
February 13, 2019
Rereading! Finally the sixth issue/chapter, mostly denouement. I love the stories of Concrete by Chadwick, published ever since Dark Horse became a publisher.
This last volume dramatizes reproduction, "The Human Dilemma," with some over-the-top debate about overpopulation, an issue that never really goes away. And the comic art storytelling of Chadwick is so fun, as when he draws the x-rayed interiors of Concrete and Maureen, in appropriate cutaway setting, the comics reader views anatomical differences between them. Great storytelling.
I've seen other work by Chadwick but only a small short story of Concrete in a recent revival of the Dark Horse Presents anthology. I hope we'll see a new novel-length story some year soon.
Meanwhile, read these fine stories! Thanks to Atlanta-Fulton Public Library for the loan.
Highly recommended.
This last volume dramatizes reproduction, "The Human Dilemma," with some over-the-top debate about overpopulation, an issue that never really goes away. And the comic art storytelling of Chadwick is so fun, as when he draws the x-rayed interiors of Concrete and Maureen, in appropriate cutaway setting, the comics reader views anatomical differences between them. Great storytelling.
I've seen other work by Chadwick but only a small short story of Concrete in a recent revival of the Dark Horse Presents anthology. I hope we'll see a new novel-length story some year soon.
Meanwhile, read these fine stories! Thanks to Atlanta-Fulton Public Library for the loan.
Highly recommended.
May 12, 2008
Chadwick does not shy away from important topics, and he is insightful enough to expose the many facets that make this topic of over-population such a difficult dilemma to find easy solutions to. The way he presents the arguments, the way he visualizes the challenges we face, the way he is able to use the "sci-fi" elements of the story to further enlighten the issues -- all of this is done so masterfully- and with such compassion -- that it is truly inspiring.
February 25, 2009
It doesn't feel like the end for Concrete, but this is a good turning point in the saga. Chadwick brings together his main characters' narratives to create some great human drama. I'm really sad to leave the Concrete world, but it was fun.
February 8, 2011
Concrete is a sad figure. Human, enhanced and nonsensory at the same time. Deals with more primal concerns and how he copes without a human body.
March 29, 2012
Concrete takes on overpopulation, and the story goes into an unexpected direction. Intelligent, mythical and provocative. Hope Chadwick comes back to do more stories and what follows from the book.
September 9, 2013
It's a bit preachy, and the story sews itself into place too neatly, but it's still very good stuff. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one.
July 1, 2023
Not only a work of art in itself, it actually helped turn me away from climate-skepticism
March 12, 2016
Concrete tackles overpopulation!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews