Carla Speed McNeil

I wish I'd come across the 'Finder' series earlier. I really enjoyed it in my thirties, but during my main graphic novel phase as a teenager I would have been fully obsessed with it. I read whatever graphic novels the library had, from the sublime (Morrison's [b:The Invisibles|13227839|The Invisibles|Grant Morrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529755779l/13227839._SY75_.jpg|18419660]) to the ridiculous (Liefield X-Men collections). Anyway, I still found the collection really involving and distinctive. The future world is full of odd features and references. The art is clear and kinetic, yet expressive and detailed. The plots are fairly intricate, with stakes that are largely personal and psychological. Domestic abuse is a strong theme, which is depressing yet sensitively handled. The titular Finder is an interesting protagonist to follow, as his roaming allows the reader to explore this future world. I particularly liked the parody of Disneyland and the final story about searching for a mythical perfect book. I definitely want to read more volumes of the series, if I can get hold of them.… (more)

The second volume of the Finder library explores different locations and characters to the first, although Jaeger continues to be either central or lurking in the background. The first story arc 'Dream Sequence' follows a terrifying process of mental collapse, depicted with extraordinary vividness in Carla Speed McNeil's distinctive style. I could not really enjoy that first arc, but found it very compelling. The subsequent arc 'Mystery Date' was lighter and includes lots of fascinating world-building that I loved. Jaeger is the main character of the two latter arcs, a tragic murder mystery and a drunken enquiry into his love life. Both illuminate the world and characters, despite Jaeger himself deliberately remaining enigmatic. I really like the humour and insight of Finder, as well as the kinetic and intricately detailed art. The lengthy endnotes are also fascinating, as they point out references and draw out connections I'd often missed. This series depicts a world so carefully imagined, combining the mundane and fantastical so adeptly, that it's quite irresistible to the reader.… (more)

Very nice art. Interesting subjects---racism/police violence and non-traditional genders, oh my!---even though none of the characters was likeable or relatable. (Actually, that's not completely true---Lord what's-his-face was interesting, even though he's supposed to be the main antagonist.)

The thing that really charmed me was a liberal sprinkling of what we'd call trans* women, and effeminate butches of indeterminate assigned sex (many with facial hair, OH MY). My heart went pitter-patter. All my favorites were antagonists, though (the deliciously butch personal stylist, the racist/"ditzy" sideburns-sporting real-estate agent on the bus)... HM.

I wish the story had been more comprehensible without having to read the notes in the back, but it's possible that's my fault for jumping into the series at random.… (more)