GENTLEMAN JIM
Raymond Briggs
Jonathan Cape, £10.99Two years before putting Jim and Hilda Bloggs through a nuclear apocalypse in When The Wind Blows, Briggs introduced the likeable codgers in this comical and poignant tale
of broken dreams and stoic spirit. Bored of cleaning public bogs, Jim casts around for a more exciting career, eventually settling on highwayman. But his dreams are shattered by the ugly face of authority. It's a critical view of Thatcher's uncaring Britain, but and a lovely story that champions independent spirit.
Also try: Raymond Briggs, Ethel & Ernest
THE HEROIC MOSH OF MARY'S SON
Malcy Duff
Missing Twin, £5If you don't know Edinburgh-based cartoonist Malcy Duff's comics, start with this 96-page graphic novel (www.missingtwin.net). Inspired by a story Duff heard at school about a lad who suffered brain damage from moshing, it concerns a girl who screams herself into a coma while watching her favourite band. The elliptical storytelling and unconventional illustrations are reminiscent of underground and alternative 'comix', and the book boasts a great marathon mosh centre-piece.
Also try: Malcy Duff, 4th 4th Bridge
POCKET FULL OF RAIN AND OTHER STORIES
Jason
Fantagraphics, $19.99This collection of early work by the Norwegian cartoonist is an interesting look at the origins of his idiosyncratic work, which has since found full expression in graphic novels including I Killed Adolf Hitler. It's fascinating to see how Jason's now trademark animal-headed protagonists developed and how he's refined and simplified his artwork and narrative technique. If you're unfamiliar with Jason's work you might want to start with one of his more recent books.
Also try: Jason, The Last Musketeer
The full article contains 284 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
