Poetry Comics from the Book of Hours

Poet and visual artist Stone (Someone Else's Wedding Vows) marries the forms of poetry and comics, an ambitious act that sounds a lot easier than it proves to be. Narrative poetry lends itself to the comics form, but more lyrical, observational, or experimental poetry makes different demands of the visuals, not the least of which is the requirement that the images provide as much power and mystery as the words. Stone's verbal prowess is obvious from the opening pages; her sarcasm adds dimension to playful metaphors and similes as she captures the shadows and subtleties of human interaction. Some readers may feel, however, that the textual elements possess a power and presence that the visuals rarely match. Stone is an accomplished artist with a distinct aesthetic, but for those accustomed to narrative comics her visuals here struggle to add much beyond a madcap surrealism. Regular poetry readers, on the other hand, are likely to find that the visuals work as a means for both grounding the text and adding dimension. Poetry comics need to be a collaboration of equals or the weaker aspect will neuter the stronger. Stone's work shouldn't be approached as comics with good words, but rather engaged as a kind of illustrated poetry. (May)