Casanova: Acedia, Vol. 1

Fraction’s spy Casanova Quinn returns with a case of amnesia and a new identity: Quentin Cassaday, chauffeur and assistant to the wealthy and mysterious Mr. Boutique, who is also an amnesiac. With that in mind the two agree to investigate each other’s pasts in hope of gleaning clues about who they actually are, a quest spurred by a would-be assassin who recognizes Quinn’s true identity. As weird occult forces make attempts on Quinn’s life, the canvas expands to reveal mystery upon mystery, hints of multiple realities, and portents of an impending apocalypse. Fraction’s (Hawkeye) narrative is a slow burn that doles out answers sparingly, but the story and visuals hook the reader from the first panel. Moon’s (Daytripper) illustrations wear their Hugo Pratt and Guido Crepax influences on their sleeve, while Bá’s (Umbrella Academy) work on the interconnected Metanauts backup stories, written by Chabon (The Yiddish Policemen’s Union), suggests a gene splicing of Mike Mignola and Eduardo Risso. (Nov.)