Solstice

Hugh Waterhouse’s entire life has been in thrall to his father’s dream: finding the legendary fountain of youth and, in so doing, vanquishing his encroaching brain cancer. After years of searching, they appear to be on the precipice of finding it—but at what cost? That is the question the volume explores in Hugh’s vernacular, time-hopping, regret-riddled voice. Seagle (It’s a Bird) has written a monstrous tale of one man willing to sacrifice anything—health, wealth, his son’s dignity—in pursuit of an utterly selfish goal. This adventure story has a festering heart, and it is that rottenness, especially as seen through Hugh’s good-hearted lens, that makes it so appealing. The expeditions he is forced to go on are grueling, but how can he reconcile his frustration with the punishing reality of his father’s illness? The clear line art by Norman (Elephantmen, under the name Moritat) captures both action and human drama. Despite a somewhat weak ending, the story haunts the reader in its refusal to tie up loose strings and its lack of interest in redemption. (Oct.)