Monday

Hartzell (Fox Bunny Funny) delivers a sly adaptation of the Adam and Eve creation myth. In an intentionally silly prologue, Hartzell claims this version of the story was documented by a long-lost sect called People of the Eighth Day and, over the centuries, bastardized into a graphic novel: “Outlandish beliefs are in vogue once more, and the visual language may be especially appealing to the emerging post-literate generation.” In Eden, earnest Adam tries to stay in God’s good graces while acerbic Eve focuses on maintaining the status quo. But seeds of doubt are sowed in her by the serpent, who is angry at being punished for questioning God and plots to “Take this garden back!” Meanwhile, a cranky God rattles on like a self-doubting artist, carping to Eve that she just doesn’t match the vision he had in mind, now that she’s cast upon the page of Earth. Hartzell is adept at intricate fantasy landscapes and sophisticated page layouts. His characters exhibit classic human longings and foibles, lending a warm counterbalance to the swirl of conflict. The result is a playful blend of satire and slapstick. (Dec.)