25 April 2014, 01:26 PM IST
2007 was a good year for the Graphic Novel. First, the success of movies based on them spurred a whole new set of readers to read the original works. Popular movies even used the medium for promotion by launching novels of their own. Then, having established itself as a treasure chest for screenplays (with the benefit of already being storyboarded), the industry saw an influx of capital with rights to various 'scripts' being bought. While all this catered to the masses, the year also produced some phenomenal work that was critically acclaimed. Rutu Modan's Exit Wounds was one of those. Despite winning the coveted 'Best Book of the Year' at the Eisner Awards, very few readers in India have actually heard of it or read it.
While Modan has been in the international spotlight for several years now, a lot of comic aficionados had not heard of her prior to the release of Exit Wounds. Not surprising though since almost all her work has been done in Israel, having worked on comic strips for leading newspapers and won several awards including the Andersen Award for Illustration(2001). Additionally, she's been nominated for the Eisner Awards for Best Comics Anthology of the Year as well as the Promising New Talent Award at the Ignatz Awards.
With credentials like that, it's no surprise that Exit Wounds is a must-read for any serious graphic novel fan. And if you already are a comic buff, then this is the book that you should hold up to those who say that it's all kid's stuff.
If you're wondering whether it's the story or the illustration… well, it's neither by itself, but the balance of both. Exit Wounds is the story of Koby Franco, a Tel Aviv cab driver in his twenties. The story begins when a woman soldier, tells him that she believes his estranged father was recently killed by a suicide bomber. Koby's initial reaction is one of nonchalance, but she convinces him to help her find out if he did die in the blast. And why is she so concerned about an old man whose own son couldn't care less? Because she was romantically involved with him. And so begins the cross-country hunt.
Modan tells the story expertly; weaving theories for the reader only to shatter them and pull them deeper into the mystery. The chemistry between the two central characters is built up as they constantly fight and allows the reader comic relief, while building up sympathies with their confusion. The backdrop of Tel Aviv adds greatly to this, with the artwork peppered with real-life trauma of those who live there. Yet, not once, do Modan or any of her characters place blame on anyone. This lack of hatred builds up compassion in the reader.
The artwork is characteristically modest. Modan's bold colours are used with a lot of discretion and contrast well in order to highlight what the author wants the reader to see. It is simple, yet engaging - just right for such a strong story.
Do make an effort to read this one, if you haven't already.
P.S - Before I sign off, here's a bit of trivia on Rutu Modan. While most people think of her only as an author of serious contemporary novels, she's also the co-editor of the Hebrew edition of MAD Magazine!
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