The autobiography of an Italian man with a price on his head, “I’m Still Alive”, from BOOM Studios is a true story. But it’s told in an unconventional way.
When Roberto Saviano decided to write a book (Gomorrah) that gave detailed information about the Naples Italy mafia, he sealed his fate. Fifteen years later, he is still on the run.
The graphic novel tells Saviano’s story in a series of stories. He looks at his state of mind, his back story, his days being challenged in court. He talks about the stress that he is under, as his protectors shield him from certain death by assassination. The constant relocation, the limits to his ability to have a relationship, the haters and the supporters. And why on earth he decided to take on the Naples Mafia.
Cartoonist Asaf Hanuka gives us a transitory, hallucinogenic story visual; figures floating, colours emerging as themes, retreating, realistically rendered settings, poses, and surroundings. It’s carefully crafted, expertly constructed. It’s solid. And all throughout, there is a LOT of text. Paragraphs, captions, monologues. Heavy topic, heavy reading. “Take your time, we have all day”. Translation is by Jamie Richards, lettering by Andworld Design.
Sometimes the story seems too much. Okay, we get it; being on the run is monotony and hell. But then the humanity pokes through, though humourless. The real price to be paid for refusing to submit, to stand up for your rights, to do the right thing is to have it wreck your life. This comes through loud, clear and serves both as an inspiration and a ‘don’t do what I did’ wake-up call.
For when you are called, do you run to answer or do you run to hide?
BOOM! Studios, I’m Still Alive, hardcover. $24.99 for 146 pages.
Newsdesk