Everyone’s favorite feline gumshoe is back in another gorgeous installment of the crime noir comic series
It’s been over eight years since the award-winning European comic book Blacksad last appeared on American shores. Now the legendary PI puss is back in in Blacksad: They All Fall Down Part One, the sixth volume in the popular graphic novel series.
If you aren’t familiar with Blacksad, it’s written by Juan DÃaz Canales and illustrated by Juanjo Guarnido. And while both creators are from Spain, the comics are actually first published in French before being translated into English, with Dark Horse comics handling the distribution rights for North America.
The series itself takes place in an alternate version of 1950s New York City inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, and follows the exploits of John Blacksad, a feline private investigator and World War II vet with a nose for trouble. And while the concept might sound like a cute cartoon premise, the series is anything but kid’s stuff. In fact, it’s known for its incredibly detailed artwork, surprising historical authenticity and exploration of mature themes such as racism, corruption and violence. Think Zootopia meets The Maltese Falcon, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Originally published in 2000, over the years Blacksad has become increasingly popular both in Europe and around the world, and has been adapted as a video game and come close several times to being turned into major Hollywood animated film.
In this latest volume in the series, Blacksad is hired to prevent the murder a prominent union leader, and soon finds himself caught up in a conspiracy involving rodent construction workers, weasel mobsters, animal actors, and a ruthless falcon business tycoon.
So is this latest caper worth delving into? Read on to find out!
The Story
The story begins with Blacksad and his friend Weekly, a muckraking weasel paparazzi, attending a performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest in Central Park. Their peaceful afternoon, however, is interrupted when the police arrive and use excessive force to break up the crowd; a scene that really sets the tone for the rest of the story, as police brutality is a recurring theme in the book.
Blacksad is then approached by a legendary llama actress who introduces him to a high-ranking member of a local construction union who is being targeted by an organized crime syndicate. The investigation takes Blacksad into the dark depths of the city where he encounters the working-class rodents in New York’s subway tunnels and crosses paths with a powerful business magnate named Solomon who is involved in a range of construction schemes. Along the way Blacksad tangles with corrupt politicians, crooked cops and dangerous criminals. In typical Blacksad fashion, it’s full of plenty of twists and turns and moves along at a solid pace (although it is a little bit shorter than previous volumes).
Incidentally, while They All Fall Down will definitely appeal to existing fans, it’s also a pretty solid jumping on point for new readers who might not otherwise have ever read any of the previous comics.
The Writing
While the book is originally written in French, the translated English script in Blacksad: They All Fall Down is exceptional. In fact, an interesting postscript in the graphic novel from Diana Schutz explains just how much thought and effort goes into translating the original script into English, while maintaining the tone, metaphors and unique turns-of-phrase. It’s a legitimately impressive feat and the end result is dialogue that’s sharp and witty, with each character really having a unique voice and personality, not to mention capturing the 1950s crime noir pulp styles.
As in previous books, the use of animal metaphors adds depth to the characters and the world they inhabit, making it feel like a fully-realized and lived-in world. The script leans into this just enough to keep things interesting, without ever slowing down the mystery that propels the plot and characters forward.
One of the other standout features of the writing is the use of Shakespearean references throughout the story. It’s a really unique added dimension that doesn’t feel pretentious or out of place, and directly relates to the themes of power and corruption that the book explores.
The Art
The biggest draw for Blacksad remains the absolutely breathtaking artwork from Juanjo Guarnido, and this volume is no exception. The illustrations are richly detailed, with each panel featuring intricate linework, vivid colors, and a strong sense of atmosphere. The characters are also beautifully rendered, with each animal species having its own unique features and characteristics.
The cityscapes and crowd scenes are particularly impressive, with Guarnido’s attention to detail bringing the world of 1950s New York City to life. And while the book features talking cats wearing suits, the level of authenticity in the clothing and environments of the Big Apple are unbelievable, and I’m guessing Guarnido uses a ton of historical reference material
In fact, the book is packed with a ton of visual references to real-world locations and artwork, such Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” that add an extra layer of meaning and depth to the book.
Final Verdict
Overall, Blacksad: They All Fall Down is a worthy addition to the feline gumshoe and might be one of my favorite volumes in the series. With its stunning artwork, compelling characters, and socially relevant themes, it’s another case of hairy hardboiled noir that’s worth falling into.
Blacksad: They All Fall Down is an original graphic novel distributed in North America by Dark Horse Comics. You can pick it up now from your local comic shop or order it on Amazon.
9/10 Rating
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