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Sick    by Kalamity J & Kasel Amazon.com order for
Sick
by Kalamity J
Order:  USA  Can
Inkpen Mutations, 2011 (2011)
Softcover
* *   Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto

I guess Sick comes the closest to being categorized as a graphic novel, but it actually has more of the feel of a picture book for adults. Pages of story are interspersed with full pages and spreads of graffiti-esque art by Kasel that give a bright, fluid feel to a somewhat dark story.

That is not to say that Kalamity J's prose does not have a rhytmn all of its own, a certain musicality that makes it feel at times like rap, others like hip-hop, and still others like spoken word.

The story itself concerns Sick, a writer or tagger, who is determined to make his mark everywhere and cannot figure out why his talented younger brother Geo is more selective. In sixty odd pages, Sick does manage to grow in character, but the story ends on a rather uneven note, leaving the final outcome up to the reader's imagination.

Sick is a unique and interesting read. Read it for the story, or read it for the art – either way, you will find yourself deep in thought once you turn the final page.

Note: Sick can be purchased at Inkpen Mutations

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