Church & State Volume I (Cerebus, Book 3)

by Dave Sim and Gerhard

Church and State is volume three of the Cerebus the Aardvark series and picks up right where High Society leaves off. To compound matters further, this reprint volume is part one of a two-part story... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0919359094
• ISBN13: 9780919359093
• Release Date: June 1987
• Publisher: Aardvark-Vanheim
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

When Sim and Cerebus truly were infallible.

The longest story arc in the history of Dave Sim's "Cerebus" (which is also building on the events in the preceding "High Society" volume) begins here, this also being the first volume to feature the work of Gerhard as a background artist in its entirety (Gerhard's work revolutionizes the look of the series, very significant in its development into the indy darling that it was at its highpoint). "High Society" saw Cerebus rise to the highest office in the city-state of Iest, and then fall back to his former status through an ill-advised war of conquest (as Cerebus grouches in an hilarious excerpt from his memoir show to the reader, one should be careful to invade only rich countries). He retires to a bar to write his book, and then, after a brief side-trip, he finds himself rather forcibly recruited by Mr. Weishaupt, the leader of the new 'United Feldwar States', to take up his old office as Prime Minister of Iest. He does not long remain there, however, due to the continuing conflict between Weishaupt and Bishop Powers of the Church of Tarim. So Cerebus is plucked from his secular office and elevated to the Papacy of the Western Church. Cerebus being Cerebus, he wastes no time in abusing his position for his own enrichment. Whereas "High Society" satirizes the political process and the manipulation of ordinary peole by politicians, "Church and State" is all about how clerics manipulate believers for perosnal gain (in this case, Cerebus telling the gullible multitude that Tarim will destroy the world unless they give him (in the person of Cerebus) enough gold coins). On the personal side, Cerebus finds himself married to Red Sonja-takeoff Sophia after a night of drunken carousing, and proceeds to handle the situation with the maturity and sensitivity that readers will have come to expect from him. Sophia (globular cleavage ensconced in a chainmail bra) and her mother (who despises Cerebus) follow Cerebus from place to place, perhaps his primary supporting cast in this story. There is a brief appearance by Jaka, where, for perhaps the only point in the story, Cerebus demonstrates both genuine empathy and a willingness to put quieter pleasures ahead of love of money. Given the views that later made Sim a pariah in the comics industry, one always pays particular attention to his handling of female characters in his older stories. The sensitivity with which Jaka is depicted belies his later opinions.

Darkly Humorous and touching

I loved this book so much. Cerebus is an odd character, as Dave Sim never tries to make him likable. His entire mindset is mercenary, and he only desires ale and the money to buy it with. And yet we still love him. In this book, Cerebus (through much political maneuvering) goes from being a cynical ex-prime minister writing his memoirs/ how to be a prime minister ("Don't listen to Lord Julius") to being an even more cynical (and married) Pope. As soon as he becomes Pontiff, he declares that the world's going to end and that everyone's going to die horribly if they don't give him gold. Lots of it. And forget about benevolence: annoy him with pleas or prayers and he'll throw you off a building. Besides being a quite good satire of religion and religious leaders (I wish I'd have read this when Pope Benedict was appointed), this also includes quite a lot of just plain funny humor (Sophia's mother, the bit at the end where Lord Julius starts popping out of hidden compartments all over Cerebus's room), geniune emotion (The conversation betweeen Cerebus and Jaka especially), and a great and complex story. Now, to get to Church and State 2...

Cerebus matures

The overall tone in script and art, on the surface, appears drier and less fun. The length of the written passages and the frequent use of cityscapes and room interiors for backgrounds makes the whole book seem as fun as a three hour course in industrial toothbrush manufacturing. In truth this is one of the finest examples of what a graphic novel can be. Dave Sim's writing had matured beyond anything that was published at the time, and I will argue, anything since. It has, at times, so many turns and surprises that you rush to reach the end of each chapter and then he will turn completely around and deliver some of the funniest one-liners and slapstick. (one of the few times I have laughed out loud at a comic happens in this series). A classic cast of original characters as well as icons stolen from the golden ages of comedy. Gerhard's art is amazing and the book requires and second reading just to appreciate his work in full. This is a fun read for any fan of good writing or artwork and essential for every fan of a good comic.

The High Point

In my opinion the two volumes that comprise Church and State are the best of Cerebus. No longer Prime Minister and no longer caring about anything Cerebus is nominated to pontiff and decides everyone should give them gold. His object lessons with the young and old will give you a heartattack they are so funny. The underlying statements on religion, politics, and humanity is thought provoking and intense.

Where Cerebus Breaks Through

Church and State is where Dave Sim really breaks new grounds in art, plot, characterization, and scope. There is a definite shift from simple sight gags and cute one-liners - although both are present - to more elaborate storytelling functions. Church and State is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoyed High Society, as well as anyone who enjoys political or religious satire.