Hard Looks (2nd Ed.)

by Andrew Vachss

Book Overview

Andrew VachssU writing has been described as "hypnotically violent ... made up of equal part broken concrete block and razor wire" (Chicago Sun-Times), and "short and choppy, like the ticking of a time bomb" (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). In this graphic novel, dozens of comics writers and artists bring to life 20 of VachssU trademark life-at-ground-zero stories.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569712093
• ISBN13: 9781569712092
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Dark Horse Books
• Length: 117 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Handsomely-Produced Collection of Brilliant Short Stories

HARD LOOKS is an outstanding collection of 17 short stories by attorney/author Andrew Vachss, which makes an unflinching examination of all manner of human depravity while at the same time providing the reader with heroes and hope. The stories (titles include: DRIVE BY; DATE RAPE; LYNCH LAW; HEAD CASE; BORN BAD; CRIPPLE; DUMPING GROUND; and MAN TO MAN) have been adapted to graphic novel format by Joe R. Lansdale, Charles de Lint, Chet Williamson, Jim Colbert, Rose Dawn Scott, and Neal Barrett, Jr. and feature the splendid artwork of Geoff Darrow, David Lloyd, Gary Gianni, Warren Pleece, Jack Pollack, and others. The skillful adaptations and the beautifully-done artwork serve to greatly amplify the power of these hard-edged tales.For years I have admired the power and strength of Mr. Vachss' novels (FLOOD, STREGA, BLUE BELLE, SHELLA, ONLY CHILD, et al.). This collection, with the freedom allowed by the short story form and its wide range of subject matter, equals or surpasses the intensity of those books. This edition of HARD LOOKS is available in two versions, one with a photo cover and one with a masterfully-drawn cover by Geof Darrow. I would highly recommend the book featuring Mr. Darrow's artwork. Mr. Darrow's richly-detailed, colorful illustration tells a story (actually, many stories) all its own and is well worth the cover price....HARD LOOKS ... masterfully adapted, wonderfully illustrated versions of 17 provacative, disturbing, and important short stories from Andrew Vachss.

you should know

You should know a few things-- I'm a biased fan of Andrew Vachss. I read everything of his that comes out as soon as it comes out. If you don't know his work, Hard Looks is the perfect introduction. You'll know immediately whether he's speaking to you or not. You should also know that there's an edition of Hard Looks available with artwork by the incredible Geoff Darrow. Darrow creates immaculately beautiful drawings that,in itself a rarity between text and image, match Vachss' prose. Stark and solid, every line suggests a weight that most artists would murder to achieve. Check that out.

a mirror held up to the soul

Pick up a copy of this book, and you won't put it down until you've savored every page.In most cases, I am annoyed by visual adaptations of my favorite written works. Movies, tv specials, and graphic novels have always disappointed me they never have measured up to my own imagination -- until I got hold of HARD LOOKS. This graphic adaptation of Andrew Vachss' short stories stands as eloquent testimony to the enrichment that illustration can give to excellent writing.

A visually adapted collection of stories from "Born Bad."

Some of today's best comics artists tackle the tough job of illustrating Vachss's hard-boiled crime fiction. With artists ranging from traditional to experimental, each tale comes alive in a new way, losing none of the story's original punch. Highly recommended to Vachss fans and readers wanting an introduction to the author.