Recess Pieces

Who'd think cute-as-a-button kids and glistening viscera would combine so nicely? A science lab experiment (that will run awry, needless to say) begins the book, as we then are introduced to the young, resourceful, and exceedingly smart-mouthed cast of "Recess Pieces." No detail of existence in the behavioral sink known as "school" goes unsatirized, from the institutional green-hued décor, prisonlike setup, power-struggles among the inmates and their keepers, absurdly out-of-it attempts by the latter to be hip. The shambling flesh-munchers make their appearance slowly, Fingerman setting the scene, laying out characterizations. There's not a lazy line in this book, even minor background characters carefully individualized, and the painted art - for those more familiar with Fingerman's line drawings in this noted alternative comics creator's other books - is lushly rendered, as the earlier mention of "glistening viscera" hints. Comedy abounds as well as thrills, the young 'uns attempting to arm themselves against the onslaught of the undead: "...Safety scissors with rounded blade? Six-inch ruler?..." "This crayon is pretty sharp..." The man's got a way with dialogue, words both kid-like and urbanly wisecracking adding much to the goings-on. I'm reminded of the richly rolling dialogue by Paddy ("Marty") Chayefsky, yang to Mamet's spare yin. Trapped in a room by zombies, the kids speak thus: Wendy: "I don't know if I can do this." Lisa: "We're just kids." Bobby: "Just kids? Just kids? Grownups think we're sweetness and innocence, but we know better, don't we? We're pure id, untamed and unfettered by conscience. We're petty and cruel. Let's use that to our advantage." Crisp wit, characters you care about, juicy, top-of-the-line art, and zombies...what's not to like?

The answer is, oddly enough, yes. Bob Fingerman captures the dynamic of school yard interactions to great effect. The characterization of the children is in the vein of Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes... they are ruthlessly witty and innocent at the same time. Insightful commentaries on childhood, genre clichés and the inadequacies of the public school system are peppered throughout the narrative, but never feel forced or preachy. Not to worry, though, there are plenty of gory and horrific scenes of dismembered bodies being devoured by newly minted ghouls to satisfy any zombie fan. If that wasn't enough, it's all drawn in a lush, full color style that is reminiscent of his work on the Minimum Wage covers but with a lighter, more nimble line that indicates further mastery of his craft. It's a great read that I can't recommend highly enough. I hope that there are further adventures in the works...

unbelievable! Bob F. is one of the best draftsmen on earth,and his tale of adorable kids covered in shiny, spilled guts.... is second to none. seriously,if you like comics,especially by people who can really draw and paint their cajones off...you need Recess Pieces! It's funny,nasty,and insanely gorgeous to gaze at...and! This is a nice ,thin little hardback you can slap into your backpack and take with you on a trip..like I'm(seriously) doing in a few minutes. peace.

There is very little negative I can say about Recess Pieces. The art is engaging and mesmerizing, the detail is through the roof, the dialogue is provoking and superb, even the size of the book and the smell of the ink are top-notch! I highly recommend Recess Pieces to horror fans, zombie fans, comic book fans and humor fans. If you are unfamiliar with Bob Fingerman's work, first, shame on you, and second, be sure to check out his other works, Beg the Question and the upcoming novel, Bottomfeeder. Recess Pieces would also make a great gift for friends, co-workers and especially, teachers!

Blood Thirsty Zombies vs. School Children locked up in a school! Nuff' said. A Very Fun read!! Very well illustrated! Can't recommend it enough! Your eyeballs will thank you! It's a must have at $10.. That's cheap at twice the price!!