Staff Picks (March): Klaw GN

Originally published in French and available in the US for the first time this May, Klaw is everything fans of Magnetic Press have come to expect.  Joel Jurion’s art is clean and captivating, the story by Antoine Ozanam is high concept but still accessible, and the book which collects “The First Cycle” is printed in a deluxe hardcover. 

Klaw begins with Angel Tomassini discovering he has the power to transform into a were-tiger, a fact that any teenager might find exciting until, of course, someone ends up dead.  In the hands of a different creative team, this would be the main focus of the story, exploring the typical tropes of teen werewolf fiction, substituting Calvin’s best friend for the standard wolf and likely arriving at an equally standard ending.  However, this is not your usual creative team and their book has so much more to offer. 

Angel has his share of problems — a mouthy best friend, bullies, and an unrequited crush are just the beginning.  He has an unusual number of “uncles,” a mysterious bodyguard, and a lot of unanswered questions about his father’s “business” even without that whole were-tiger thing.  Angel’s newfound abilities open him up to a secret war between the mob, the FBI, and clans of ancient warriors able to channel the spirits of the Chinese Zodiac.  More twists, betrayals, and surprising characters continue to up the ante as this graphic novel shapes into an exploration of more fiction forms than you might care to count, ranging from ancient mysticism, crime dramas, science fiction, masked superhero adventure, martial arts flick, and that is still just the First Cycle. 

Every time you think you know what you’re in for, Klaw surprises you with a new twist and by the time you’ve reached the end you’ll be hungry for the Second Cycle.

—Trevor Richardson

Publisher: Magnetic Press Item Code: MAR161567 Release Date: 05/25/16 SRP: $24.99