Adult Contemporary

Quick pen-and-ink sketches mix with fully rendered illustrations and short stories in this eclectic collection that displays a wonderful sense of the absurd. Translating his own work, Norwegian artist Kaltenborn (best known in the U.S. as a cartoonist for the New Yorker) compiles everything from one-page gags to a fictionalized account of a true crime caper. He's at his sharpest when his ideas get room to breathe, as in his parodies of boring newspaper strips or epic fantasies. The art features a variety of styles, with a thin line the consistent element. Some pieces are drawn with minimalist figures acting out scenes, while others present flowing characters who take up every inch of space, threatening to burst out of their panel grids. Most backgrounds are sparse, with color evoking a sense of place or directing attention to an object. This is solid starting point for those looking to explore the vibrant world of Norwegian comics. (Oct.)