What Parsifal Saw

Despite its name, the story does not feature anyone named Parsifal; it’s a psychedelic journey through transcendental thought populated by very cute cartoon characters. Regé, a longtime contributor to Drawn & Quarterly and creator of weird but lovely things, continues to bring his signature New Age focus to comic books. The artwork—unshaded, highly patterned linework reminiscent of mandalas and other religious art—is intensely detailed, edgy, and feminist, and feels like it’s right out of the hippest 1960s dorm room. The narrative is moral and uplifting. Collecting two earlier shorter works, “Cosmogenesis” and “The Cartoon Utopia,” the volume’s attempt to maintain a cohesive flow between disparate parts only makes it feel disjointed and in need of explanation. However, what’s there is thought-provoking and entertaining, including a highly amusing and on-point retelling of Wonder Woman’s backstory. (Mar.)