Qviet

A series of unconnected one-page comics exploring sexuality, taking it to an abstract and absurdist extreme, come together in a collection that’s not easily digested. Burkholder, in his full-length debut, uses many of his signature elements from his mini-comics, including challenging lettering, small panels, and art that ranges from angry, violent jagged lines to smooth curves detailing the many nude figures portrayed here. In some places, thick blacks obscure the art and text underneath them, giving them an almost three-dimensional feel and leaving readers to wonder about the meaning of defacing these particular portions. Burkholder shows in multiple sections how ordinary objects can be turned sexual, and he isn’t afraid to push past the usual gender binary to express it. The recurring themes, however, work against the overall effect at times, as visions of people dissolving into penises, vaginas, and breasts become repetitive. In all, this is a complex book that challenges readers to overcome traditional hang-ups over erotic material. (June)