Streak of Chalk

Overview

On the occasion of NBM's 40th anniversary, a classic is brought back in print! A small streak of an island in the Atlantic. On no map. In heavy summer heat. One general store with a woman and her taciturn boy. A lighthouse with no light. Memories and messages graffitied on the pier wall. A chance encounter with a beautiful elusive woman. A Murder. Or was it? Nothing seems completely real. Only the graffitied memories are constant. A mysterious multifaceted novel steeped in magical realism that can be read a number of ways, Streak of Chalk is one of Spain's best comics authors' magnum opus, and one of the greatest, most pioneering graphic novels NBM ever published.

Reviews

"Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine meets John Fowles's The Magus in this graphic novel about curious characters on a spit of uncharted island in the middle of nowhere. The island, with its deserted lighthouse, general store/bar/inn, and two sullen inhabitants easily seems mysterious. Add to that a few guarded, secretive visitors and this isolated atmosphere needs little imagination-on the part of reader or characters-to make ordinary circumstances seem sinister, perhaps murderous. Although the story is sparse, there's intrigue, sex and, more importantly, Spanish artist Prado's sumptuous illustrations and exquisite use of colors, to keep the reader's attention. Starting with vividly clear greens and blues, the colors changes with the mood of the narrative, with lavender-streaked shadows moving in as the mystery grows, while deeper blues and reddish browns signal violence and loss. A fine first title from NBM's just launched ComicsLit imprint of graphic novels from around the world." —Publishers Weekly 

"Streak of Chalk stands as a stunning example of the unique potential of graphic novels." —Peter Dabbene, Foreword Reviews

Author Biography

Miguelanxo Prado is a distinguished Spanish artist whose best-known work, Streak of Chalk, has earned him international prestige and numerous awards in Europe, including: Alph Art Prize in Angoulême (1994), Best Work by Saló del Còmic of Barcelona (1994), Best Book by The Association of French Booksellers (993), Prize of Honor at Amadora Festival (1994), Best Book of the Year at Hyères Festival (F1993), along with nominations for a Harvey Award and an Eisner Award.