Review: In Vitro
I know that there is a saying about not judging a book by it’s cover, but does that relate to the title? Given that this book from Humanoids Inc. wears its heart on its proverbial sleeve, you think you know what to expect. Thing is, the topic might be front and centre, but the journey is far more observed and personal than you may expect.
The book follows a happy newly wedded couple as they try to conceive. Problems are in the shape of Guillaume’s poor fertility. Along with that comes states of mind akin to the the stages of grief, which is logical. Seen through Guillaume’s eyes more than his wife’s, we see him go through doubt, despair, hope and the feeling of loss and loss of self-respect that this journey can invoke.
The book is written and drawn by William Roy. Taking the writing first; for the book to work you have to care about the couple. Roy does this extremely well, walking a bit of a tightrope at times; you want to feel for Guillaume, but not in a derisive manner. As it is his “problem” that is causing the frustrations, we see the world through his eyes. I understand the reasons and as much as it works, I did find elements a little self-indulgent. We didn’t get to see a lot of the world from his wife’s point of view. As noted, it is her that gets poked, prodded whilst all Guillaume has to do is fill a cup! Roy, perhaps realising that that the problems may only carry the reader so far, adds elements of dark humour. The dialogue screams of personal elements and recognises all the various nods, winks and assumptions of this, for a man at least, very emasculating experience.
Roy’s art has an easy Sunday cartoon style, that belies the serious nature of the topic. Through the trials and tribulations, the couple seem so in love. There is the togetherness seen as they try the “working on it” speech for a while. Then there is love and a lack of blame when the issue is found. Through it all the pair stand side by side. Other elements are as well observed; the bitch boss who understands for example, or the supportive friends. Various environs are used well to demonstrate the passing of time. Overall, the easy going style is engaging; it must be all the Calvin and Hobbes that I used to read having an impact.
As good as this book is, it doesn’t pack the same wallop as Waves, (written by Ingrid Chabbert with illustrations by Carole Maurel – the review can be found here), which features another equally emotive pregnancy issue. Some of this is down to the one person worldview mentioned above. The other is the pacing of the story. After spending so much time building up to the fertilisation point and the immediate aftermath, I was disappointed in the last few pages, as it seems the reader misses out of some very key points of happiness that would give the reader a sense of closure. Indeed, would this book have worked better in parts, rather than trying to tell the whole story in one go? It’s as if Roy couldn’t wait for the couples life to progress but in doing so, minimises the reader’s enjoyment in those now lost moments.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Overall – 4.5 Stars
Written b; William Roy
Art by; William Roy
Published by; Humanoids Inc.
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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