EDIFICE: A Striking, Unforgettable Comic

A foray into the Unknown with ‘Edifice’

Understanding isn’t always what we expect. Sometimes, it involves accepting what we can’t comprehend. The journey from unknown to acceptance challenges us to surrender our sanity and self. Andrzej Klimowski, a renowned Polish cartoonist, captures this struggle in "Edifice," set in the eerie Engelstadt during the holiday season.

Artistry and Unease

Klimowski is no stranger to unsettling art. Known for his movie posters and comics, he excels at juxtaposing contradictory images. His style renders the taboo visually, intertwining horror and eroticism seamlessly. It’s a unique blend that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer, as we are simultaneously drawn in and repelled.

"Edifice" begins simply: a tenant enters an apartment building. Yet, soon, the mundane becomes uncanny. A mantelpiece morphs into a woman, her features exaggerated in each panel. This transformation entices and unsettles, embodying the core of Klimowski’s artistic mission.

A World of Vantage Points

The narrative takes a pivotal shift. Transitioning from the tenant’s view, it draws us into the mysterious perspective of the woman. This shift to unfamiliar grounds mirrors the book’s overarching theme — surrendering control. The enigmatic, bizarre world that Klimowski crafts is best embraced in all its darkness.

Within these pages, Klimowski avoids judgment. His rectangular panels, occasionally broken by full-page spreads, feel like an eerie photo album. Each image, multifaceted in terror and vulnerability, draws us deeper into the story’s chilling heart.

Haunting Architecture

As we navigate this gothic structure, characters surface, each preparing for holiday traditions. Klimowski unfolds their stories amidst the building’s architecture, weaving through floors and faces. Yet, like classics such as "The Shining," the true horror is in space disruption, not the space itself.

Klimowski’s transitions move us from one emotion to another; exhaustion to lust, fear to tenderness. The inhabitants’ expressive faces reveal rich tales told within this building’s confines. The edifice, both inviting and imprisoning, holds dreams and frustrations alike.

Engelstadt’s Oppressive Allure

"Edifice" highlights the prison-like monotony of the building and its town, Engelstadt. Holiday distractions contrast starkly with its labyrinthine streets. Characters harbor a longing to escape but remain trapped within their mental and physical confines. Klimowski offers no escape; instead, the longing becomes part of the narrative fabric.

Embracing the Unknown

Introducing horror elements, Klimowski reflects the characters’ inner struggles. He crafts contrasting images without forcing opposition. The strange and unknown are framed as liberating, a stark reminder of freedom found in chaos. Normalcy dissolves among these bizarre circumstances.

"Edifice" isn’t just a comic; it’s a visual and emotional odyssey. Klimowski’s distinctive style captivates, lingering long after one turns the last page. Whether familiar with Klimowski or a newcomer, "Edifice" offers a riveting glimpse into his evocative world.

Edifice is available now.