The Back of the Line

by William Powhida

The Back of the Line is an innovative collaboration between writer Jeff Parker and artist William Powhida. Through four stories interwoven with images, The Back of the Line follows the plight of ornithophobic, cuckolding, leering, scooter-thieving, laundromat loving, peeing-while-sleepwalking James J. Wreck. The narration in the suspect, second-hand account of James's best friend sometimes agrees and sometimes conflicts with the documentary evidence of James's deeds, creating fissures in the story as each of the two men see it. Motivated alternately by revenge, jealousy, altruism, and obsession, they continually misread one another in a train wreck of egos and desires. In the end each must choose between a damaged relationship and the possibilities of a better one. Designed as a handwritten journal, The Back of the Line is the improbable diary of two fractured souls, a document of the narrative and visual detritus of their world.

Paperback

First published April 15, 2007

Reviews

[William Powhida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just did the drawings and tried to undermine my co-author's narratives through misinterpretation and invention. It's a small run of a beautifully designed book by Stephen Lyons at Decode, who brought our odd, ramshackle little world to life. The stories are like old friends you still think about, but wouldn't want to see because you might feel tempted to head out to the laundromat bar instead of heading home to water your plants.

[Alex Budris]

This and also Parker's novel "Ovenman" should be but are not cult classics. Also, back when I was drinking I sent the author an embarrassing fan letter, and I want to say 'my bad', so I'm now glad to have that lifted from my chest. I still have the signed books he sent me, though - two treasures that have been in my collection a long time. Everyone should read this chapbook.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is some hard Jeff Parker shit to find. Unless you're in Portland or Seattle. Published by a Seattle art gallery and distributed exclusively(?) through Powell's, this is a really cool gem from the author of Ovenman. Very funny in that dopey slacker way with really nice art throughout (hence the slightly higher retail price). I almost published this as a Future Tense book but the cost of the art reproduction was a roadblock for my small wallet. I'm glad Jeff was able to get this out into the world. Someday it will surely be worth at least ten times its price.