Sulk, Vol. 2: Deadly Awesome

Sulk #2

by Jeffrey Brown

This pocket-sized, graphic novel series howcases a variety of Jeffrey Brown's all-new experimental comics. In Sulk Volume 2: Deadly Awesome, Jeffrey Brown explores the world of mixed martial arts and the nature of violence in this tribute to no-holds-barred fighting. In an 80-page fight scene, aging veteran fighter Haruki Rabasaku faces off against young powerhouse Eldark Garprub. With furious striking and technical submission wrestling, this story will entertain readers unfamiliar with the world of cage fighting as well as long-time fans of ultimate fighting.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2008

About the author

Jeffrey Brown was born in 1975 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up reading comic books with dreams of someday drawing them, only to abandon them and focus on becoming a 'fine artist.' While earning his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Brown abandoned painting and began drawing comics with his first autobiographical book 'Clumsy' in 2001. Since then he's drawn a dozen books for publishers including TopShelf, Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, McSweeney's and Chronicle Books. Simon & Schuster published his latest graphic memoir 'Funny Misshapen Body.' In addition to directing an animated video for the band Death Cab For Cutie, Brown has had his work featured on NPR's 'This American Life' His art has been shown at galleries in New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Paris. Jeffrey's work has also appeared in the Best American Comics series and received the Ignatz Award in 2003 for 'Outstanding Minicomic.'
He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Jennifer and their son Oscar.

Reviews

[Alice Urchin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The punchline makes it worth reading

[Doug Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming off the gag-heavy, delightfully silly 1st issue, Sulk #2 was a surprise. Super-readable, even if you're not a fan of mixed martial arts and cage fighting—which says a lot about Brown's cartooning and storytelling chops. The change of subject matter, tone, and approach was interesting and refreshing. Fun series, great format. Love the title.

I'm wondering: Could Eldark Garbrub be ‘cradle burp rag’ spelled backward? Both lead characters had unusual names to my ear.

[Paolo Aguas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi really enjoyed this a lot it was very short and simple but the artwork and the somewhat technicality of the fight was done very well. I think I could have given this a higher grade if it was just a bit longer but it is what it is and it is still an extremely good graphic novel.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed these new characters. Good pacing and storytelling in a single setting.

[Eric Pabon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way better than I was expecting, this short story centers around a mismatched cage fight between a seasoned MMA fighter, Haruki Rabasaku, and less seasoned, but still accomplished fighter Eldark Garprub. Eldark outweighs Haruki by 20lbs or so, is taller, has a longer reach, and is a light heavyweight, were as his opponent is a former middleweight champion.
I'd believe that if you're a fan of MMA, you will love this, but even if you're not a fan, it really boils down to a warriors tale; the inability to give up a fight, to go as long your body lets you, and then a bit further. You get inside the fighters head for his own thoughts on not just what he's doing, but why he's doing it as well.
It was a truly engrossing read, and I read it in like twenty minutes, so it is short, but it was really good. I would recommend it if you're looking for a quick read that will stick around a bit. I'll definitely be looking for more of his work...

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it is fairly good, it is not the Jeffrey Brown style, whether you look at art or writing, that any of his readers is used to. It is worth reading and has some humor, as well as action, and does, slightly, delve into the world of MMA/Caged Fighting.