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King of the Flies #1
Hallorave
a faisait longtemps que je ne m'tais pas senti aussi bien. J'avais l'impression qu'on me gonflait le cerveau avec une pompe vlo. J'avais l'impression qu'il grandissait sous ma tte et qu'il allait bientt exploser. Et j'avais envie qu'il explose... J'avais envie que mon cerveau se rpande dans la campagne.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
9 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Mezzo
30 books11 followersPascal Mesemberg, who uses the pseudonym Mezzo, was born in Drancy in 1960. His comics appeared in magazines such as Zoulou, L'Echo des Savanes and Métal Aventure. In 1989 he started working together with Pirus, creating a collection of dark stories for the collection Frank Margerin présente and eventually the comic 'Les Désarmés', of which two volumes appeared in 1991 and 1993. Other titles by Mezzo and Pirus are 'Deux Tueurs', 'Un Monde Étrange', 'Mickey-Mickey' and 'Le Roi des Mouches'. In addition to his comics work, Mezzo makes illustrations for Le Journal de Mickey and for the book covers of Stephen King novels. Mezzo lives in Paris and is influenced by Chester Gould, Robert Williams and Orson Welles.
[source: http://lambiek.net/artists/m/mezzo.htm]
[source: http://lambiek.net/artists/m/mezzo.htm]
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 4, 2016
Mezzo has been compared to Charles Burns, and it's hard to deny the similarities. But having read a number of stories dating back to the early nineties that chart his artistic evolution, it becomes evident that the commonalities between Mezzo and Burns lies in their shared influences.
While Edgar P. Jacobs is rightfully regarded as one of the founders of the 'ligne claire' style popularized by Herge's 'Tintin' (many of the albums owe their detailed backgrounds to Jacobs, Herge's friend and collaborator), Jacobs used a variation of 'ligne claire' that distinguished it from the open lines of Tintin. In his 'Blake and Mortimer' albums, the darker tone and settings were accompanied by sharply pointed 'spot blacks' that were just as cleanly defined as his line-work. This high-contrast variant was a seamless fusion of 'ligne claire' and 'chiaroscuro' (a term dating back to at least the early Baroque period to describe the painting methods and results first attributed to Caravaggio, for his innovative practice of beginning with layers of the darkest blacks and browns, with successive layers introducing the lighter tones often painted over the dark. This prefigured the scratchboard methods of Thomas Ott and Scott McKeown). This style was very close to the unique 50's art of EC head-writer and artist Al Feldstein, as well as the brilliant art of Milt Caniff. Jacobs, Herge, Yves Chaland, Joost Swarte, Milt Caniff and Johnny Craig were all formative sources for both Burns and Mezzo, and are responsible for the misconception that Mezzo based his art on Burns.
'Hallorave' is the first volume of three in the 'King of the Flies' storyline, written by Mezzo's long-time collaborator Pirus. It follows a group of frequently high 18-25 year-olds, as violence unexpectedly erupts for vague reasons that are unknown or misunderstood. Changing POV's allows the reader to piece together the strange compulsions and characters.
While Edgar P. Jacobs is rightfully regarded as one of the founders of the 'ligne claire' style popularized by Herge's 'Tintin' (many of the albums owe their detailed backgrounds to Jacobs, Herge's friend and collaborator), Jacobs used a variation of 'ligne claire' that distinguished it from the open lines of Tintin. In his 'Blake and Mortimer' albums, the darker tone and settings were accompanied by sharply pointed 'spot blacks' that were just as cleanly defined as his line-work. This high-contrast variant was a seamless fusion of 'ligne claire' and 'chiaroscuro' (a term dating back to at least the early Baroque period to describe the painting methods and results first attributed to Caravaggio, for his innovative practice of beginning with layers of the darkest blacks and browns, with successive layers introducing the lighter tones often painted over the dark. This prefigured the scratchboard methods of Thomas Ott and Scott McKeown). This style was very close to the unique 50's art of EC head-writer and artist Al Feldstein, as well as the brilliant art of Milt Caniff. Jacobs, Herge, Yves Chaland, Joost Swarte, Milt Caniff and Johnny Craig were all formative sources for both Burns and Mezzo, and are responsible for the misconception that Mezzo based his art on Burns.
'Hallorave' is the first volume of three in the 'King of the Flies' storyline, written by Mezzo's long-time collaborator Pirus. It follows a group of frequently high 18-25 year-olds, as violence unexpectedly erupts for vague reasons that are unknown or misunderstood. Changing POV's allows the reader to piece together the strange compulsions and characters.
June 11, 2016
With pronounced, hip American influences (Clowes and Burns chief among many) seamlessly incorporated in a European tradition (Eisnein's wonderful GR review traces the art's claire ligne antecedents), Le Roi des Mouches feels awfully familiar in a 90s Fantagraphics sort of way.
And like the Wachowski's more recent Netflix series, Sense8, LRdM builds slowly until, by the end of this first volume, it's created a networked community of well-defined characters.
There's also something in the narration reminiscent of Manu Larcenet's terrific Blast; but references aside (and you can go and on here), LRdM is an absorbing comic that, in the end, doesn't feel derivative. Sure, the influences are strong and on display for all to see, but none of these elements are ends in themselves. They all work in harmony for the greater goal of imprinting a pretty compelling story in your consciousness.
And like the Wachowski's more recent Netflix series, Sense8, LRdM builds slowly until, by the end of this first volume, it's created a networked community of well-defined characters.
There's also something in the narration reminiscent of Manu Larcenet's terrific Blast; but references aside (and you can go and on here), LRdM is an absorbing comic that, in the end, doesn't feel derivative. Sure, the influences are strong and on display for all to see, but none of these elements are ends in themselves. They all work in harmony for the greater goal of imprinting a pretty compelling story in your consciousness.
December 26, 2014
Damn... Het lezen van 'Hallorave' is het perfecte tegengif voor de kerstsfeer : met aan Charles Burns verwant tekenwerk wordt de glazuurlaag van het alledaagse leven geschraapt wat resulteert in een licht psychedelische, zwartgallige trip. De voice-overs zorgen voor een noire gevoel bij dit randstedelijk feest der mistroostigheid. Het is als het bekijken van een film van David Lynch : nadien ziet de wereld rondom je er meer beklemmend en verdorven uit.
Uiterst sterk eerste album.
Uiterst sterk eerste album.
June 12, 2011
This book is like Black Hole, if you took out all the weird supernatural/horror stuff (which is the best part of Black Hole) and just left in the teenage sex, drugs, violence, and misanthropy. It's also kind of like Lynda Barry's Cruddy, but not really written as well or as realistically. I kind of like the art and I like the way all of the different characters take over the narration in different parts of the book, but overall I don't think it's very well-written.
April 13, 2010
Heavily influenced by Charles Burns's "Black Hole" (as well as Burns's drawing style) and David Lynch, circa "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet." Volume 1: OK--I'll give it a break and hope it builds momentum in volume 2. Otherwise, my feelings are "Drunk and stoned teenagers alienated from their parents have a brush with petty criminals. Haven't I seen this before?" Some plot retreads retreads are still compelling because their characters have compelling quirks. So far, "King of the Flies" feels pro forma.
June 7, 2010
Great art and stories, certainment, but what I liked best about The King of Flies was learning that French suburbia is as twisted and otherworldly as its American counterpart, at least in the mind of Mezzo.
March 9, 2021
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book but I'll try and jot some thoughts down.
Frequently compared to Charles Burns in both style and content, it definitely does tread some similar ground (from the limited Burns I've read so far). Teenage debauchery in a suburban setting, with drugs and sex taking the forefront of the story. But decidedly less surreal.
The most interesting part of the book was the narrative structure. Told in short interconnected vignettes that focus on different characters in the same larger story. But the larger story isn't some grand epic (for the most part, it does culminate into a rather bombastic ending). It's just the an overarching malaise that creeps into every inch of this book.
And the heavy use of narration really helps cement the angsty awkwardness of the world that's being created. Every character has a distinct voice, but they all carry this blasé tone that weirdly contrasts with some of the action going on.
Also the art is gorgeous. I was scared I wouldn't like it, because I don't usually go for that kind of art (I'm not usually a huge fan of Burns, Clowes, and all those other guys who focus on awkward and ugly characters and have their art reflect that as a whole). But man, what a sight. While the story is fairly down to earth, the visual gets pretty crazy at times. It's never really flashy (except in a couple of drugged out scenes) but it fits the story to a T.
All in all, I wouldn't say I really loved this, but I definitely enjoyed it well enough and it left me wanting more. Debating jumping straight into the second book but I don't have the third yet and I'm scared I'll be fiending for it once I'm done with what I have...
Frequently compared to Charles Burns in both style and content, it definitely does tread some similar ground (from the limited Burns I've read so far). Teenage debauchery in a suburban setting, with drugs and sex taking the forefront of the story. But decidedly less surreal.
The most interesting part of the book was the narrative structure. Told in short interconnected vignettes that focus on different characters in the same larger story. But the larger story isn't some grand epic (for the most part, it does culminate into a rather bombastic ending). It's just the an overarching malaise that creeps into every inch of this book.
And the heavy use of narration really helps cement the angsty awkwardness of the world that's being created. Every character has a distinct voice, but they all carry this blasé tone that weirdly contrasts with some of the action going on.
Also the art is gorgeous. I was scared I wouldn't like it, because I don't usually go for that kind of art (I'm not usually a huge fan of Burns, Clowes, and all those other guys who focus on awkward and ugly characters and have their art reflect that as a whole). But man, what a sight. While the story is fairly down to earth, the visual gets pretty crazy at times. It's never really flashy (except in a couple of drugged out scenes) but it fits the story to a T.
All in all, I wouldn't say I really loved this, but I definitely enjoyed it well enough and it left me wanting more. Debating jumping straight into the second book but I don't have the third yet and I'm scared I'll be fiending for it once I'm done with what I have...
April 26, 2021
Found this pretty aimless and very style over substance. Far too much narration to read and felt more like an illustrated book... though I think if it was a book it'd just be another sub par Brett Easton Ellis, the artwork makes it but to be honest that didn't especially grab me either.
December 3, 2021
Teenage angst at its finest, dressed in a fairly bleak art and a moody palette. Not a single narrative, but rather a series of vignettes organized around the intersectionality in the life of the protagonist. In other words, a bunch of characters bump into one another, and we are left with those little "tranche de vie" so to speak.
Comparison with Charles Burns are going to be unavoidable and warranted. I just finished Black Hole and I am not sure I fully grasped the story. I think I get this better, though. Amplify this melancholy-hopelessness-je m'en foutisme of the immature teenage brain, and add a large helping of drugs and anger and you would get something like this.
Some chapters are stronger than other, and by the end the act was wearing thin on me, past the initial shock of the vision presented. You see, I never felt that way. I was never that angry, never that broken, but I suppose some people are. I will give it to Mezzo, some of his stories pack a hell of a punch. Its bleak. If one is in the mood...
Comparison with Charles Burns are going to be unavoidable and warranted. I just finished Black Hole and I am not sure I fully grasped the story. I think I get this better, though. Amplify this melancholy-hopelessness-je m'en foutisme of the immature teenage brain, and add a large helping of drugs and anger and you would get something like this.
Some chapters are stronger than other, and by the end the act was wearing thin on me, past the initial shock of the vision presented. You see, I never felt that way. I was never that angry, never that broken, but I suppose some people are. I will give it to Mezzo, some of his stories pack a hell of a punch. Its bleak. If one is in the mood...
November 1, 2021
This is prose- with art included. Each panel has a few sentences at the top with appropriately chosen art to compliment it. which, normally I would shun it, but the way they do it works out ok for my reading problems. Mezzo pulls you into his work sufficiently enough that the next set of words is fresh instead of dreaded. But it's very long per page count.
Story = **
The plot doesn't really go anywhere- it's vignettes of different characters but nothing is being strived for or achieved.
Art = ****
He does a great job repping each panel text into a flow of story that's only missing the standard sequential nature were used to. It's scene->scene->scene so you get no art movement either.
Story = **
The plot doesn't really go anywhere- it's vignettes of different characters but nothing is being strived for or achieved.
Art = ****
He does a great job repping each panel text into a flow of story that's only missing the standard sequential nature were used to. It's scene->scene->scene so you get no art movement either.
April 3, 2018
First of a trilogy of French albums, Hallorave offers ten short stories, from a variety of perspectives (six different characters narrate, with the lead, Eric, fronting four of them). Each is excessively bleak and noir, focusing on a collection of mostly young people whose drugs, self-delusions, and use of each other is borderline pathological. The intersection of the characters' lives provides plenty of chances to see each person's point of view, as well as how twisted and dark they can be. It's not fun, but it's extremely effective. Great art and coloring, good scripting, very worth while.
December 2, 2010
Decent but unoriginal art against excruciating exposition detailing the dull days of uninteresting characters. Note to Mezzo: copious sex and drug used as a sole narrative cornerstone doesn't create a captivating story or cast.
May 15, 2013
Yes, it's very much reminiscent of Black Hole, in terms of the art and the atmosphere, but its anything but a knockoff. These aren't characters filled with self-doubt, these kids are cocky and blasé and disinterested. The cooler European cousins of the Black Hole crew. Friggin great stuff
January 1, 2024
J'ai loué la BD parce qu'elle était sur la table des "livres recommandés par les employés" à ma bibliothèque municipale.
J'espère que l'employé qui a recommandé cette BD là va commencer 2024 avec la covid.
J'espère que l'employé qui a recommandé cette BD là va commencer 2024 avec la covid.
January 10, 2010
L'ennui adolescent entre Ken Park et Black Hole de Charles Burns.
December 31, 2016
At points, reading the sections for the female characters, I was embarrassed for the writer.
February 11, 2025
'Hallorave' is the first volume of three in Mezzo's and Pirus' King of the Flies series which follows a group of young adults who engage in drugs and sex freely, and often find themselves in violent and disturbing circumstances. The opening story lends its title to the volume, as it introduces some of the key figures - Eric, the titular "King of the Flies", his friend Damien, and Damien's girlfriend, Sal, who Eric lusts for. The three go to a Halloween party in a field and it's here that Eric makes his move on Sal, whilst Damien is killed by a car as he runs away from a bunch of guys looking to beat him up. This story is the first of several in this volume - all vignettes introducing more characters connected to Eric and Sal in some way - and though each story is episodic and mostly disconnected, an underlying narrative does emerge. The shifting perspectives depict the dreariness of the suburban existence, only dispersed by an injection of sex and violence. King of the Flies is a brutal and surreal look at the world, with few characters of redeeming quality to comfort the reader.
Mezzo's artwork is readily comparable to Charles Burns, and even the substance of the story is paralleled to Burns' own acclaimed Black Hole series. The deliberately hallucinogenic narrative style, mostly delivered with internal narration from each perspective character, provides a hazy telling of their individual compulsions and desires. Mezzo's artwork containing the clean, thick black lines allows for some direct storytelling to occur, but in combination with Pirus' enigmatic prose, we're left with an uncomfortable juxtaposition. Disconcerting though the story may be, there is something entrancing about it all to keep the reader invested all the way through.
Mezzo's artwork is readily comparable to Charles Burns, and even the substance of the story is paralleled to Burns' own acclaimed Black Hole series. The deliberately hallucinogenic narrative style, mostly delivered with internal narration from each perspective character, provides a hazy telling of their individual compulsions and desires. Mezzo's artwork containing the clean, thick black lines allows for some direct storytelling to occur, but in combination with Pirus' enigmatic prose, we're left with an uncomfortable juxtaposition. Disconcerting though the story may be, there is something entrancing about it all to keep the reader invested all the way through.
December 24, 2017
Some pretty strange stuff. The art is amazing. It switches between narrators often, which makes that hard to follow. Lots of sex and drugs and a few intertwined plots. Biggest flaw is that there is not a single likable or sympathetic character in the bunch.
March 21, 2020
Le décalage entre le ton morbide et glauque de ce qui est raconté, et la façon très banale qu'à le narrateur d'en parler.
Les dessins assez figés donnent l'impression de tableaux de la vie de tous les jours, ce qui accentue le malaise que l'on ressent quand on voit ce qu'il se passe.
Les dessins assez figés donnent l'impression de tableaux de la vie de tous les jours, ce qui accentue le malaise que l'on ressent quand on voit ce qu'il se passe.
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March 16, 2023Lurid, prurient, adolescently grim fantasia of suburban malaise. Decontextualized edgelord version of Clowes.
October 20, 2023
A dark and dystopian masterpiece.
May 18, 2014
Обзор читаных комиксов - первый Lunita #1 - Xavier Morell
2.5 / 5
Рисовка качественная, хотя явно видна мужская рука - линии слегка более угловаты и их в целом больше, чем хотелось бы, фигуры порой выглядят несколько необычно.. Сюжетная линия - вполне типична: детективы-раследования.
Однако, ну никак я не ожидала присутствия романтической линии меж двумя девушками-копами. Ну, никак.. Читать дальше не хочу.
Alex + Ada #1-4
4.5 / 5
Рисовка очень хорошая. Хорошее расположение текстов, удобно и приятно читать. В целом - издание на 5, но вот рисовщик упустил возможность доработать целый мир будущего, можно было бы придумать что-то оригинальнее системы "умный дом".
King of the Flies Vol. 1 - Pirus Mezzo
3 / 5
Рисовка фантастична, но именно она держала меня на протяжении всего тома.История хороша, но противна и непривлекательна, а персонажи у меня ничего кроме переплетения жалости и пренебрежения не вызывают.Дальше читать не буду, ибо шлак.
Witch Doctor, Vol. 1: Under the Knife - Brandon Seifert
4.7 / 5
Шик, шик, шик!Один малюсенький минус - too much body fluids. Но ради такого захватывающего сюжета и гениально продуманного мира я готова и закрыть глаза на это. Повезло, что попалось издание с комментариями содателей и эскизами, очень порадовал тот факт, что идею для монстров взяли из реальной жизни (паразитология). Потрясающая работа!
My Friend Dahmer - Derf Backderf
3 / 5
История страшная, знаю, и, возможно, я просто обратилась не к тому жанру, ибо сюжет описан человеком, кто знал его.. Но, тем не менее, все эти доводы-извинения-угрызения совести - не пошло оно у меня. Ну, и рисовка - не люблю я такую..
Gamma One-Shot Comic Book 2013 - Dark Horse - Ulises Farinas
1.5 / 5
Обложка комикса так и кричала: мой автор насмотрелся японской рекламы и вообще без ума от покемонов! Но кто бы слушал свой внутренний голос..Да - нарисовано все отменно, и фантазия у автора явно не знает предела, но, боже, что за ересь происходит с сюжетной линией? Избей труса? Нет, не могу, не хочу - и сюжет слишком уж похож на серию покемонов.. Никаких положительных эмоций.
Sex Criminals Volume 1 TP - Matt Fraction
4 / 5
Это было здорово.
Многие моменты меня смутили, но в этом и суть данного комикса, более свободно смотреть на некоторые вещи.Хорошая прорисовка, пара лишних линий не в счет. Комикс включает любопытную переписку читателей и автора, что тоже жирненький плюс. Однако, на протяжении всего тома действия в настоящем крайне мало, здесь описывается больше как главные герои встретились, познакомились.. Жду продолжения!)
2.5 / 5
Рисовка качественная, хотя явно видна мужская рука - линии слегка более угловаты и их в целом больше, чем хотелось бы, фигуры порой выглядят несколько необычно.. Сюжетная линия - вполне типична: детективы-раследования.
Однако, ну никак я не ожидала присутствия романтической линии меж двумя девушками-копами. Ну, никак.. Читать дальше не хочу.
Alex + Ada #1-4
4.5 / 5
Рисовка очень хорошая. Хорошее расположение текстов, удобно и приятно читать. В целом - издание на 5, но вот рисовщик упустил возможность доработать целый мир будущего, можно было бы придумать что-то оригинальнее системы "умный дом".
King of the Flies Vol. 1 - Pirus Mezzo
3 / 5
Рисовка фантастична, но именно она держала меня на протяжении всего тома.История хороша, но противна и непривлекательна, а персонажи у меня ничего кроме переплетения жалости и пренебрежения не вызывают.Дальше читать не буду, ибо шлак.
Witch Doctor, Vol. 1: Under the Knife - Brandon Seifert
4.7 / 5
Шик, шик, шик!Один малюсенький минус - too much body fluids. Но ради такого захватывающего сюжета и гениально продуманного мира я готова и закрыть глаза на это. Повезло, что попалось издание с комментариями содателей и эскизами, очень порадовал тот факт, что идею для монстров взяли из реальной жизни (паразитология). Потрясающая работа!
My Friend Dahmer - Derf Backderf
3 / 5
История страшная, знаю, и, возможно, я просто обратилась не к тому жанру, ибо сюжет описан человеком, кто знал его.. Но, тем не менее, все эти доводы-извинения-угрызения совести - не пошло оно у меня. Ну, и рисовка - не люблю я такую..
Gamma One-Shot Comic Book 2013 - Dark Horse - Ulises Farinas
1.5 / 5
Обложка комикса так и кричала: мой автор насмотрелся японской рекламы и вообще без ума от покемонов! Но кто бы слушал свой внутренний голос..Да - нарисовано все отменно, и фантазия у автора явно не знает предела, но, боже, что за ересь происходит с сюжетной линией? Избей труса? Нет, не могу, не хочу - и сюжет слишком уж похож на серию покемонов.. Никаких положительных эмоций.
Sex Criminals Volume 1 TP - Matt Fraction
4 / 5
Это было здорово.
Многие моменты меня смутили, но в этом и суть данного комикса, более свободно смотреть на некоторые вещи.Хорошая прорисовка, пара лишних линий не в счет. Комикс включает любопытную переписку читателей и автора, что тоже жирненький плюс. Однако, на протяжении всего тома действия в настоящем крайне мало, здесь описывается больше как главные герои встретились, познакомились.. Жду продолжения!)
December 23, 2018
Autre opportunité saisie grâce aux médiathèque : me pencher enfin sur Le Roi des Mouches, série de bandes dessinées qui aurait du me plaire au vu des sujets traités, de la société complètement pétée du bulbe mise en scène. Malheureusement on se retrouve ici avec un mélange entre Chuck Palahniuk et Bret Easton Ellis, certes solide et qui se tient bien mais qui a du mal à me séduire dans sa désinvolture adolescente et ses délires thrashouilles.
April 30, 2014
Existence is weird, lonely and perverse at times. Along the lines of 'Ghost World' french-kissing 'Black Hole' (Charles Burns). Episodes with various characters through a 'Less Than Zero' - "Blue Velvet' sadness that interweave. Characters carry some darkness and depth rather than being polarized to protagonist / antagonist. ... Glad took chance on dis one. ...
May 7, 2014
A mixed bag- the cynical "slacker" plots drag, but the art is, to my eyes, excellent, especially the colouring by 'Ruby' who is absolutely superb. Like movies, sometimes something can still be good because it is great in just one respect. I would love Mezzo and Ruby to drop Pirrus and team up with someone better.
October 14, 2013
Strange. Short stories interconnected in odd ways. Reminds me a bit of Charles Burns' work, though a little less overtly creepy. It's interesting, but not much more than that. Very stylish, but, sadly, rather empty underneath it all.
December 5, 2011
An enjoyable, visually interesting read, although the story was a little lacking and didn't seem entirely original. Although this seemed like part of a series, so perhaps I need to keep reading.
January 29, 2013
Enésima visita al infierno que duermen en los suburbios, con una estética heredera de Crumb y personajes fascinantes en su vulgaridad.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews