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Ruby Falls #1-4
Ruby Falls
Lana è un’indecisa, un’immatura, una cui vanno stretti tanto il sonnolento paesino dove è nata e vive, Ruby Falls, quanto i suoi stessi panni. Comincia le cose e le lascia a metà, non ha direzione. Quando però la nonna, ricoverata in Casa di riposo e poco lucida, parla di un omicidio cui avrebbe assistito da bambina, Lana per qualche motivo le crede, e comincia a indagare. Sollevare le pietre del passato rivela spesso verità scomode, e non è detto che a tutti faccia piacere. Il pericolo si fa inevitabile e Lana, aiutata dalla sua ragazza, l’acrobata Blair, non avrà più scelta e dovrà, per una volta, andare a fondo della faccenda, se vuole salvarsi la vita. La storia di tre generazioni incompiute di donne della stessa famiglia, un thriller che scavalca i limiti del tempo e diventa un classico istantaneo, scritto dalla leggendaria sceneggiatrice Ann Nocenti e disegnato da Flavia Biondi, per la prima volta alle prese con un progetto americano, che le è valso il plauso di nomi come Emil Ferris e Jeff Lemire.
Il volume ha una copertina realizzata in esclusiva da Flavia per l’edizione italiana.
Il volume ha una copertina realizzata in esclusiva da Flavia per l’edizione italiana.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2020
5 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Ann Nocenti
740 books118 followersAnn Nocenti is most noted as an editor for Marvel Comics, for whom she edited New Mutants and The Uncanny X-Men. She made her comics writing debut on a brief run of Spider-Woman (#47-50) and subsequently wrote a long run of Daredevil (1st series) #236-291 (minus #237) from 1986 to 1991, directly following on from Frank Miller's definitive Born Again storyline. She also wrote the 1986 Longshot limited series for Marvel, and in the same year produced the Someplace Strange graphic novel in collaboration with artist John Bolton. She wrote "the Inhumans Graphic Novel" in 1988. In 1993, she wrote the 16-issue run of Kid Eternity for the DC Comics imprint Vertigo.
In Incredible Hulk #291, published in September 1983 (cover date January 1984), Ann Nocenti made a cameo appearance, talking to Dr. Bruce Banner, in a history written by Bill Mantlo, drawn by Sal Buscema and inked by Carlos Garzón and Joe Sinnot. That time Ann Nocenti was Assistant Editor for Larry Hama on Incredible Hulk and X-Men.
She is noted for her left-wing political views which, particularly during her run on Daredevil, caused some controversy among some fans who didn't agree with her politics.
She created several popular characters, including Typhoid Mary, Blackheart, Longshot and Mojo, and wrote the 1998 X-Men novel Prisoner X.
Although Nocenti left comic books in the '90s after the industry sales collapsed, she later returned to the field, penning stories such as 2004's Batman & Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows.
In Ultimate X-Men, a reimagination of the X-Men comic, the character Longshot, who was invented by her, has the civil name Arthur Centino. His last name, Centino, is an anagram of Nocenti and a homage to Nocenti. The name Arthur is for the co-creator of Longshot Arthur Adams who was Ann Nocenti's artist on the Longshot Mini Series.
She edited High Times magazine for one year (2004) under the name Annie Nocenti and is the former editor of the screenwriting magazine Scenario.
In Incredible Hulk #291, published in September 1983 (cover date January 1984), Ann Nocenti made a cameo appearance, talking to Dr. Bruce Banner, in a history written by Bill Mantlo, drawn by Sal Buscema and inked by Carlos Garzón and Joe Sinnot. That time Ann Nocenti was Assistant Editor for Larry Hama on Incredible Hulk and X-Men.
She is noted for her left-wing political views which, particularly during her run on Daredevil, caused some controversy among some fans who didn't agree with her politics.
She created several popular characters, including Typhoid Mary, Blackheart, Longshot and Mojo, and wrote the 1998 X-Men novel Prisoner X.
Although Nocenti left comic books in the '90s after the industry sales collapsed, she later returned to the field, penning stories such as 2004's Batman & Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows.
In Ultimate X-Men, a reimagination of the X-Men comic, the character Longshot, who was invented by her, has the civil name Arthur Centino. His last name, Centino, is an anagram of Nocenti and a homage to Nocenti. The name Arthur is for the co-creator of Longshot Arthur Adams who was Ann Nocenti's artist on the Longshot Mini Series.
She edited High Times magazine for one year (2004) under the name Annie Nocenti and is the former editor of the screenwriting magazine Scenario.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 8, 2020
I think that the only aspect of this graphic novel that I truly appreciated was the art style, the other things fell pretty flat to me. The storyline was entertaining to read, sure, but the mystery that was supposed to be there wasn't my favourite part. It all felt quite predictable and there wasn't much investigation to do. Overall I expected more.
February 17, 2021
It's fitting, I suppose, that a book about memory and dementia is vague and meandering.
Shortly before wandering out of her senior care facility, Lana's grandmother tells her a story that picks at the scab of a missing person cold case from decades ago. Forbidden to join in the search for her grandmother, Lana starts looking into the fate of the other woman as she has lots of free time for the investigation since she doesn't have school or a regular job. (I'm guessing she's twentysomething, but that's left vague.) Lots of noir private detective cliches float around as she digs in and starts upsetting people, including her girlfriend who is getting frustrated with their relationship.
There are some interesting ideas floating around, but none of them ever solidify into anything to make the book worthwhile. Meh.
Shortly before wandering out of her senior care facility, Lana's grandmother tells her a story that picks at the scab of a missing person cold case from decades ago. Forbidden to join in the search for her grandmother, Lana starts looking into the fate of the other woman as she has lots of free time for the investigation since she doesn't have school or a regular job. (I'm guessing she's twentysomething, but that's left vague.) Lots of noir private detective cliches float around as she digs in and starts upsetting people, including her girlfriend who is getting frustrated with their relationship.
There are some interesting ideas floating around, but none of them ever solidify into anything to make the book worthwhile. Meh.
August 1, 2020
Ho preso questa graphic novel in offerta a €1,99... e per fortuna! Mi aspettavo una storia avvincente ed emozionante, e invece è stata molto confusionaria e per nulla interessante. Personaggi grigi, avvenimenti troppo frettolosi, e cose spiegate poco e male. Le tre stelle le do solamente per i disegni, a mio avviso ben fatti e dalle tonalità meravigliose.
Quanto alla storia, sono rimasta proprio delusa. Non la consiglio!
Quanto alla storia, sono rimasta proprio delusa. Non la consiglio!
June 17, 2020
Un tocco di noir, famiglia, amore e incertezza sul futuro fa di questa graphic novel una gemma da leggere e rileggere.
Ambientazione, disegni e colori sono bellissimi!
Ambientazione, disegni e colori sono bellissimi!
July 9, 2021
Pensavo avrei dato 4 stelle perchè avevo inquadrato un finale. Essendo un giallo, mi aspettavo un "certo tipo" di finale, non per questo ovvio, ma poteva ritenersi "tipico".
Ma questa si è una storia ben più importante: una storia di donne che salvano altre donne. Merita un voto pieno.
Ma questa si è una storia ben più importante: una storia di donne che salvano altre donne. Merita un voto pieno.
June 9, 2021
I wanted to like this but I think it needed a different approach to editing to make it all work.
October 16, 2022
L'ho preso più per il nome di Flavia Biondi che per altro.
Ho sempre detto che Flavia ha uno stile originalissimo e molto riconoscibile. Ma si vede che il suo stile non va d'accordo con i colori. Non sembravano nemmeno suoi questi disegni. Gli occhi son particolarmente brutti, ad esempio.
La storia... insipida. La protagonista non mi stava per niente simpatica. Comunque, ha una nonna in casa di riposo per l'Alzheimer e due genitori divorziati che vivono uno in parte all'altra. Ha anche una ragazza che danza sulle sete. Poi un giorno la nonna le racconta di Betty, una ragazza uccisa quando l'anziana era bambina.
E la nostra antipatica protagonista si mette in testa di dover risolvere il caso. Chiede e sfrutta l'aiuto di un tipo che aveva una cotta per lui al liceo, povero.
Ma poi non c'è un vero mistero e la storia non porta a nulla. Un'altra recensione dice che ci sta che una storia sulla demenza sia vaga e senza spunti particolare... ma, caspita...
Mi secca averci speso 18€ per queste misere 144 pagine.
Ho sempre detto che Flavia ha uno stile originalissimo e molto riconoscibile. Ma si vede che il suo stile non va d'accordo con i colori. Non sembravano nemmeno suoi questi disegni. Gli occhi son particolarmente brutti, ad esempio.
La storia... insipida. La protagonista non mi stava per niente simpatica. Comunque, ha una nonna in casa di riposo per l'Alzheimer e due genitori divorziati che vivono uno in parte all'altra. Ha anche una ragazza che danza sulle sete. Poi un giorno la nonna le racconta di Betty, una ragazza uccisa quando l'anziana era bambina.
E la nostra antipatica protagonista si mette in testa di dover risolvere il caso. Chiede e sfrutta l'aiuto di un tipo che aveva una cotta per lui al liceo, povero.
Ma poi non c'è un vero mistero e la storia non porta a nulla. Un'altra recensione dice che ci sta che una storia sulla demenza sia vaga e senza spunti particolare... ma, caspita...
Mi secca averci speso 18€ per queste misere 144 pagine.
October 27, 2020
Felt like it was missing scenes of the narrative. The art work was very well done though.
September 29, 2025
Non so se sono io il problema ma ho detestato questa graphic novel che, a quanto ho capito, è il volume intero di 4 fumetti usciti in precedenza.
Probabilmente non è proprio il mio genere.
Ruby Falls è un paesino chiuso in cui tutto ciò che diverge dalla norma rischia di essere soppresso. Ed è proprio quello che avviene alla protagonista che è la tipica ragazza diversa da tutte: attratta dalle donne, senza una direzione precisa dopo il diploma, non vuole seguire le orme né del padre né della madre. L'unica cosa che le interessa è fare luce in una storia che le racconta in modo molto poco equilibrato la nonna che soffre di demenza. La storia di un presunto omicidio di una donna del paese che si scoprirà non essere ancora una storia del tutto chiusa.
Le premesse c'erano: tematica femminista e giallo sono il mio pane quotidiano. Purtroppo però non mi ha convinto nulla: né i disegni, né l'approfondimento di storia e personaggi.
Sono abituato alla brevità delle graphic novel ma qui mi è sembrato tutto molto superciale.
Probabilmente non è proprio il mio genere.
Ruby Falls è un paesino chiuso in cui tutto ciò che diverge dalla norma rischia di essere soppresso. Ed è proprio quello che avviene alla protagonista che è la tipica ragazza diversa da tutte: attratta dalle donne, senza una direzione precisa dopo il diploma, non vuole seguire le orme né del padre né della madre. L'unica cosa che le interessa è fare luce in una storia che le racconta in modo molto poco equilibrato la nonna che soffre di demenza. La storia di un presunto omicidio di una donna del paese che si scoprirà non essere ancora una storia del tutto chiusa.
Le premesse c'erano: tematica femminista e giallo sono il mio pane quotidiano. Purtroppo però non mi ha convinto nulla: né i disegni, né l'approfondimento di storia e personaggi.
Sono abituato alla brevità delle graphic novel ma qui mi è sembrato tutto molto superciale.
June 8, 2020
When Lana's Alzheimer's affected grandmother recalls an event from her childhood, Lana is convinced that she witnessed a murder, and decides to investigate. But the rest of the town thinks that some secrets are better left buried.
This was an interesting book. Nocenti is a curious writer. She wrote superhero comics for years during a time when women writers were incredibly scare in the genre (unlike now, when they're just, um, kind of scarce). But she always had a style to her, one I deeply associate with the stranger Marvel comics of the 70s and 80s. The plotting felt a bit loose and the characters a bit stilted, but she has a really fascinating ability to imbue her work with the themes she wants to explore, in ways that are sometimes heavy-handed, sometimes too cryptic, but almost always evocative. And that's what here, to a large extent. Lana's connection to the murder is pretty overt, as is the repressions and impulsiveness that drive her. The trapeze artist metaphor that opens the book is far, far from subtle. But it works--I think the mystery genre with a slice of romance fits Nocenti incredibly well, and I really like what she did with the queer characters here. Worth reading.
This was an interesting book. Nocenti is a curious writer. She wrote superhero comics for years during a time when women writers were incredibly scare in the genre (unlike now, when they're just, um, kind of scarce). But she always had a style to her, one I deeply associate with the stranger Marvel comics of the 70s and 80s. The plotting felt a bit loose and the characters a bit stilted, but she has a really fascinating ability to imbue her work with the themes she wants to explore, in ways that are sometimes heavy-handed, sometimes too cryptic, but almost always evocative. And that's what here, to a large extent. Lana's connection to the murder is pretty overt, as is the repressions and impulsiveness that drive her. The trapeze artist metaphor that opens the book is far, far from subtle. But it works--I think the mystery genre with a slice of romance fits Nocenti incredibly well, and I really like what she did with the queer characters here. Worth reading.
February 26, 2026
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Lana, la nostra protagonista, vive a Ruby Falls con la sua compagna, che si esibisce in un locale per spogliarelliste per riuscire a mantenere entrambe. Il padre è macellaio, la madre barista, condividono il filo del bucato ma non si rivolgono la parola. La nonna è ricoverata in una struttura per demenza senile e lei non riesce a trovare un lavoro che la soddisfi. Insomma: Lana è immatura, annoiata, frustrata, stanca e scoraggiata. Perciò, quando la nonna le racconta di un vecchio omicidio a cui ha assistito da bambina, prende la palla al balzo per riempire le sue giornate e cercare di scoprire chi è il colpevole, anche a decenni di distanza…
Continua sul nostro blog!
Lana, la nostra protagonista, vive a Ruby Falls con la sua compagna, che si esibisce in un locale per spogliarelliste per riuscire a mantenere entrambe. Il padre è macellaio, la madre barista, condividono il filo del bucato ma non si rivolgono la parola. La nonna è ricoverata in una struttura per demenza senile e lei non riesce a trovare un lavoro che la soddisfi. Insomma: Lana è immatura, annoiata, frustrata, stanca e scoraggiata. Perciò, quando la nonna le racconta di un vecchio omicidio a cui ha assistito da bambina, prende la palla al balzo per riempire le sue giornate e cercare di scoprire chi è il colpevole, anche a decenni di distanza…
Continua sul nostro blog!
January 29, 2024
Did it keep my interest? 3. It’s a graphic novel. How distracted can you get when you can whip through them in an hour?
Did I enjoy the topic? 3. A young women trying to solve an ages old murder in her town. A gramma with dementia possibly holding the key to solving it. It all sounded great in the summary. I got lost in the execution.
Was the dialogue realistic? 3. The drawings were realistic. How about I leave it there
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 2. No. Jennie does love a graphic novel, but I’ll find a more fitting one for her
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 2. I don’t know if Mom would like graphic novels. Maybe if I had found her one about a clan in the Scottish Highlands from the 1600s
Quality of narrator? N/A
Did I enjoy the topic? 3. A young women trying to solve an ages old murder in her town. A gramma with dementia possibly holding the key to solving it. It all sounded great in the summary. I got lost in the execution.
Was the dialogue realistic? 3. The drawings were realistic. How about I leave it there
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 2. No. Jennie does love a graphic novel, but I’ll find a more fitting one for her
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 2. I don’t know if Mom would like graphic novels. Maybe if I had found her one about a clan in the Scottish Highlands from the 1600s
Quality of narrator? N/A
February 6, 2025
I almost quit this story after both the first and second chapters, because the central character is a self-centered, inconsiderate pain in the ass. But I had faith in author Nocenti from her previous work, especially "Seeds" (go read it next). There are so many insightful layers here about community, family, redemption and malleable memory. All the characters are deeply thought out and developed, to the extent that I want to know more. While unfamiliar with the artist, I also want to see more of their work as well. Highly recommended for any fan of twisty thrillers!
July 17, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did. Great story idea, lovely art, and the resolution was both a surprise and fitting (hence the third star). All that said, the characters rang hollow and story development was sacrificed for random and unnecessary bits of drama. I was left feeling like my mind had eaten a cesar salad without any protein or starch source: a couple flavourful moments, but no satiation. I would have to say it’s a reread, but not enthralling.
January 12, 2021
Tre stelle per le illustrazioni, la storia ne merita 1.5/2. Potrebbe essere interessante come introduzione per una saga, come storia autoconclusiva non è un granché.
La trama è affrettata, diversi personaggi e situazioni sono messi nella storia in maniera superficiali e non vengono approfonditi.
Il focus su tre generazioni di donne della stessa famiglia poteva essere sfruttato meglio (in una possibile saga appunto), stessa cosa per la relazione sentimentale della protagonista.
La trama è affrettata, diversi personaggi e situazioni sono messi nella storia in maniera superficiali e non vengono approfonditi.
Il focus su tre generazioni di donne della stessa famiglia poteva essere sfruttato meglio (in una possibile saga appunto), stessa cosa per la relazione sentimentale della protagonista.
April 14, 2021
This was...interesting. Quiet, and dark, and dreamy. I liked the art, I liked the exploration of memory, and the exploration of trust. I liked Clara. I liked Blair. I liked that the mystery is not really the focus.
Still, it feels like there’s some element missing. Depth, maybe? And I feel like everything in the end comes out a little too rosy.
I’m glad I read it though, finally, on my 10th and last renewal, and didn’t let the meh reviews dissuade me!
Still, it feels like there’s some element missing. Depth, maybe? And I feel like everything in the end comes out a little too rosy.
I’m glad I read it though, finally, on my 10th and last renewal, and didn’t let the meh reviews dissuade me!
May 25, 2021
This book tried hard to be a moody neo-noir. It had a good setting and art. It also seemed to have something to say about feminism, but didn't quite manage to work out what that was. Why does Lana cheat on her girlfriend with a boy? Is she giving in to Patriarchy or is she just a cheater? Lana's girlfriend Blair works in a strip bar. Is she asserting control over her own body or just giving in to sexism and easy money? I'm left confused.
March 28, 2026
Struggling for purpose in small-town Ruby Falls, Lana decides to investigate a cold case after Clara, her dementia-ridden grandmother, recalls memories of a murder - but there are those who wish the truth to remain buried...who need the women in town to know their place...Nocenti and Biondi offer a smoothly illustrated mystery with kernels of interesting personality, sadly hampered by its flat drama and clunky pace.
September 26, 2020
Very disappointing. I was very excited to finally sit down and read an interesting noir style mystery only to have it be ruined with a total lack of subtlety in its progressive feminist agenda. We get it, men are evil... And the art made it difficult to even tell which character was which half of the time.
February 10, 2020
I'm not a huge crime story person. But, I will recommend this for those who care less about the crime, and more about t he characters and location. Honestly, not being lazy, but this was an OK read and to say more I feel like I'll be going way too far into spoiler territory
.
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December 22, 2020
Molto carino anche se mi aspettavo qualcosa in più... una morte, un colpevole da scovare, ma forse doveva essere raccontato diversamente, con più dettagli e una fine diversa... o forse se c'era pure un secondo o terzo racconto simile, mi avrebbe conquistata di più
January 14, 2021
Ho preso questo fumetto spinta dal fatto che fosse disegnato da Flavia Biondi che mi piace molto (come autrice ma anche come persona). Ecco, mi dispiace dirlo ma i suoi disegni sono l'unica cosa che salvo di quest'opera che ho trovato un po' confusa e che mi ha anche un po' annoiato.
June 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
A mystery that could've been a lot more compelling had there been more time spent developing it, but I really loved the style and characterization of the protagonist and her family. I also think the landscape of the little town was spot on, but again, a little rushed.
A mystery that could've been a lot more compelling had there been more time spent developing it, but I really loved the style and characterization of the protagonist and her family. I also think the landscape of the little town was spot on, but again, a little rushed.
January 14, 2023
Picked this one up because the art caught my eye. It definitely delivered there. Story wise, it was just ok, though. Not necessarily predictable, but there were no real good “oh shit” moments. And Blaire was also the only real likable character.
November 25, 2020
Well, at least the artwork was good!
April 29, 2021
Good premise, lovely art, but the story feels somewhat under developed. I enjoyed it enough to purchase the ebook, but I don’t think I’ll be adding it to my print library.
June 25, 2021
Struggle between 2.5 and 3. The ending makes it a 3.
December 5, 2022
★★★☆☆ 3 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews