Sprawl

by Felix Cheong, Arif Rafhan (Illustrator)

A hardboiled detective near the burnt-end of days. His knuckleheaded partner, a scholar destined for bigger things. And a young mother working illegally as a bar girl. In the sprawl of a city oblivious to their dreams, their lives intersect in the most unlikely of places – a murder scene. Sprawl is gritty and laced with dark humour, its characters paradoxically cynical and romantic. Innovative and surprising, Sprawl will open your eyes to how poetry and artwork can work seamlessly together. And how a city as hard-edged in chrome and steel as Singapore has the softness of an underbelly.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2021

Reviews

[Wen-yi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"if you dream too long, you forget if you're sleeping or dead."

a unique noir graphic novel in verse, by singaporean creators!

[Callistus Cheong · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best graphic novel that has emerged from Singapore - a noir drenched graphic novel, with the narrative of the novel that is driven in poetic form, blending poem and the gritty art of Malaysian artist, Arif Rafhan. Though inspired by the similarly noir-themed Sin City, Sprawl is compact in its story telling but nonetheless, this graphic novel has the power to hits you in the gut, reminding you that there are still stories out there, that will make you squirm in your seat. Please enjoy this book with whiskey, straight-up, and two packs if smokes if you have them.

[Christina Zhou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great graphic novel! It’s my first experience reading a comic too and I really appreciate the poetry and the depth of emotions and imagination involved. Definitely looking forward to more from Felix Cheong!

[Fei Mok · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel that is part poetry and all artistry, it sits comfortably in the genre of gritty, noir-ish whoddunits. Twists and turns come with the territory, and i found myself unable to put it down without reading it all in one sitting.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes artistic inspiration from Frank Miller combined with hard boiled fiction of Raymond Chandler. Still the storytelling is, irresistibly, Felix!

[Xiangning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic noir comic that blends author Felix Cheong's sensitive and witty poetry with Arif Rafhan's gripping and evocative illustrations. Never have I thought that a detective comic could manifest so dynamically- a must read for graphic novel lovers, poetry-lovers, and any who is seeking for stimulation and inspiration!

[Jolin (twentycharm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This is a graphic novel meant to be reread. Short and sweet, yet with much to take away. The story is told in such a way that leaves room for readers’ interpretation while not being too vague. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the rest of this series as I believe Cheong and Rafhan are a fantastic pair.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you thought that the good side of the world was with you but the coin was tossed and the other side came out. The unnerving and unfair prejudice that bleeds in the pages of “𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥” is enlightenment from the total brightness that blinds many to the reality of the hierarchy of authority. Are we never going to get tired and accept it as the ‘norm’—of falling to our knees and becoming slaves of disgust behind money thrown as confetti in front of us? Are there still “purely” good leaders? My tears of hunger for it bleeds as this novel does.

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local library, Quick read, crime noir, fun art, simple story, done well.

3.7✨✨✨