Signal to Noise New Edition
Written by Neil Gaiman Illustrated by Dave McKean
Signal to Noise is a piece of art. It gives the impression that it is less important for you to like it than to appreciate it. Gaiman and McKean are very aware that despite the details of the story they are telling the book is really about mortality and limited human perspective and unshared experiences. The title is pretty key in deciphering some of the meanings of the narrative. It embodies a basic question of life about whether the universe has meaning. Is it just white noise, or is there purpose to the patterns?
It is well written and beautifully illustrated, and both the words and images carry weight and meaning. In that sense, Signal to Noise is a complete success. From a certain point of view and perspective it is even intensely engaging, even though it does not really have to be. For what it is, and the ideas it explores, it feels like it needs a little more life to it, though. It is all about death and loss and isolation. It feels one sided in its narrative. That is not bad, exactly, but it could have used some other elements from the emotional spectrum to create a little more texture. All of its grand ideas feel a little flat and two dimensional.
There is no reason to spoil the plot for a review since the graphic novel is so short. The plot follows a simple path where a very predictable and painful to watch even happens very slowly, and then the surrounding characters interpret their feelings about it. The end is there to make you feel more enriched by the experience rather than cutting off at the bleakest moment. At the same time, though, it doesn’t really change much. It isn’t supposed to, it is there to give you context and to smooth out your emotional exit from the narrative. All the pieces come together, at their worst they are only serviceable, and at their best they are really powerful ideas. These artists are experienced at their craft and it shows. They know how not to mess up, even when they do not always shine.
This is perfect light reading. The emotional drama is predictable but still engaging. The narrative is engaging. The art is aggressive and harsh, but it matches the tone of the story and ideas. None of it is revolutionary though it does have some very cool twists in here on some of the ideas. I strongly recommend it, especially since it will only take about an hour or two to read in its entirety.
Nice blog post. As you’re a Dave McKean fan, I would like to recommend you have a look to http://www.dmasks.com , where u can find lots of information about Luna, new Dave’s film! Worthwhile
Thank you very much for the link. I have to check out Mirror Mask. It has just barely escaped me watching it, but this is just one more reason to find it and appreciate it.