A year and a half ago, the attention paid to crime writers like Greg Rucka, David Morrell, Duane Swierczynski and Denise Mina turning their storytelling attention to the comic book format had me wondering about the opposite tack: What happens when prose-and-picture stars leave artwork behind to concentrate solely on the words? But now, with graphic novels permeating the mainstream with greater force and attendees flocking to comic book conventions in San Diego and New York in six-figure droves, it’s time to reverse course and revisit the pictorial approach to mystery and suspense stories. The timing is especially ripe now that DC Comics has confirmed its dedicated line for graphic crime novels, Vertigo Crime, will finally launch this August, ending the arduous buildup of expectation for Ian Rankin’s maiden voyage into this territory featuring “Hellblazer” main character John Constantine and Brian “100 Bullets” Azzarello’s 1960s noir re-imagining. But we can also look forward to Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s Parker novels into comic books this summer and, down the line, Oni Press’ dedicated imprint of graphic novels curated by Karin Slaughter under the Slaughterhouse name.
more from the LA Times here.