HARD LOOKS is an outstanding collection of 17 short stories by attorney/author Andrew Vachss, which makes an unflinching examination of all manner of human depravity while at the same time providing the reader with heroes and hope. The stories (titles include: DRIVE BY; DATE RAPE; LYNCH LAW; HEAD CASE; BORN BAD; CRIPPLE; DUMPING GROUND; and MAN TO MAN) have been adapted to graphic novel format by Joe R. Lansdale, Charles de Lint, Chet Williamson, Jim Colbert, Rose Dawn Scott, and Neal Barrett, Jr. and feature the splendid artwork of Geoff Darrow, David Lloyd, Gary Gianni, Warren Pleece, Jack Pollack, and others. The skillful adaptations and the beautifully-done artwork serve to greatly amplify the power of these hard-edged tales.
For years I have admired the power and strength of Mr. Vachss' novels (FLOOD, STREGA, BLUE BELLE, SHELLA, ONLY CHILD, et al.). This collection, with the freedom allowed by the short story form and its wide range of subject matter, equals or surpasses the intensity of those books.
This edition of HARD LOOKS is available in two versions, one with a photo cover and one with a masterfully-drawn cover by Geof Darrow. I would highly recommend the book featuring Mr. Darrow's artwork. Mr. Darrow's richly-detailed, colorful illustration tells a story (actually, many stories) all its own and is well worth the cover price....
HARD LOOKS ... masterfully adapted, wonderfully illustrated versions of 17 provacative, disturbing, and important short stories from Andrew Vachss.