Roland, scion of a prominent family, comes to an isolated, cavernous mapping facility to launch his cartographic career. His supervisor, old Mister Paul, knowing the turbulent history of their employer, the state of Sodrovno, encourages Roland to learn from the maps. The young man works well, becomes infatuated with a prostitute in the facility's recreation center, and exercises authority beyond his position when there is an influx of new employees. Supreme leader Marshal Radisic arrives to see the facility's big project, an immense model of the "greater" Sodrovno, which he aims to realize somehow. Before Radisic departs but too late to show him, Roland finds a map identical to markings on his love's backside. To be continued . . . Architect Schuiten and comics historian Peeters bring ace drafting talent and knowledge of such architectural comics precedents as Winsor McKay's "Little Nemo in Slumberland" to the construction of their Cities of the Fantastic series, which includes this book. Their imaginary world's spaciously oppressive atmosphere comes from the heart of Kafkaesque dread.
Ray OlsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Synopsis
Even before fully finishing his degree, the brilliant young Roland is offered a job in the Centre for Cartography of Sodrovno-Voldachia. In the course of his employment, he climbs the ladder rapidly. Roland, who must, like his colleagues, live almost like a recluse within the huge centre, meets a mysterious young woman whose body seems covered with strange lines which he can barely perceive. Soon, the centre is visited by Marshal Radisic, supreme leader of the country, whose expansionist politics leave little doubt as to the goal: all means will be employed to rebuild the 'Great Sodrovnia'. Roland is torn between love and personal ambition and subserviance to a state machine that he grows to despise...
