Paolo Eleuteri Serpieri

The third volume of Serpieri's Druuna series takes things in a weird new direction, as the narrative embraces the concept of the "primary creature", which might also be God. This is a heady concept for a nominally cheesecake series like Druuna, but to his credit, Serpieri manages to use the idea well, as his heroine gets dragged into the middle of the mess through a decidedly non-virgin act of conception that hints towards the (re-)birth of the son of God in a future episode. But not to show more worry - Creatura still has plenty of nudity and sex, continuing the proud tradition of voyeuristic sci-fi sleaze that fans of Druuna have come to expect. show less

Morbus Gravis I is the beginning of Serpieri's epic of apocalyptic sci-fi porn, as originally run in the pages of Heavy Metal magazine (back in the glory days when that magazine was actually worth reading). It's filthy, violent, and highly voyeuristic, but it's also illustrated in a vigorous, fleshy style that is equally disturbing and stimulating, and instantly recognizable as the work of Serpieri. If the story is a bit cliched, it's an entertaining read nonetheless, and the work as a whole show more is an important export to these shores from the impressive European comics scene. show less

The final volume of Heavy Metal reprints of Serpieri's Druuna series takes the proceedings to new heights of silliness. Not only have Druuna's breasts apparently grown larger since the last installment, but her willingness to face mortal danger in skimpy, nothing-left-to-the-imagination outfits knows no bounds. And even more than earlier volumes in the series, Mandragore revels in our heroine's willingness to screw any horribly deformed mutant in pursuit of her muddled metaphysical quest show more for...well, whatever the hell it is she's supposed to be looking for. Perhaps this series is a warning of things to come - a depraved future full of big boobs, hard cocks, random violence, and repulsive mutations. Better than nuclear winter, I suppose! show less

The second installment in Serpieri's Druuna saga continues the pattern of filth, violence, and despair established at the beginning of the series. Despite the emphasis on graphic brutality and sexuality, it's undeniable that the author paints an interesting picture of a desolate world devoid of compassion, culture, or really anything at all that transcends the very basest animal instincts at the core of every human being. If the wrapping is made up largely of boobs and gore, there is show more nonetheless an interesting story at the heart of Druuna, and the series offers more rewards than mere titillation. show less