Paolo Eleuteri Serpieri

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

The fourth volume in the Druuna series is competent but perhaps a bit less interesting (story-wise) than the earlier installments in the series. The problem is essentially one of "dropping the ball": where earlier volumes posed questions about Druuna's potential divinity and the very nature of the mutants that are constantly assaulting her, Carnivora lets things slip as Druuna becomes the savior of the human race, without particularly doing or thinking anything of a causal nature - it just show more sorta happens that way.

Still, any graphic novel that manages to prominently showcase the bounteous tits and ass of a heroine while her male companion muses on "Where does time begin?" must be doing something right. The ideas are as high falutin' as the female flesh is copious, even if each of the above amounts to more wrapping paper than gift. In the end, it's still a classic, saucy sci-fi sex romp. show less