By Pat McGreal, Stephen John Phillips & Steven Parke (DC Comics)
Hardback ISBN: 1-56389-752-0 Softcover ISBN: 1-56389-863-2
This book includes Discriminatory Content produced during less enlightened times.
In the last century when it was hived off from DC’s mainstream continuity, the adult-oriented Vertigo imprint was quick to embrace not only the innovative but also the classical in its efforts to advance the medium.
Although eschewing formulaic superhero and science fiction genres and exploring all aspects of horror, it also welcomed other favourites of popular fiction.
I, Paparazzi is an old-fashioned Noir thriller with heavy Conspiracy Theory underpinnings. Jaded Jake McGowran is a sleazebag photographer, part of the tireless pack chasing celebrities for candid, big bucks exclusives. However, Jake used to be something more, and even by his own lights, something better. He is big, hulking, relentless. He doesn’t stop until he gets what he’s after. His fellow scavengers call him “Monster”.
When he decides to go after Media darling Jeremy Zinn, though, he is completely unprepared for the kind of trouble that this celebrity can make for him…
Dark, moody and deeply paranoid, this slight but tasty modern fable blends the world of the Glitterati with the lesser world’s seamy urban underbelly and even sweetens the mix with outrageous fantasy… or perhaps not.
What is the exact nature of Reality when even the Camera is happy to lie to us?
Taking the hallowed Fumetti process (strips constructed from sequential photographs) to new heights, this drama is told via computer enhanced photographs and typography, for a gritty and surreal experience that still stand up well against most movies and a fair few comic books too.
See for yourselves and maybe take a picture. It’ll last longer…
© 2001 Pat McGreal, Stephen John Phillips, Steven Parke. All Rights Reserved.