Delirium's Party

Gr 6 Up—Delirium, the youngest of the seven Endlesses, throws a party for her sister Despair after realizing that she has never smiled. The story is a spin-off from a "mature readers" comic book illustrated in semi-chibi style featuring a naked, depressed, obese character. The main character is the personification of addlepated whimsy, and the pages are filled with appropriately imaginative fancies and absurdities. The characters, despite their childish reductions, hew recognizably to their established grown-up personae. And the predominant narrative voice is one that chimes with the cheerful ease of a read-aloud. But the ultimate message is that some people are only happy when other people are unhappy. This is certainly character-appropriate, but one must question the audience. It seems clear that Vertigo thinks of the book as something that will appeal to both veteran readers of Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" as well as their nerd-indoctrinated offspring, but, despite Thompson's excellent craftsmanship and well-honed tone, this enjoyable and clever story is more likely to inspire giggles than raise disturbing questions. It may be too insular to be truly accessible, and is likely more of a lark for adults.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH