Graphic Content: Abbott and Abbott 1973

 

Urban fantasy and paranormal romance, including works by Jim Butcher and Patricia Biggs, are two speculative subgenres that often get lumped together. And just like chocolate and peanut butter, they create something better than the sum of their parts. Rather than dissect these stories for the elements that are either urban fantasy or paranormal romance, the meager taken up with this review would be better spent enlightening readers about a pair of graphic novels that are not only a great example of both urban fantasy and paranormal romance but contains some social commentary into which readers can sink their mental teeth. These two graphic novels are Abbott and its sequel Abbott 1973, both written by Saladin Ahmed and illustrated by Sami Kivelä.

Abbott introduces the reader to chain-smoking, tough as nails Elena Abbott, tabloid reporter with an acerbic wit, a need to always be smoking, and a supernatural destiny that piques the interest of the dark forces brewing in Detroit. In Abbott, Elena must battle a secret society with close ties to the Umbra, a literal force of darkness that wants to destroy the world. The first book introduces the reader to Abbott’s world and its colorful characters, some who don’t make it to the end of the first story. In Abbott 1973, after learning more about her destiny and enjoying a new relationship, Elena must find out who or what is trying to interfere in Detroit’s mayoral election. Elena and her friends must battle not only the agents of the Umbra but also the racism and corruption that flow through Detroit’s streets like poison.

Those who like hard-boiled noir, ‘70s cop shows, or urban fantasy will find something to like in Ahmed’s story. Elena features prominently in every panel, always smoking and rarely smiling. Elena might not have a lot to smile about, particularly when it comes to her status in this version of the Motor City. Elena has lost lovers to threats both mundane and paranormal, and she faces racism as well as sexism in her job as a reporter, but these struggles are what make her an interesting character as well as someone to whom modern readers can relate. Kivelä’s artwork helps immerse the reader in Elena’s world, not only by invoking the fashion and aesthetic of the ‘70s but by using an art style that brings to mind early ‘80s Vertigo comics. These books are for fans of The Dresden Files as well as the Mercy Thompson series, but they also display a social awareness in its depictions, for example, of racism among Detroit’s police. This look into deeper, darker issues that aren’t supernatural helps set it apart from the many heroines of this genre that are both witty and tough as nails.