ASHES/ Story and Art by ÁLVARO ORTIZ/ Published by TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

Polly, Moho and Piter hadn’t seen each other in years. Their reunion during an ill-advised road trip only serves to remind them of why that’s the case. The surreal journey ahead will test what remains of their friendship, as they encounter car chases, banjo-playing thugs, a ship graveyard, ultra violence, sexual tension and a rogue circus monkey.

Ashes is the first graphic novel by renowned cartoonist Álvaro Ortiz and it is one heck of a premiere. Ortiz’ style is childish in its simplicity, which places it at odds with the incredibly dark and truly hilarious story he spins. The effect is something like what you might get if the Coen Brothers made a Curious George movie. However you describe it, this is one of the most unique graphic novels I’ve had the pleasure to read and I recommend it to everyone.

Ashes releases on February 7th, 2023.