Graphic Novel A Day: Kafka

Writer: Steven Seagle
Artist: Stefano Gaudiano
Company: Active Images
Price: $14.99

I first discovered Seagle's work on the underrated superhero book Primal Force, but it's clear he'd had a burgeoning career in the small press long before that. Thankfully, Richard Starkings' Active Images is uncovering these gems and republishing them with the same kind of beautiful design and production values you'd expect from the guys who design Godland and Elephantmen. Kafka is a thriller, about a spy with some limited abilities to influence the minds of others, and as he goes on the run from two different sets of agents, both claiming to be the government, the story unfolds as to how he got these abilities and skills. Gaudiano, best known for his work with Michael Lark on Gotham Central and Daredevil, is very rough here, but his storytelling is solid enough, and it's easy to see why this indy gem was nominated for an Eisner back in the day.