Graphic Novel Review: 12 by Manix Abrera

Posted on July 18, 2024 at 7:29 am by Gene Ambaum

12 by Manix Abrera. Ablaze, 2022. 9781684970001. 152pp.

Abrera’s graphic novel features twelve wordless stories, each about one of the individuals on the cover. They’re for adults, but I don’t want to describe them to you more; I didn’t know what to expect when I opened this book, which made it a better read.

Abrera’s simple style makes most feel ponderous. My favorites involve 1) a fantastic partner who is brought to life in an inventive way only possible via the language of comics and 2) a little girl who uses a balloon to look around after she loses her parent.

If that sounds good to you at all, check it out from your library. It’s available on Hoopla at mine. (Ablaze has also published 14 by Abrera; it looks like it’s available through Hoopla as well.)