Sleeper. Vol. 3, A crooked line
(Graphic Novel)

The third Sleeper collection closes further in on the inevitable confrontation between Tao, head of an all-powerful, worldwide criminal cartel, and Lynch, who commands a covert government organization resembling the CIA with a bad attitude. In it, the surprising bond between the two masterminds and the reason behind their bitter enmity both become clearer. The focus remains on Holden Carver, who infiltrated Tao's operation at Lynch's behest but is now playing both ends against the middle. The series' superhero aspects remain muted--operatives possess extrahuman powers and colorful code names but lack spandex costumes and much of the bluster associated with the genre--though its fantastic nature, notably the extraterrestrial source of Carver's abilities, occasionally comes to the fore. Writer Brubaker smoothly handles the knotty plot lines, and convincingly sells the more outlandish elements. Phillips' art effectively combines storytelling clarity and a shadowy atmosphere perfectly suited to the series' morally ambiguous tone. This collection ends with Carver verging on double-crossing both Tao and Lynch, which should guarantee eager readers for the next installment. --Gordon Flagg Copyright 2005 Booklist

The third Sleeper collection closes further in on the inevitable confrontation between Tao, head of an all-powerful, worldwide criminal cartel, and Lynch, who commands a covert government organization resembling the CIA with a bad attitude. In it, the surprising bond between the two masterminds and the reason behind their bitter enmity both become clearer. The focus remains on Holden Carver, who infiltrated Tao's operation at Lynch's behest but is now playing both ends against the middle. The series' superhero aspects remain muted--operatives possess extrahuman powers and colorful code names but lack spandex costumes and much of the bluster associated with the genre--though its fantastic nature, notably the extraterrestrial source of Carver's abilities, occasionally comes to the fore. Writer Brubaker smoothly handles the knotty plot lines, and convincingly sells the more outlandish elements. Phillips' art effectively combines storytelling clarity and a shadowy atmosphere perfectly suited to the series' morally ambiguous tone. This collection ends with Carver verging on double-crossing both Tao and Lynch, which should guarantee eager readers for the next installment. ((Reviewed June 1 & 15, 2005)) Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.