Review | Rex Libris: I, Librarian
Warning to all those in breach of library return policies, there’s a new librarian in town, and he doesn’t take kindly to overdue library materials. Rex Libris, Head Librarian of the Middleton Public Library does away with the tired stereotype of the mousy librarian. Res Libris is an ass-kicking, no-nonsense, intergalactic, time-traveling information professional, hell-bent on keeping order in his center for public knowledge. Writer and artist, James Turner delivers over and over again this high energy, comedic look at librarianship.
Buckle Up for this Review | Rex Libris: I, Librarian
Rex Libris: I, Librarian, contains the first five installments of Rex’s antics at the Middleton Public Library, one of the largest and most complete libraries in the modern world. Its uncanny lay points bring characters to life and break down the barriers between time and space. If this sounds like the most amazing and least quiet library on the planet, you’d be right.
Oh, and did I mention Rex Libris: I, Librarian is a graphic, sci-fi novel?
Rex Libris is written and illustrated by Turner, and the images and rendered mostly in black and white. The simplicity of the images lends to the fast-paced narrative by never overshadowing it.
This gem of modern literature pulled me between laughing out loud to perched on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. I was surprised to find that neither Turner nor Rex Libris’ publisher, Slave Labor Graphics, are in the library profession. Conveyed perfectly within the pages of Rex Libris is training obtained by today’s information professionals.
If you are a fan of graphic novels, humor, librarians, or action and adventure, then give Turner’s sweet graphic novel a read. I had a blast flipping through the pages. The story is silly sci-fi, that keeps you wondering what’s coming next. The art has a futuristic, art deco feel that never bores. I received this book as a birthday present from Renee Ramsey of Dueling Librarians while we were both getting our master’s in Library and Info Science. I can’t think of a better gift for a librarian in training.
