You see, Brian actually had the, um, balls to post a number of explicit pages from the book. Go see the amusing string of comments that ensued (but we will warn you you do need to be over 18).

Anyway, his review is quite positive calling its artwork ’stunning’ and recommending the book.

Brian has also reviewed Arlene’s Heart since where he was less enthusiastic about the story but thought the art impressive as well. See his review.

“MIJEONG is a stunning Korean manhwa. The ending packs a powerful one-two punch and sticks with you far beyond when you put the book down. Each tale in the book has at least some merit to it, as even the weaker ones are accompanied by Byung-Jun’s stunning artistic talents- this is an amazing looking book. This is a versatile and talented creator and I’d be interested in seeing more of his work.”

“Even more visually stunning is ARLENE’S HEART by Victoria Frances. Frances’ artwork is astonishing to behold- there were countless pages that I couldn’t help but wonder how they’d look framed and on a wall. Quite an unusual reading experience.”

“I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t agree that Frances’ art is something to be cherished, enveloped in, and appreciated. Art lovers and fable lovers, seek ARLENE’S HEART out.”

“This isn’t your typical comic-spank fare. It’s a delicate dissection of sex in graphic form. These private moments are written and drawn by some extremely talented creators. From the first time one has sex, to the first menage a trois, to the first trip to a sex shop, the first use of a sex doll, to an x-rated sketch story by the one and only Dave McKean: these stories handle these intimate moments with maturity, showing that even sex stories can have some heft to them. Focusing mainly on the emotional impact of these virginal experiences, FIRST TIME offers a glimpse of the sadness, the joy, the pain, the ugliness, and sometimes the beauty of taking the leap into the unknown for the first time, and that unquestionable regret that no matter how good or bad that experience it was, you can never take that first moment back. ”
(to see First Time, go to our Eurotica site, you must be over 18)

So says AICN…

Arlene’s Heart has shipped and should have reached stores by now. Look for it, it’s a moving fantasy fairy tale for adults and a tribute to surviving personal loss and rejection.

Beautifully painted. See previews here.

Eurotica’s latest, Skinflowers by Ecce Homo, the photog who helps Favole painter artist Victoria Frances pose models for her paintings, is at stores now and from us of course.

It’s an import from Europe, a beautiful jacketed hardcover with photography of nudes in fantasy goth settings. Next week, we’ll be shipping out Victoria Frances next new book Arlene’s Heart, a moving goth fairy tale for adults. Frances, A Spaniard, has already made quite a name for herself in this country with the vampire series of illustrated books Favole.

ARLENE’S HEART
Victoria FRANCES
The fantasy artist famous for the FAVOLE series of books is back with a metaphor for hope in the shape of a fable where child-like fantasy contrasts with the feeling of isolation and alienation which invades our every day life. Lyrically and suggestively painted, a visual poem of fascinating sensuous gothic beauty. For mature readers.
81/2 x 11, 80pp., full color jacketed hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-1-56163-552-8

see previews; order it