5 out of 5

The initial Concrete volume was compelling because of how unusually it explored an origin mythos, granting a regular Joe abilities tantamount to what might be super powers in a DC / Marvel book and then exploring how one might realistically adapt to such changes.  The “real life” route has been tread much since, but I feel Chadwick and Concrete still own a special niche where it never expands outward into the semi-predictable fantastic, but keeps the focus somehow light-weight and contemplative and incredibly internal.  It’s essentially an ongoing biography of one man’s struggle to adapt to life (and one writer’s struggle – from which he emerges successful – to determine how this narrative will work); he just happens to be in a concrete body and the struggle is undertaken with general bemusement.

The second collection pushed our lead to explore new frontiers, somewhat testing the limits of his powers (an essential step in the hero’s journey), but the overall narrative felt like it lost a bit of traction.

However, coming home to roost in volume three, it does seem that that gained perspective was important.  Collecting a four issue mini series in which Concrete assists with the special effects of a b-movie, as well as some related odds and ends, ‘Fragile Creatures’ is a wonderful flowing capture of the microcosms of the entertainment industry, and how they reflect the individual’s strengths and weaknesses; Concrete becomes more “human” as we tip-toe into other emotions and the mini-series-to-short-story sequencing really begins to enhance the world and characters in which our lead lives and with whom he associates.  And, as ever, it’s intelligent and charming and genuinely funny throughout.  The Hollywood dealings, as explained in Chadwick’s intro, are enriched by his own experiences, and through Concrete’s point of view we get this incredibly fascinating non-judgmental – or at least not openly agenda’d – look at the industry’s pluses and minuses.  When this wraps back through ‘Crete’s emotional fumblings in considering his own values and feelings, the text sings in a way like none other.

There’s some artistic inconsistency as Chadwick tried out different inking styles (something he also mentions in the intro), but he’s such a master draftsman – some of the layouts are so insanely complex and gorgeous without being confusing or intrusive – that you quickly adjust to the changes.

An excellent addition to your smarty-pants library, but also a legitimately entertaining read and wonderful expansion to the world of Concrete.