Babel Vol. 1 - David B

Dreams and autobiographical elements feature heavily in the books of David B to such an extent that the dreams are in a way autobiographical of the author's fascinating inner life. Not that the two are separate, dreams and reality merge, two sides, one illuminating or drawing from and feeding off the other, the exchange going both two ways. Dreams are as real as everyday life for David B, presenting an extraordinary, almost alternative life that features recurrent images and figures, one that elevates life closer to great mysteries and secrets, tied in with mythology, power and evil.

Babel, published in France in 2004 by Coconino Press/Vertige Graphics is just such a blend of dreams and childhood reflection. As a child living with his family in Orléans, the narrator sees his ancestors, an old couple, who live on the ceiling of their dining room. Also related here is the occurrence of the first epileptic seizure of his brother Jean-Christophe (who would become the main subject of his masterwork Epileptic or La Ascension du haut mal), at a time when he is having vivid recurring dreams of 'The King of The World'. There are some Little Nemo references in a 'Little Fafou' strip, but even the longest non-dream piece is an account of the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War which David B tenuously connects to his brother's diminishing power. Either way, but it's a horrific account, brilliantly visualised.

It's all drawn in the familiar classic three-colour style of the artist, with heavy black and white blocks and red colouration. The layouts are imaginative, beautiful and elaborate, with fantastical creatures creating borders that enhance the otherworldly qualities of the extraordinary hallucinogenic nightmarish imagery. The French edition of Babel Vol.1, published by Cococino/Vertige is 32 pages, heavy paper, with full-colour wraparound cover and flaps.

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