The graphic equivalent of the literary journal returns with its twelfth quarterly issue featuring 18 original contributions by the likes of [a:Sophie Crumb|243916|Sophie Crumb|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Ray Fenwick|1266188|Ray Fenwick|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Olivier Schrauwen|1554886|Olivier Schrauwen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1449767638p2/1554886.jpg], [a:Dash Shaw|596378|Dash Shaw|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1314252872p2/596378.jpg], [a:Al Columbia|2921804|Al Columbia|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1366818435p2/2921804.jpg], [a:Derek Van Gieson|801608|Derek Van Gieson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Sara Edward-Corbett], and [a:Paul Hornschemeier|64255|Paul Hornschemeier|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1291670387p2/64255.jpg]. While the quality fluctuates throughout, exemplary pieces by [a:Nate Neal|4321905|Nate Neal|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Tom Kaczynski|2895822|Tom Kaczynski|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1239401328p2/2895822.jpg], [a:Jon Vermilyea|2945577|Jon Vermilyea|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Killoffer|14493333|Killoffer|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], and the always reliable [a:David B.|6884287|David B.|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1357676273p2/6884287.jpg] elevate this unique anthology above the standard fare, showcasing a series ground-breaking graphical story-telling realities
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The Mome success story continues with volume 12. This impressive series got off to a rough start, but the last couple of years have been good ones, with enough shuffling of the cast of regular contributors to really bring some interesting ideas and stunning visual expression to the forefront. Dash Shaw, Tom Kaczynski, and Al Columbia continue to deliver on earlier promises. A handful of new contributors add some interesting flavor, and even the makeweight contributions of Sophie Crumb and Paul Hornschemeier can't sink the boat. But the real reason to buy into volume 12 is David B's "The Drum Who Fell in Love". Once again, David B delivers the goods in a spectacular way, thoroughly living up to his reputation as the single most significant artist working in the graphic novel medium today. For this piece alone, Mome #12 is well worth the price of admission. ( )