Declare war on the stars? A simple question that sets the tone for the rest of Bernie McGovern's graphic novel An Army of Lovers Will Be Beaten, in which Pilot Lieutenant Buckeley vacations in the port town of Catalpa, away from the army of blue-skinned soldiers who have declared war on the constellations. As readers may expect, McGovern's world has an alien vibe, but also something touching that pulses through each spare page of Buckeley's discoveries.

Landing in Catalpa, Buckeley discovers much has changed in his absence. The port town is filled with flop houses, rundown bars, and lowlifes eager to drop punches. Escaping some of that, Buckeley makes his way out to the countryside, where instead of his peaceful nap, he finds himself escaping a number of bombs slung at the skies. The most dramatic moments of this installment occur when Buckeley realizes in his haste to escape the bomb blasts that he's left his duffle bag and favorite photo behind.

A rather thoughtful llama offers to ride the sensitive Buckeley to his bag, and in a beautiful full color, two-page splash, McGovern creates a moment of amazing energy, emotional strength, and vivid color, which he follows up with a series of humorous, yet touching moments on journey to the duffle bag. Ultimately, the ride culminates in an absurd realization that maintains the tone from introduction to conclusion of this peculiar, fascinating story. | James Nokes

Click the images below for a look at Bernie McGovern's art on the book. To order it, visit the Short Pants Press store.