Largo Winch Book 6: ...And Die - Jean Van Hamme & Phillipe Francq

Largo Winch Book 6: ...And Die

Cinebook

Francq's artwork is quite aptly to die for in this the conclusion to the story that began in See Venice...

If you've never visited Venice you'll want to, despite the machine gun mayhem that occasionally takes place, because Francq's detailed charismatic landscapes, buildings of architectural precision and world weary medieval castle interiors contrasting with high speed boat chase scenes are all eye-candy of the highest order.

And that's before we even get to his portrayal of Domenica! - Let's be straight here: there are some incredibly sexy scenes featuring this lady, all tempered seductively and on the right side of British decency for this 15+ recommended book. But it's evocative that's for sure, yeah, even if it is just lines drawn on paper!

And you know what, as single images all those pictures would simply just be first rate, as sequential art they play cat and mouse as Van Hamme's mystery story deepens, unfolds and finally spews out towards its conclusion. You will need to have read the first book See Venice... to get the full benefit for there are clues littered therein that reveal themselves in ...And Die.

How an annual fancy dress ball organised by Venice's Duke Leridan and his own dark secrets are linked with the not-so opportune capture of Charity and why it all ties into the W Group's business rivals is revealed clearly, like a slow game of chess being played out until one side gets annoyed and throws all the pieces off the board in a single violent outburst.

Jean Van Hamme is the grandmaster of thriller comic book scripting, and Phillipe Francq is his more than able accomplice in Largo Winch.

This two-parter is the best story I've read in any medium over the past 12 months.

To find more about the English language Largo Winch books visit: www.cinebook.com

As with my review of the previous volume I've attached a Youtube clip from the Largo Winch TV series as a little continental treat: