Put The Book Back On The Shelf: A Belle & Sebastian Anthology - Various

At least when Kiss embarked on a ridiculous vanity comic book project they each mixed a vial of blood into the vat of red ink.

Book Review by Ryan Van Winkle | 15 Jun 2006
It is no surprise that limp-wristed indie-pop has yielded a limp-wristed indie-pop graphic novel. At least when Kiss embarked on a ridiculous vanity comic book project they each mixed a vial of blood into the vat of red ink. So, when you got Kiss's 1977 special from Marvel, you not only got a super-powered, crime fighting Gene Simmons, you also got his plasma.

Belle and Sebastian's book is bloodless, literally and figuratively. A white mouse sucked dry in the lab. The idea is a lovely one: artists illustrate Belle and Sebastian's lyrics and the fans get a pastiche of different styles and stories. Or, more accurately, a series of quiet and boring music videos. Imagine watching MTV with the sound off and you've got something as mind-numbing and pointless as this book.

Maybe it's a great companion to your favourite Belle and Sebastian album. Maybe it will look good on your coffee table or by the side of your bed when you invite the thin babe with the dyed black hair back to your flat. She might dig it and cotton onto you because you are obviously a sensitive guy. Or maybe next time the band should have a little more involvement in their product. Maybe they should copy Kiss, get some super powers, meet the X-Men and start fighting crime. [Ryan Van Winkle]