5 is the Perfect Number - Igort

This classic piece of fumetti, or 'little clouds of smoke' as comic books are known in Italy (in reference to their speech bubbles), was a big seller in Europe and won many awards upon its release in 2003. An aged 'guappo', forced out of retirement when his son is killed, is reinvigorated by the violence which had been his way of life and reason to live. But the subdued blue duotone chosen by Igort adds shades of sadness and loss that are fitting for this story of lives tainted by treachery.

Igort's stylish, cinematic panels are as atmospheric as the best film noir - full of shadows, rain-drenched alleyways, religious imagery and desperate men dwarfed by post-impressionist Toulouse-Lautrec-style billboards. In narrative terms it is underwhelming on first reading - its action cut short by a jump in time, its climactic scenes told only in flashback - but there is a depth that remains with you. Its portentous dreams and sincere emotions make it a tale of genuine humanity as much as mafia brutality. [Milo McLaughlin]