REVIEW MADAME XANADU:BROKEN HOUSE OF CARDS

                                                               

   This trade collection includes issues 16-23 of the Madame Xanadu series. America 1957. Suburban, middle class housewife Betty has a problem. It begins with a dress that won't stay down. Really! And not just the dress she tries on at Sacks. It's such a problem that she has to resort to wearing a pair of pants! Then it continues with her hair, then her entire body. Then there is the weight loss and her natural blond waves turning jet black.

I was very intrigued with the direction of this story. Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder continue to make this the most magical and beautiful comic in the DC Universe this side of Zatanna.  Matt's writing this volume is intricate and intriguing as several plot threads all converge around Betty's story.  Amy Reeder's  art is gorgeous as usual. I loved seeing her take on 1957 American life. Her style also adjusts well to the darker elements of this story arc without losing her natural artistic flair. Just look at the cover! the vivid green of Xanadu's eyes envelope you.

As Betty's symptoms get worse , including massive oral expectoration of insects (eww), she finds herself at Madame Xanadu's door. Xanadu realizes she is in the midst of a possession.The revelation of who is possessing her has startling connections to Xanadu's past.

Xanadu is aided this volume by the mysterious "Mr. Jones" who is tracking a mob component that is tied into the villain of this story arc. I love the guest stars from the DC universe that appear. John is a very helpful ally to Xanadu despite his limitations around fire. It's almost like he can read her mind =)

A very satisfying arc with an action packed finale. this volume also has a bonus short story from the first volume of the Vertigo Halloween Special.

A lot of readers are branching out into the graphic novel world, this is a wonderful series to start and even this volume will  be accessible to new readers.