Mean Business on North Ganson Street

Not my favorite Zahler, but all that means is it's one of the best books I've read in years and not one of the best I've read in my entire life.

I think this is his best written, and probably most mainstream approachable work. In it his writing style has finally crystalized into what it feels like he's been trying to do all along. Everything is weighty and impactful. Mythic characters rip through with this immense gravitational wake that pulls and warps everything around them and when they collide it's cosmically devastating. Every act of violence is tragic and important.

It's also funny? Like legitimately. The voicemail in the denouement in particular is one of the most gonzo/amazing/hilarious things I've ever read, and the perfect tension-break/cherry-on-top after the titular ‘Mean Business'. I want a spinoff novella of just that character.

I loved it. Sad that I'm out of Zahler novels. Guess it's time to check out his comics.

I really hope we get some more of his movies again soon. How long have Brigands and Stone Grid been in development hell for? :/