Mondo Urbano
Reviewed by Ron

So, sometimes we have plans for things, and this week my plan was to review a specific book. I’ve decided, though, to review Mondo Urbano, Vol. 1 instead, and let me tell you why…

Mondo Urbano, by Eduardo Medeiros (Mad Magazine), Mateus Santolouco (Wolverine), and Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), is one of those rather unique books that leaves you scratching your head, wondering what the hell you just read, and debating if you have stumbled across genius or insanity. Well, having put the book down and pondered about it for a bit, I’m here to say that it is pure genius; just genius with a headache.

Essentially, the story focuses on Van Hudson, the lead singer and guitarist of what is the greatest band ever, De-Mo, and those who he knows and inspires, those who worship and loathe him, those who see him as God and the Devil, and everyone in between. It’s hard to describe in any way except to say that it is like the film Memento, just a lot more nonlinear. To be blnt, it’s a story about sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll that unfolds in one helluva trip.

So, got that out there in a rather convoluted way, so now I’m going to back up, and just talk about the book the way I talk about music.

It’s sweet. It’s awesome. It’s bitchin’. It’s radical. It’s sleek, sexy, and something else entirely. It’s everything the medium should and shouldn’t be all rolled into one, and as I’m writing this, I want to tell you that that’s a good thing – because it is! – but I can’t just tell you that, because… well, because.

As a reviewer, I know I’m supposed to be clear with everything, and be direct, and to the point, but on something like this, it’s just so hard. I mean, Mondo Urbano is a book for rock n’ roll hounds and punk rockers. Anybody who has ever been to a rock show can appreciate this book. Anybody who has ever been backstage can relate to this. Anyone who has ever wanted to make music just to make music will find something here. It’s that kind of book. Not life changing, not something that stays with you, but something tangible. That’s what I’m getting at: in a medium full of capes and spandex, vampires and zombies, metaphors and allegories, Mondo Urbano is just something that’s real.

So, let me take a cue from the book and back up even further here. Mondo Urbano is told in a very nonlinear structure, presenting the story of people going to a De-Mo show, people getting tickets to the show, people backstage at the show, people who interact with these people, and the man who set it all into motion. It’s so many perspectives for one little thing, told by three amazing artists who each put their unique spin on it. It’s an ecstasy tablet wrapped in an acid trip. You’re pummeled with the experiences of all of these characters like you’re being hit by the bullets of fifty different kinds of firearms. The story shifts from seeming like Brian Wood’s Demo, to something that could be the lost, singular great work of Alan Moore, to a dash of Warren Ellis, all while holding a certain Garth Ennis charm in it’s vulgarity. Yet, none of it is over the top, but it’s not grounded. It’s like a new tall-tale for the punk rock generation!

Okay, getting that out there, knowing that some things probably shouldn’t have been said, or could have been said more tactfully, I’m going to leave it and move on…

Aside from the artwork that I love, which jumps around the visual spectrum magnificently, I have to point out something small that most people would over look, and that’s the song quotes that proceed each chapter. I mean, we see lyrics from The Doors, Clapton, Dylan, Bad Religion, and Nirvana. These creators took music cues from some of the greats from so many different genres that it’s obvious they truly appreciate the music, and that’s how they were able to craft a triumphant story that’s all about the music without never being about it!

Scratching your head? Confused by what I’ve just written? Yeah, me, too. So, let me make it easy here. Five stars, hands down! I know I said last week that Revolver was one of the best things I’ve read this year, well so is this! This isn’t for everyone, though. If you don’t like music, just pass it by, because, frankly, you won’t get it. If you haven’t been to a rock show, or loved a band, or found a song so perfect that you define it as it defines you, you will not understand this book because it is too smart for you on a certain carnal level that can’t be described, just experienced. So, for the people that have been in the world of music, who hve allowed the notes and lyrics to replace the blood flowing through their veins, buy this! Do yourself a favor and just buy this book, because once you read it, you’ll want to read it again and again, and, yeah, you won’t be better for it, but you’ll be damn proud you picked it up!

And that’s it.