Prisoner of The Mind

Prisoner of The Mind

writer- Allan Linder

artist- Allan Linder

When I was young, the art of illustration was the reason I was so drawn to comics. As I grew older and

learned to appreciate a well told story, the pictures became less important to me and the writing was what pulled me in. Mainstream companies like DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Image have some really talented people in both fields, but it's been a while since a book has touched me on the emotional level that a true piece of art should.  Prisoner of The Mind, by Allan Linder, has actually done that.

According to Linder, Prisoner of The Mind is a graphic novel that's been 16 years in the making. He's created a world in the near future, where just by looking at the skyline, we can see brand names and corporate brain washing attempting to drive the common man. By combining interesting art and pensive narration,

Allan Linder tells a dark intriguing tale with a subtle underlying story that comes from a deeper philosophical place than just your average comicbook.

As an illustrator, Linder doesn't just pay attention to detail. He ensures that no details are missed. He gives every little angle and every little curve a purpose in his greater scheme. When he presents a staircase, it isn't just a staircase for the purpose of getting his character upstairs, it's another character helping the one out of a tight spot.

Every panel in Prisoner of The Mind is like this. There are intricate spider webs hidden in corners, rippling pools of rain water overlapping with other rippling pools of rain water, and Escher-esque tricks of shadow and light that play with the reader's sense of perception. Early in the story we're faced with the main character standing on the roof of a building, contemplating ending his life while brand names flash on a billboard behind him. The character asks “Why am I here?” and that right there speaks volumes. Linder draws you into a web of intrigue where the main character doesn't know who

or what to trust, including his own sense of reality. It's enough to grip you tight and send chills up your spine.

Allan Linder is presenting this graphic novel on prisonerofthemind.net. Every Monday, an update gets posted so you can read a little further into the intrigue. Go ahead and read it for yourself, but I also suggest buying the full hardcover graphic novel when it comes out. I recently got mine. It was delivered by a lone messenger in a police evidence bag, and I have to say that there's nothing like holding the real thing in your very own hands. Check out Prisoner of The Mind from Eclectic Press Inc., and don't forget to drop Allan Linder a note telling him who sent you.

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