Second Thoughts, the first original graphic novel by Niklas Asker is a welcome addition to the already robust catalog of high quality books from Top Shelf Productions.  With fine art and a thoughtful script it’s the kind of wonderful fist impression that is rarely made in comics.

The story in Second Thoughts centers on Jess, a novelist and John, a photographer and their chance in a London airport. As Jess and John part ways and go to back to their own lives we see how their situations parallel and intersect on several levels.  Once the story unfolds we discover that Jess and John have much more in common than they would have ever thought. While there is plenty of drama amongst the characters the real drama of the story plays out in the deep silences and the darkly inked panels. The ending, while a bit over the top, is still thought provoking in all the right ways.

Overall, the book is smartly presented, light paperback binding with an appealing wraparound cover picture. In a somewhat odd choice the book has French Flaps, I would have loved to have the cover illustration continue onto the flaps but sadly it stops short. Apparently the jacket was designed by Asker himself so this may have actually been his decision. Asker does a terrific job of making the book his own, his pages are well laid out and his lettering matches the work excellently. I really enjoy the dark tones of the book but they may have proved to be too much for the printer, as the copy I read looked in parts to have come out of an inkjet that was running a bit low on ink. I would not normally compliment a book on being short, but in this case I will make an exception, its length is perfect for the kind of story it tells, and you will more than likely want to flip through it again once you reach the end. One final note of appreciation goes to Top Shelf for keeping the price point under $10, it’s nice to see new talent welcomed so gracefully, and even better to have the end result be affordable.

Although Second Thoughts is not perfect, it is a terrific accomplishment for a first graphic novel. If this is any indication of what we can expect from Niklas Asker in the future than I can’t wait to see what he has planned for his next book.

Title: Second Thoughts
Publisher: Top Shelf Productrions

Niklas Asker - writer, artist, letter