Noir is in as far as genres and to find something unique is a pretty special thing. Tumor written by Joshua Hale Fialkov and art by Noel Tuazon is the story of Frank Armstrong who finds out he has an inoperable brain tumor that’s killing him. In his final days, with his body, senses, and mind failing him, he’s going to do the one thing that he’s never been able to do before—save the girl.

Originally published by Archaia, the graphic novel is back courtesy of a re-release from Oni Press. That has me excited and fantastic as it’s a graphic novel that holds up with the writing and art being as top-notch today as it was when it was released six years ago. What’s amazing is looking at this work, as well as their other collaboration recently re-released Elk’s Run, and seeing that it should be no shock at the quality both are putting out today whether it’s Fialkov’s The Bunker, Jeff Steinberg, or Tuazon’s Foster.

The brilliance of this graphic novel is the blending of what’s going on with Frank’s past. The tumor has affected his perception of time and as the series progresses the shifting of time and events grows stronger, playing with even how the reader is perceiving the comic. It ranks up there with the great mind benders as well as the best noir/crime comics.  On top of an amazing story by Fialkov is the fantastic art by Tuazon which enhances the spiral that Fialkov plots out in his story.

Tumor holds up after all of these years and continues to be a must-read. Whether or not you enjoy noir/crime stories, this tale is fantastic and heartbreaking.  Make sure to put it on your summer reading list as it’s the sort of mind trip of a graphic novel that’s fun to curl up with and devour while laying by a pool or beach.

Story: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Art: Noel Tuazon
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review