Customer Reviews

Nightlife

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's something cozy and tender in these sizzling hot stories of encounter, lust and maybe love.You'll feel gratified on more than one level, with this beautifullly illustrated, cleverly 2narrated" book! Compliments to the authors!

Nightlife is comprised of three stories written by Dale Lazarov and illustrated by Bastian Jonsson. Dale's signature lack of text adds intimacy with the script being carried by subtle positioning of characters, facial expression and excellent attention to narrative structure and pacing.

One of the stronger impressions I came away with is that not all sex necessarily needs to lead to a picket fence to be considered romantic. The passion, joy and downright hotness of the encounters, with a partner who instinctively understands who you are, was beautifully done. There were parts of this that felt a little more erotic too and totally floated my boat. Much smex. Is good.

Hard Cases has two men meeting at a kind of open mike night, both playing guitar who develop an instant attraction. The characters felt warm and tactile and there was much re reading of this story. It was hot and the rawness of the sex was very appealing.Layover begins at an airport, with flights being cancelled left and right, and two men meeting in a bar. My favorite pages involves the robustness of condoms. heh. Finally, Closing Time is about a bouncer in a club who rescues a young man from a violent confrontation. Out of the three stories this might just be my favorite and it is all down to one of the final pages that show the passing of time and development of the characters intimacy. It appealed greatly to my inner romance nerd and was rather heart warming.

Bastian Jonsson's work has a really distinctive quality. I kinda liked the line work and his use of shadow and color. It makes the panels feel less contained and very vibrant. I became oddly obsessed with his legs. Bastian gives good legs! It was certainly a different style for me initially, but I like the solidness of his men and how he approaches movement.

This is another beautiful, erotic volume from Bruno Gmünder and one that will sit very nicely on my shelf!

Dale Lazarov has returned with his trademark no dialogue style to infuse a collection with sensuality, sexuality, lust, passion, and romance. The three stories depicted all carry a similar theme and one of the best aspects of Lazarov's work is the ability to discover and decide that theme on your own. With the lack of text, these images expand the imagination and allow readers from any culture, background, and language to indulge in the feast of sex, sensuality, and joy that is depicted on the pages. Perhaps what one readers sees will be very different from another and this variety makes the stories change and grow with each viewing.

The collection is beautifully drawn with colorful images that leap off the page and create a stunning tribute to the male form. These men are larger men, hairy, muscular and athletic. The sex they indulge in is vigorous and exciting. They vary position after position for pages, glorying in their passion, and sometimes even wearing out toys and busting out of condoms. These details show not only careful attention but translate the exuberance of the men's passion and enjoyment. Whether these men just met or are in long term relationships, each story is packed with emotion.

The first offering is "Hard Cases" about two musicians that meet at a club and enjoy a night of entertaining and engaging sex. The parallels to a young couple on the subway offer more depth and insight than simply hot sex. The next story "Layover" shows two men stranded in an airport that decide to pass the time in much more delicious ways than working. The details in their sexual encounter are whimsical, hot, and thoroughly entertaining. The final touch is "Closing Time" showing a bouncer and a young man as the stylish younger man shows the old dog some new tricks. A gay bashing scare combines subtle details to deliver a truly absorbing story.

What's most interesting is that the first time I read these stories, I thought they were all depicting men that just met with perhaps hints of a future together. The sex is undeniably hot and the detailed panels show a veritable orgy of sex and hedonism. These one night stands indulge every whim and delight with passion and fervor. Upon a second and third reading, I have a completely different idea of what each story represents. Here I thought perhaps the stories were of long term relationships that give a glimpse of perhaps role playing to spice up their sex lives. In the last story with such an age difference, here the younger man shows the older bouncer what life is like through his eyes and the last panel shows the true contentment and domestication of their relationship. In "Layover" perhaps here are two lovers going on vacation that indulge in a little game pretending to just meet as they await their flight. Perhaps the first story tells of lovers remembering how they met.

The wealth of possibility in these stories allows the reader to decide for themselves who these men are and what the circumstances are. Each night time setting offers a glimpse behind closed doors into the delights of sex and the subtle details will amuse and entertain. The loving and careful depiction of the men's physique shows an appreciation for the male form that easily translates. The great artistry makes this collection well worth the hard back price but the continual change to the stories keeps each offering fresh and unique every time. I can easily recommend picking "Nightlife" up and deciding for yourself.

Nightlife follows a group of men as they they meet and seduce a willing partner for the night. It could all very well be merely sleazy, but this somehow manages to transcend this. The wordless depictions are filled with a raw, yet tender passion, filled with longing, passion, and yes, lust. Shying away from its baser elements it shows moments of great tenderness with a promise of maybe hoping for something more, and maybe even getting it. It also shows "real" men. These men are buff and they may have some body and/or facial hair. Not so hairy as to put off fans used to the silken skins found in yaoi, but definitely reeking enough raw masculinity to appeal to fans of the bara end of the scale.

What sets it apart from most menslove is the wonderful depiction of lovemaking. For example, in the first story, there are several pages of just that... tenderly erotic moves of courtship, culminating in passionate sex with a deep emotional connection. Other level of intimacies are also shared, including the quiet companionship of a sharing a breakfast together in harmonious tranquillity. Each panel of these stories conveys much without words; thanks to the great attention paid during the storyboarding process and the quality of the art words simply would get in the way here. So much more revealed through a mere glance, touch, or posture. These stories connect with the reader on an emotional level, leaving them wishing for more. A definite must read for fans of manlove.