Transitions, reunions and a little bit of backstory on some of our favorite Love & Rockets characters dominate the ninth collection in the series, Flies on the Ceiling. The first tale, from which the book takes its title, provides some long-awaited details on Izzy's past. Izzy, from Jaime Hernandez's Hoppers storyline, always has flies on her ceiling; now we know why. This story is a sad one, detailing missed opportunities and the weight of too much guilt.

After a brief peek into the ongoing relationship between Maggie and Ray -- and their new friend Danita -- Jaime provides another background story on supporting character Terry Downe -- whose personal evolution also signaled some changes for the once-shy Hopey, too. Then it's an adventure with Li'l Ray as a child.

Gilbert takes over for something a little different in this volume: an in-depth biography of the great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, a character sketch that blends his own distinctive art style with some obvious influences from Frida's surrealistic realism. Then it's back to Hoppers with Jaime and a night on the town with Doyle and Ray, and then -- with a little help from the flambuoyant Penny Century -- the long-awaited reunion between Maggie and Hopey. This series of episodic tales reveals several big developments in the lives of our girls and signals some significant changes in the direction their story -- as well as Ray's, Danita's and a few more besides -- is taking.

"A Folk Tale" is Gilbert's almost-wordless take on a woman's choice between God, Satan and Death. Then Jaime is back for one more look at a story from the past, this time featuring Doyle and his stripper-girlfriend Lily.

Flies on the Ceiling has none of the earth-shaking twists and dramatic turns that some volumes in this series have had. But it's a solid, enjoyable series of tales that advances several important storylines in new directions. It's a must-have piece of the Love & Rockets collection.

- Rambles
written by Tom Knapp
published 27 March 2004