Comic Noir

It's no surprise Frank Miller's SinCitygraphic novels attracted Hollywood names associated with man's inhumanity to man. His gritty characters, taut dialogue, and lavish black-and-white artwork (with dramatic splashes of color) play across the printed page like film noir. Actors Bruce Willis and Benicio Del Toro and directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez are among those who helped Miller on the film; his books are so hot that Rodriguez resigned rather than accede to the Directors Guild's ban on shared credits.

However great (or crappy, or in between) the film comes out, you owe it to yourself to check out Miller's books. Start with the three volumes adapted for the movie. Follow the brutish Marv on his quest to avenge a dead prostitute in the eponymous SinCity, and ride along with photographer-turned-badass Dwight and the Uzi-toting girls of Old Town in TheBigFatKill; aging officer John Hartigan pledges his last years to protecting a young girl in the amazing ThatYellowBastard. Snippets of the movie will also be lifted from the Booze,Broads&Bulletscollection of short stories and special issues. Sharpen your appetite by watching snuff films.

SEVEN SIN CITY VOLUMES ARE AVAILABLE AT MAJOR BOOKSTORES AND AT VARIOUS OUTLETS ONLINE. $12.95-19.95.