David B. is an incredible artist and I really think, for me at least, I have to love both the drawings and the words/story involved in graphic novels (otherwise, I'll still to words only). David B's drawings are sometimes morbid, sometimes sensual, and sometimes just showing overwhelming expression and detail. He doesn't slip at all in his drawings here and there's a very mythical sense to what he's exploring. He's really talking about the beginning of creation, different warring thoughts, and showing different battle scenes.

My issue with this graphic novel is more within my bias about stories themselves. I'm just not really all that keen on battles, wars, and things of that nature. True, because this involves myth this is much more interesting but it still really isn't my thing. I'd rather re-read David B.'s very personal autobiography Epileptic or more about his bizarre dreams (Nocturnal Conspiracies). If you're into the battle scenes and myth more than exploring just the human psyche and personal tragedy, this is the book for you, though. ( )

I don't think I could ever get enough of David B.'s drawing style and, having read in Epileptic where he talks about how much he enjoyed drawing epic battles between medieval armies as a child, I can appreciate his newest work even more.

The Armed Garden is a set of three fables, all of which are constructed entirely by David B. using elements from history, religion, and mythical tales, yet because he takes inspiration from the heritage of fables he's able to create a set of imminently believable tales. David B.'s art style, which might be best described as Russian icon art translated by cartooning, solidifies the connection and makes the made-up-fables entirely real. ( )