This is the third issue of Chris Ware's Acme Novelty Library that I have read to date, and it manages to hit extremes of dark humor and grimness that are a surprise even for someone who is familiar with the general tone of Ware's comics. Which is not to say that this installment isn't enjoyable - as with everything else that Ware produces, the level of obsessive detail is matched only by his extraordinary ability to re-purpose familiar cartoon archetypes in new and highly original ways. His world view may be quite a bit darker, but it's no exaggeration to say that Chris Ware is a contemporary equivalent to the brilliant George Herriman, and that's about the highest praise one can offer. ( )