Milo Manara, Valentino Rossi
46

Gentlemen: here is the greatest comic fraud of the last 15 years. Let's be clear, I have nothing against the greatness of Milo Manara (as an illustrator) nor against the splendid personality of Valentino Rossi (as a motorcycle racer). I am not speaking "in general" about their professionalism or skill, but I am judging this comic book (and only this one!) signed by both of them.

There is nothing to complain about the illustrations: Milo proves himself once again as an extraordinary artist especially when he sneaks in his beautiful, alluring women here and there in the story, and especially in this book (commissioned by Gazzetta dello Sport) that... alas, concerning the story, it FALLS APART on all fronts! :( A story that starts with a senseless conversation between a motorcycle, a dog, and a chicken (?!)... and so far, nothing wrong. The problem is the continuation which advances in vignettes, disconnected scenes, and detached from a sequential logic. It could even be a "plus," but Rossi is neither Jodorowsky nor Moebius!

Inside, wedged in hastily, there are recollections of Jim Morrison, Steve McQueen, Enzo Ferrari blended together and forcefully inserted into a parallel science fiction story (really?!) that seems like a mere pretext to "stretch the soup" and give the illustrator the opportunity to depict a few more alluring backsides, as the prophet of Italian comics has accustomed us in every production.

Why "46," you ask? Simple, as Federico Fellini taught with his "8 and a half"... it's simply the number of pages smeared in this strange, senseless madness. Considering the book I bought has 100 pages (and therefore 44 are sketches, drafts... practically useless blah blah), you can understand the sense of anger and frustration I felt. Now, in this Italy where everyone does everything and the opposite of everything, it would be desirable for comedians to make people laugh again, singers to sing, Renzi to make reforms, and motorcycle racers... to win Grand Prix: without wasting time burdening us with bizarre, useless, silly, and quite annoying stories to read.