KIRKUS - Early in this graphic novel, acharacter says, "Then I saw it.a monster. And I washappy." A golem isn't the easiestmonster to love. It's built from ugly clay and mud, and it has an uncontrollabletemper. Readers who are familiar with the old, Jewish golem legends will findthe story relatively familiar, though there are a few surprises. Brik the golemhas his name graffiti-tagged on his chest, and he fights off bullies and Russiangangsters. The story is full of surprises, and there's a genuinely shocking plottwist toward the end of the book.

Unfortunately, the impact of the moment isreduced by the pacing, as Singh's panel-to-panel transitions are oftenconfusing. His use of texture, however, is very skillful and makes Brik avisually compelling monster. Other characters are just as memorable, especiallyDrew, a lanky, redheaded Jewish boy. Most of the major characters are Jewish andwhite, though a brown-skinned woman named Sera works for the Jewish funeralhome. She's an expert on cabala, and she teaches the put-upon Drew how to createa golem. She's one of the most appealing characters in the book, but then, everycharacter is engaging-particularly the villains-because of the sharp, fast-paceddialogue. Not everyone loves a golem, butmonster fans will speed through the pages, trying to guess the next surprise.(Graphic adventure.

13-19).