There is gaudy quality to the palette that Albon’s employs that signposts that there is something more sinister about the book than would first appear.
As a character study on the corrupting influence that avarice can have on someone, The Delicacy is perceptive and subtle. Raised by an eccentric mother far from the mainland, brothers Rowan and Tulip have differing takes on their agricultural lives. From the off, Rowan is far more at ease farming, while Tulip is itching for more. Using an unexpected inheritance, the brothers set out to create a new life on the mainland. Rowan taking responsibility for farming their late aunties land and Tulip cooking the produce in a restaurant.
After a difficult start to their new life on the mainland, the discovery of a rare mushroom turns their fortunes around.
Much like Breaking Bad, one of the book’s central questions is: How much is enough?
The way the stakes are slowly ratcheted up makes Tulip’s actions throughout understandable if despicable. From the way he starts treating employees to the dismissive way he deals with his brother’s concerns, Tulip becomes someone for whom the appearance of success is as important as success itself.
If there is a flaw with the book is that it is somewhat predictable. How the rare mushrooms that are cultivated aren’t the shocking twist that Albon may have intended. However, some surprising revelations keep the suspense alive.
Albon’s is a perfect fit for the story. Seeing the brush strokes is a joy, and the thick lines of both the lettering and characters add heft to the page. It really is a cheerfully pretty book to look at. Everything seems so pleasant.
For me, though, the writing and dialogue are the stars. In many ways, The Delicacy reminded me of the film How To Get Ahead In Advertising. The same seam of black humour and satirical criticism is present in Albon’s graphic novel.
This is an elegantly told story with well-written characters and sumptuous art. A superb achievement.

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