Kale Kop #4

The fourth volume of this warmhearted Belgian series finds our bald young hero standing beside a curly-haired adult who lies relaxed on the bed of what looks like an MRI scanner, the two sharing a calm, almost conspiratorial smile. Ernst's clean, expressive linework gives the medical setting a surprisingly cozy feel, perfectly matching the series' gentle approach to big, serious subjects — signaled here by the subtitle "Mevrouw de Dood" (Mrs. Death). Written by Zidrou and Dieter Van Tilburgh with art by Serge Ernst, this 2017 Strip2000 album promises the same blend of humor and heart that makes Kale Kop such a quietly affecting read.