DELILAH DIRK AND THE TURKISH LIEUTENANT review

(Review by Melody Werner)
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant is a 2013 original graphic novel published by First Second Books. Created, written, and illustrated by Tony Cliff. It is an action/adventure following the badass globe-trotter Delilah and her new traveling partner, Erdemoglu Selim (referred to only as Selim basically every time in the book). Now, I was on something of a First Second binge when I originally read this (Anya's Ghost, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, Level Up, This One Summer), so I was bound to have reached this one eventually, given that it was and is at my local library. So here are my thoughts on DD&tTL.

At first, I wasn't entirely sold on the artwork. The first chapter or so are very sketchy and the coloring there is a bit anemic (aha, Dan!), but it improves throughout, with tighter linework, some charmingly cartoonish facial expressions, and loads of color with lighting which pops. Not perfect, or necessarily pretty, but it still looks solid for the better part of the reading experience. Sequential reading flow is smooth, maybe a speech bubble or two which are placed in odd spots, which is questionable. The cover is nice, and reflective of what the book is like--crazy, upbeat, and fun. The character designs are simple, but nice. Selim's is evocative of his more restrained nature, whereas Delilah looks much more adventurous and wild. Some miscellaneous visual polish, like the great lettering, also helps push the book up.

Delilah Dirk is a more character-driven OGN than you might expect, with a fairly rudimentary plot. So naturally, the book needs to have good characters. The leads (and who also happen to be the only truly notable characters in the book) are not only likable, but also quite interesting. Delilah is an upbeat, extremely capable and competent trailblazer who kicks ass, but she's also impetuous, reserved, and prone to fits of rage. Selim is calm, kind, a good, friend, dedicated, and an exceptional cook, but he can be sheepish, incompetent, and bound by his code of honor to a fault. This is how complex characters are done, DC. Not green rocks, dead parents, or yellow--actual, genuine personality flaws. The story works because the characters carry it. Otherwise it's very straightforward and not worth talking about much. The narrative is told in an interesting enough way that it doesn't really get in the way nor add much to the OGN overall. The book is fairly light on comedy and the dialogue is solid.

All in all, Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant excels in what it set out to be--a fun enough action/adventure with likeable characters. Not too deep, but not stupid or stuck up its own ass either. If that's what you're looking for, then you might want to check this out. I know I'll be interested in reading its sequel once it's finished. This is yet another really nice little book for First Second, who've really cemented themselves as being a truly great publisher in my eyes. Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant gets an 8/10.

Solid

Summary:
The characters are complex and fun, the adventure is entertaining, and the art is nice enough to hold up the story well. It won't set your world on fire, but it's a worthwhile read.