I am trying so, so hard to like my Kindle. It’s not happening very fast, I can tell you that. The goal is to avoid buying physical books (even though I vastly prefer everything about them) because, you know, suitcase space. My only exception to the rule, though, is graphic novels. 1) They are typically a pretty fast read, and b) c’mon…it’s just not the same on a Kindle!

So I grabbed this one up on some supercute high street just a bus ride from our place in East London—Brian Blomerth's Bicycle Day. And oh boy am I glad I did!

 Bicycle Day isn’t your usual graphic novel. It is a whimsical, psychedelic journey that catapults you into the kaleidoscopic world of Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist known for his serendipitous discovery of LSD. From its vibrant pages to its delightful narrative, the book offers an enchanting Technicolor adventure that dances the line between reality and the extraordinary.

This is Blomerth’s first graphic novel ever—he’s typically known for his whimsical comics and album covers. And his unique and playful artistry suffuses the book with a visual vibrancy that breathes life into the (mostly) true story of the world's first-ever acid trip. As you ride alongside Hofmann, you experience a cornucopia of characters and vistas, rendered through an imaginative blend of collage, digital overlays, and hand-drawn pen on paper. He takes you through the story with half-forgotten children’s book references, Disney-like characters, and manga-inspired backdrops.

I loved the way he combined the cheek of underground comics with the naiveté of a children's storybook. The combination of contradictory styles imbues the narrative with an innocent curiosity, giving you a unique perspective from which to consider LSD. The result is a visually stunning narrative that captures the mind-altering trip in a way that's as entrancing as the acid trip it chronicles. Blomerth's storytelling lives in the unexpected. The narrative is steeped in history, but the story unfolds like an Alice in Wonderland-style adventure, leading us down the rabbit hole into a world of vibrant hues and psychedelic wonder—educational, yes, but also delightfully odd.

The anarchy of Blomerth's visual style is offset by his sharp attention to detail. From Hofmann's diary entries to the minutiae of his day-to-day life, Blomerth crafts an immersive world that is nearly as accurate as it is surreal.

Bicycle Day also distinguishes itself through its narrative focus. Rather than getting lost in the broader repercussions and cultural significance of Hofmann's discovery, Blomerth focuses narrowly on the personal experiences of the chemist, Hoffman. This lets you connect with the character and his experience. It also gives the narrative a heartbeat, making it more than just a recounting of historical events—it's a vivid exploration of one man's fascinating and terrifying journey into the unknown.

Visually, Blomerth creates a storytelling rhythm that amplifies the narrative's psychedelic charm. Visual repetition and color variations evoke a hypnotic musicality that keeps you turning the pages.

Despite its psychedelic surface, Bicycle Day is grounded in a clear sense of curiosity. It captures the awe-inspiring process of scientific discovery and presents it in a form that's accessible, engaging, and entertaining for those of us who are not rocket scientists.

I loved this book. It’s brilliantly surreal and visually intoxicating, celebrating of a pivotal-if-under-appreciated moment in history. And that’s a testament to Blomerth's ingenious storytelling in addition to his artistry—and an unexpected ability to translate a complex (and controversial) subject into a captivating reading experience.

 Brian Blomerth’s Bicycle Day (2019) is published by Anthology Editions and is available at amazon.com and bookstores

posted August 4, 2023