I received a preview copy of the first ever Warren Ellis novel, “Crooked Little Vein,” last month. The following is my review of the title. Expect a fuller review as a Special Episode of Comic Timing in the near future.

Of all the authors I have grown to appreciate in the world of comic books, Warren Ellis is in a world all his own. The thoughts that come into this man’s head are not those of the average writer. Up until now, his ideas have been limited to the comic book medium, where pictures accompanied his words. We knew exactly what he wanted us to see, because it was right there for us. With “Crooked Little Vein,” things are a bit more difficult. Now we have nothing but words to accompany his story. Did it make a difference in his storytelling ability? Not in the slightest. His descriptions, no matter how obscene, are enough for the reader to know exactly what he is talking about. Of course, it would not be a Warren Ellis affair without a main character you can relate to, throughout all of his flaws and character traits. Michael McGill, private investigator, hero to no one, is a putz at times, but he is our putz. His life is a myriad of mistakes, all brought together into the epic search for the missing U.S. Constitution.

Mike seems to care very little about actually getting the book back, just as long as there is compensation. Along the way, he meets the dregs of society, and you see just what this country could be if we were skewed just a teensy bit further to the side of corruption. Is Warren Ellis writing an exaggeration of our current society, or is he writing a truth few of us wish to admit is reality? The chief of staff gives him his mission in order to bring the United States, and possibly the world, back to a simpler time. But by what means? Is it ever right to force people to become something they are not, when even the highest up in the political world seem to suffer from the same lack of morals? Are we better off with freedom, or with “freedom?” Good question.

I believe that choice is up to the reader to decide; either way you go, the book is exceptional, and will have you chomping at the bit to read as much as possible, until you are at the final page. The book left me with one thought in my head: let the absurd ring true. Take all of Ellis’ former works, throw them in a bucket, stir vigorously, and you get “Crooked Little Vein.” It was everything I love about his style and more, and I will be first in line to read his next novel, whenever that may arrive.