Real world sort of stories can be told quite effectively in a visual format like comics. Your average police procedural drama takes on added depth when bold colors and dramatic art are used to express the violence of the story. It’s even better when there is an unfamiliar setting involved. All of that shows up in The Art of Dying by Raule and Philippe Berthet. 

From publisher Europe Comics, this graphic novel tells the story of a police detective from Paris who is called to Barcelona following the death of a daughter he never knew he had. Though considered a suicide, it’s apparent that there might have been foul play involved. Of course, the detective needs to find the truth, making his way from the mansions to the streets to find the information he needs.

Dying is a story of art, forgery, gangs, casinos, debts and loss. It’s pretty straightforward without any exciting twists, but it’s a well-told rogue cop procedural drama. The art isn’t highly detailed, but it is effective. There are also some interesting bits of history relating to art, government protest and the city of Barcelona.