I wouldn’t call myself a fan of comics or graphic novels. I’m just not fond of the medium, so I’m sure there are some great ones out there – but I don’t feel an urge to read them.

And I’m not wild about werewolf stories, either. Or vampire stories, for that matter. Again, there may be some very good ones, I’m sure – but they are not my cup of tea.

All of which is why I’m still a little surprised at how much I am enjoying Dylan Meconis’ web-graphic novel Family Man. It all began when I stumbled across an article I can’t find anymore, praising FM for its clever and unusual premise, well researched historical setting, and interesting portrayal of intellectuals. My curiosity was aroused – and if there was any mention of werewolves, I must have missed it. By the time I realised the werewolves were coming at all, I was entirely sold on the story of young theologian Luther Levy, his uncomfortable heritage, his lost faith, his many questions, and his second chance at a mysterious (and more than slightly sinister) new university.

I was going to say that Family Man is a damn good story, no matter in what medium it is told, wonderfully written, filled with ideas, suspence and atmosphere, and populated with interesting characters who talk in clever, witty dialogue. But the fact is that, besides being all of these things, it is also lovely to look at – even to my untrained eye: I’m loving the sepia-toned, atmospheric drawings, the page composition, and the way it all combines with the excellent writing to tell the story.

Goes to prove that one never can tell. I’m not saying I’ll become an avid reader of comics – but I’m very glad I gave this graphic novel a try, instead of just raising an eyebrow at the “graphic” and missing the “novel.”