04 Aug Graphic Novel Review: Fun by Paolo Bacilieri

I stumbled on Fun by Paolo Bacilieri mostly by accident, flipping through graphic novels at a friend’s place who swore up and down this book was a “hidden gem.” Now, I’ve always loved a good graphic novel, especially ones that stretch a little beyond the usual superhero stories. But a whole book about crossword puzzles? I wasn’t sure if I’d be into that or if I’d end up zoning out halfway through. Then I started reading, and I realized Fun wasn’t just about puzzles—it was this whole layered world about the quirky history behind crosswords and how people connect through these mind games. Plus, the art was practically begging me to sit down and really dive in.

What’s It About?

So here’s the gist: Fun blends two main storylines. On one hand, you’ve got this semi-absurd, darkly comedic adventure following Zeno Porno (yes, that’s his name) and Professor Pippo Quester. They’re walking around Milan, philosophizing about life, chasing oddball ideas, and exploring crosswords’ odd origins. Imagine a buddy movie where the buddies happen to be experts in random, niche trivia.

The book slips you back in time, too, with flashbacks about the invention of the crossword puzzle. Bacilieri somehow spins this obscure history into something kind of gripping. You’ll start seeing how puzzles tie into people’s need to solve things, to look for patterns in life—it’s about as existential as a graphic novel gets without getting annoyingly pretentious. And then there’s the art: the panels are structured to look like crossword grids in places, which honestly makes the whole reading experience feel like a puzzle within a puzzle. Each page is packed with hidden details, allusions to history, and little Easter eggs that make you slow down and really take it all in.

What This Chick Thinks

I wasn’t expecting to love Fun, but I did. Bacilieri did this genius thing where he combined humor, history, and visual storytelling to make something truly unique. The relationship between Zeno and Professor Quester adds a level of charm and absurdity that kept the pages turning. They’re these wonderfully eccentric characters who don’t take themselves too seriously, which really saves the story from feeling too “highbrow” despite all the historical references. They’re the kind of people you’d want to grab a coffee with—eccentric but smart, the kind who can talk endlessly about topics you’d never even think to ask about.

Now, the art: this is where Fun shines. Bacilieri’s artwork doesn’t just support the story; it is the story in a lot of ways. The pages are like a visual puzzle, and sometimes I’d get lost just staring at the little details in the panels. The crossword grid layouts were a genius touch, making you feel like you’re part of the narrative. And the way he blends past and present feels so seamless—one second, you’re in modern-day Milan, and then you’re thrown into the 1910s when crosswords were just starting to catch on. It’s clever without being too showy.

There were moments where the history lessons got a little dense, though. Bacilieri clearly has a passion for crosswords, and sometimes it felt like he was geeking out to the point where I was flipping pages just to get back to the main story. But even then, he does such a good job at making this random topic—crossword puzzles—feel surprisingly emotional. It’s not a book you read in one sitting, but it’s one you’ll keep coming back to.

Final Thoughts

Fun is a solid 8 out of 10 for me. It’s smart, beautifully drawn, and a weirdly captivating deep dive into a topic I’d never expected to care about. Not a light read, but if you’re in the mood for something thoughtful and a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth your time.

Try it if you like:

• Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware — another graphic novel with intricate art and layers of storytelling that make you slow down and take in every detail.
• Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud — if you’re into the behind-the-scenes of comics and want to see how visual storytelling works.
• The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester — for another quirky, historical deep dive on an unexpected topic (in this case, the Oxford English Dictionary).