The latest Optic Nerve features two complete short stories, a letters column, a kick-ass two pager and the best cover on the stands this week. The first story ‘Hortisculpture’ is told in a series of four-panel gag strips, much like Dan Clowes’ Wilson. The art style used here is closer to Asterios Polyp Mazzucchelli or Chris Ware. The following story features a title spread to rival anything Jonathan Hickman has ever produced, and returns to Tomine’s more naturalistic clear-line style. The angst and misanthropy that pervades his earlier work is not present in these stories, which I found relieving. Tomine continues to demonstrate his keen eye for humanity with excellent character studies, but these two are funnier and seem less mean-spirited. Gorgeous art as usual.