In 2001 Delisle went to North Korea on a work visa to supervise the animation of a children's cartoon show. This graphic novel depicts the bizarre world he encountered during his two month stay. He is supervised by "guides" nearly every time he leaves the 50 story hotel which houses only two floors of foreign visitors- the total number in the Communist country. He humorously recounts his strange experiences from numerous visits to historical sites to the odd music he hears (all singing the praises of Kim Jong-Il and his father); from the three restaurants he has to choose from to the brainwashed obedience of the citizens he meets. Delisle finds black comedy in all he sees and makes small efforts at subversion by cracking jokes that go over his translator's head. He lends his guide a copy of Orwell's 1984. The author's ability to see the absurdity of his situation helped him alieviate his alienation and boredom in the oppressive society. The graphic novel is the perfect format for this story. It is a darkly comic and fascinating look at a culture most will never have the chance to experience.
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