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As comic books become more a part of the mainstream, they have found themselves in the unfortunate positions their words-only brethren have long suffered -- great reads turned into box-office flops.

A few of you may have seen the movie "Whiteout" this summer, starring Kate Beckinsale. Actually, "a few" might be an overstatement. I hate that comic books have reached this point, but the book is better than the movie.

Originally published in 1998, "Whiteout" is on my short list of graphic novels to convert book readers into comic book readers.

The book centers on Carrie Stetko, a U.S. marshal posted at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. One murder on the continent, which has a population in the dozens and only for a few months each year, is unusual. So when the bodies start piling up, Stetko finds herself in the uncomfortable position of trying to track down a murderer across territory that itself can kill in a matter of minutes.

"Whiteout" is a classic thriller. There's a murderer out there and Stetko is racing against the clock, as the scientists and other temporary inhabitants of the continent will soon leave before winter sets in. Stetko's career and even her soul are riding on solving the case. McMurdo isn't what anyone would call a promotion. Stetko's screwed up and made the right enemies inside the marshal's office and that's landed her in Antarctica. She's a shell of a person when "Whiteout" begins, the classic wild west sheriff who once was but hasn't been for a while.

Stetko's boss tells her if she can make an arrest, then he'll bring her back to civilization.

Rucka loves female lead characters and he writes them perfectly. Stetko isn't a sexpot with guns or a melodramatic caricature. She's a real person. You want to see her survive, find the killer and, most of all, make it off the ice.

"The Ice." In the tradition of classic murder mysteries, "Whiteout's" stalking butler is the continent itself. The cold is always there with a hundred different ways to kill, just waiting for someone to make a mistake, to underestimate what it can do.

Rucka's writing is smart, and even scenes that take place in the vast frozen landscape feel claustrophobic. Add the fact that the book is driven by subtle and often introspective characters and the job of illustrating this story becomes a difficult one.

Steve Lieber takes on the art chores. Though at times his line work is a little too dark and thick, he does solid work, setting a cold tone and making every character look as if he or she can't wear enough clothes.

The depth of the art and Rucka's research gives a sense of place. Rucka weaves his research about Antarctica into the story without making it feel like a research paper.

Don't judge this great read by the movie. Pick the book up and give it a try.

J. Brian Ewing reports on education when he's not immersed in comic books and graphic novels. Contact him at brian.ewing@news-record.com