November Book One
Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye was my introduction to comic books, and since then I’ve been hooked. What I love about Fraction’s take on Hawkeye was his focus on average people. It isn’t just Clint Barton who was a hero. It is his community as well. Fraction’s November also seems to deal with everyday people facing the criminal underworld. With Fraction’s strong handle on crime narratives, as well as Elsa Charretier’s gritty, noir art, I can’t wait to read the next two installments of November.
Palimpsest
Autobiographies told through comics feel more personal to me than traditional prose. Persepolis, My Friend Dahmer, and Fun Home all go deep into the authors’ lives with artwork that conveys the emotions of that moment. Meanwhile, the words aid in telling the actions of that event. Palimpsest adds itself to this list of highly personal autobiographies. Lisa Wool-rim Sjöblom’s childlike art compliments the story of an adopted kid living in a foreign country. Her cartoonish art is also in contrast to the dark truths behind her adoption. A necessary story that’s intimate and at times uncomfortable, but that is for the best.
Pass Me By: Gone Fishin’
Congratulations to Kyle Summers and Ryan Danny Owen for surpassing their Kickstarter goal by over four thousand dollars. Pass Me By is a reverse coming of age story. It addresses how Ed, an elderly queer man, deals with his sexuality and the reality of losing his memories. For many queer people, coming out is never one and done. This novel explores how some members of the LGBTQ community have to readdress their sexuality throughout their lives. Despite being a heart tugging narrative about regret and loss, the visuals of Pass Me By are dreamy, emphasized by pink pastels and soothing blues. A huge thanks to the backers of this project for helping these artists bring this book to our shelves.
Our Super American Adventure and Our Super Canadian Adventures
I’ve followed Sarah Graley for a while on social media. Her art for Kim Reaper is adorable to say the least; however, my favorite work of hers has been the comic strips she posts online about her life with her partner Stef Purenins. While short, each strip is packed with love and comedy. From the look of Graley’s art, the two of them have such an honest and caring relationship. If you’re in need of some wholesome and playful content, grab either Our Super American Adventure or Our Super Canadian Adventure. Their misadventures together will bring a smile to your face.
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