My girlfriend lives an hour's drive away. We've been together now for nine months, and the distance is beginning to wear down on us. Most weekends go by far too quickly, and I've even taken steps to eliminate things that get in the way of our time together. I can't even imagine how I'd feel if a distance such as the width of a damn continent was between us. Beland's story just doesn't ring true. It's universally true. This may be his and Lily's real-life story of romance, family and the everyday trials and tribulations, but it's also mine. And yours, I'll bet, at least on some level. Of course, regular readers of these reviews and Beland's series already know this. The big news is that Beland's making good on his pledge to deliver issues of this self-published series more frequently in 2004.
Lily has arrived in Napa, but the fact that she and Tom have lost an entire day to a weather front in Dallas weighs heavily on the couple. Tom is frustrated they've lost some precious time together, but there's more to it than that. It's not a matter of inconvenience; Tom realizes he needs to be with Lily. He ponders whether or not he should broach the possibility of him moving to Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, Tom takes Lily to his favorite comic-book store, and he's amazed at her reaction to the place and his passion for the art form.
One of the most important moments in this book comes in the middle, as we watch Tom lies awake in bed next to Lily. It's a remarkably honest and difficult scene, and Beland emphasizes its importance by offering up the largest panel in the entire issues, aside from the opening splash page. Furthermore, the narration isn't incorporated into the panel. It's excluded, running along either side. Beland boasts a cartoony style, but that doesn't mean he practises his craft in a simple fashion. The way the characters are framed, the shapes of panels and the level of backgrounds detail all reinforce the emotional impact of the story and circumstances.
Most comic-book fans have felt that sense of quiet embarrassment about their hobby, feeling they'll be judged for the unconventional passion for an art form wide associated with little kids. Beland explores that here as well, and it's easy to see oneself as a result. I love how Lily celebrates the art form as perfectly valid, but at the same time, Beland includes her criticisms of what she sees as well, i.e. the objectification of women in so many titles.
Men in your 30s and older (and those who love them), take note: Tom Beland has something to say. He delves into the concept of a changing (and slowing) sex drive as one ages, and it makes for some brutally honest and touching writing. Beland doesn't go for the easy joke here; he treats the issue seriously, from an emotional standpoint. We don't get the benefit of Lily's perspective; this is about Tom and his feelings and frustrations. It couldn't have been easy for him to share this part of his life. He didn't even need to, as it's not key to the plot at all. Beland's to be commended to taking such a step, as he can't hide behind fictional characters here.
