You're not going to find a bigger fan of Tom Beland's sweet, goofy and wonderfully honest slice-of-life storytelling than me, so I was delighted to learn of this project, which brings back strips that pre-date Beland's comic-book series. I was quickly reminded that the two-tiered comic strip is a radically different format. Beland offers a different side to True Story here, one that's all about the quick hits. To be honest, I prefer the more in-depth approach of the comic book and watching the gradual evolution of Tom and Lily's relationship. But there's no denying the fun and sweetness is still to be found in these strips. Furthermore, it's interesting to get a glimpse at the process, as one can see how Beland's style changed and refined over the course of time.
Cartoonist Tom Beland is just like the rest of us. He has fond memories of his childhood and family. He's had crappy minimum-wage jobs. He laments the deterioration of his body as he makes his way through his 30s. And he's found the love of his life, someone to grow old with. The difference between you and Tom, though, is that he's willing to share his triumphs, embarrassments, sadness and joy in comic strips. These are his true stories, swear to God.
A lot of the art here is just what I expected... more of the light, cartoony style I've come to love in the ongoing comic series of the same name. However, some of the earlier strips boast a different style. Beland's work today is much more polished, and some of the older art here shows a slightly rougher quality. It's not poor, mind you. It's just interesting to see the process of an artist developing and honing his craft. Beland has to adjust his panel layouts here as well. The format is an understandably cramped one and not one in which the creator can take his time. Beland manages to convey a lot of information and playful visuals in the teeniest of spaces.
The brevity of the format also allows Beland to include ideas and vignettes that just wouldn't fit into the flow of the comic-book series. His tribute to Calvin and Hobbes is wonderful, and it's not only a delightful homage but reinforces a real, adult emotion through an unusual filter of innocence.
Beland doesn't hold back here. He shares a lot of personal stories, many of them touching. He reflects a lot about his parents in this book, and I see qualities of my own parents in them. The thing is that the format ties Beland's hands somewhat. One doesn't the same quiet, reflective tone given the tight and hectic nature of the comic-strip. That's where the ongoing comic series really allows Beland to shine, where he's at his strongest.
