My parents were in town recently; Dad had a conference for work. I was looking forward to seeing them, the first time since Christmas. At the same time, though, part of me was dreading it. I was worried... would I say something to tick them off, or vice versa? Even in my 30s, I'm torn by conflicting needs to make my parents proud and to be independent, to cast aside expectations and just be the person I want to be. Sigh... family, what are you going to do?
Throughout Maria's Wedding, the writers make a point to dwell on the unique quality of Italian weddings, but Italian culture certainly isn't the focus here. This is a story about family, about the squabbles -- little and large -- that divide a family and bring them closer together. It's also about people's expectations -- good and bad -- and how the truth is an important thing, even when -- or especially -- when no one wants to hear it. There isn't a single reader who won't be able to see himself, family and/or friends in this story. Maria's Wedding is the finest comics story DeFilippis and Weir have penned thus far, and given their track record, that's really saying something.
Maria Pirelli is getting married, and the entire Pirelli clan is gathering for the occasion. It's a time for happiness, but also for awkward and tension. The last family wedding was Joseph Pirelli's marriage to another man, and that event formed a rift in the family. Everyone's worried that Frankie, Joseph's brother and Maria's cousin, will make a scene, because he's the most outspoken and ideological member of the family. Frankie is torn by his outrage, his love and concern for Maria and his desire to simply enjoy the wedding -- and Maria's best friend, Brenna.
At first, Garibaldi's style puts one in mind of the work of Scott Chantler, the artist on another recent Oni Press graphic novel release, Days Like This. But there's a strong European influence at play as well. Furthermore, I'm reminded of the styles of such industry talents as Batton (Supernatural Law) Lash, Andi (Love Fights) Watson and even the late, great Osamu (Astro Boy) Tezuka. Garibaldi's simple style is thoroughly expressive, and the basic nature of the linework makes it easy to recognize ourselves and our loved ones in the characters. I was especially impressed with how the artist manages to maintain a familial resembles among the Pirelli family members while at the same time including plenty of little differences to set them apart from one another.
Despite what the title leads one to believe, this story is about Frankie, not Maria. I love that the writers explore Frankie's outspoken nature as both his greatest strength and something of a curse. I get the impression that he's also something of a black sheep in the family, but certainly not an outcast. I find it remarkably easy to relate to his characters -- all of the little hurts and outrage we all feel from time to time, he gives them a voice.
Another strength of this rich storytelling experience is how there are a multitude of smaller stories flowing through Frankie's central plotline. From his flirtation with Brenna, to his gay brother's attempt to blend in to the family's reaction to Carla's wedding, there's so much going on in this book that it meritd a second read. It's not that the story is hardly to follow; that's not the case at all. But subsequent perusals can allow the reader to focus on different elements each, approaching the story from the variety of perspectives that DeFilippis and Weir offer up.
Maria's Wedding is the finest thing -- comic book or otherwise -- I've read so far this year, and it demonstrates that the writers are versatile creators who are willing to share remarkably personal stories, not just gritty crime drama like Skinwalker and Three Strikes.
