What a week for comics. Maybe I'm just in a good or generous mood, but I thought there was a surprising number of outstanding issues released this week. From the politically charged Ex Machina #5 to the irreverent and visually striking work on She-Hulk #8, from the prison drama of Hard Time #9 to the gut-wrenching visions of the worst evil mankind has to offer in Powers #5, the number of times an individual comic book let me down this week was noticeably lower than what I'm used to. I thought I'd have a hell of a time picking what I thought stood out as the best book of the week... until I read Tom Beland's superb tale of new beginnings requiring endings in other aspects of life. This story will resonate for people who have made major changes in their lives It will resonate for those making a career change, and it wil resonate for those who are close to their families. Beland delivers a riveting story of the personal challenges that can arise even from happy developments, and I have to admit, I even got choked up toward the end.
He's quit his job. He's given up his apartment. And he's packed up his life. Tom seems all ready to move from northern California to Puerto Rico to be with the love of his life, Lily. But it only seems that way. There's a lot more to be done before he leaves, and it involves a seemingly unending series of goodbyes, some easier than others. Tom has lived his whole life in Napa Valley, and everything he's ever known, and a family he loves more than life itself, are there. Saying goodbye to those he's closest to may prove to be more than he can bear.
The influence has always been there to see, but I think it's more prominent in this issue than ever before. I'm referring to the influence of the late Charles Schulz on Beland's artwork. The simplicity of style and the over-the-top reactions demonstrate the sort of trademark visuals Schulz created in Peanuts over the years. I'm always amazed at Beland's ability to convey realism and detail with his cartoony, simple style. He captures the chaos and fanfare of a professional football game incredibly well, for example. What's even more impressive, though, is how he casts off detail to emphasize the importance of key moments. He isolates the main character in panels with no backgrounds later in the book in order to drive home the sense of loss and the confusion the protagonist experiences.
Beland opens the issue with a scene featuring Lily tearing apart a wall in order to accomodate the new living arrangements she and Tom will share. It makes for an interesting contrast with what Tom's character goes through in this issue. While Lily tears apart her home to adjust to the new phase in her life, Tom is forced to tear apart the familial closeness he holds so dear. He balances the emotional nature of Tom's conflicts in this issue nicely with lighter moments set in the office and at a 'Niners/Cowboys football game.
What makes this issue so powerful are the goodbyes between Tom and three key members of his family: his niece, his sister and his brother. Each explores the upcoming separation from a different perspective. Young Celine's more innocent perspective is cute but touching. Joe's sadness and silence rings incredibly true, and Tom's sister's attempt to a more grounded and rational farewell -- emphasizing that her brother needn't consider the door closed on Napa Valley -- adds another perspective to the entire affair.
The strength of this issue will come as no surprise to those who've sampled previous episodes. As for those of you who haven't read True Story yet... yer crazy. Get your hands on a copy now. 10/10
