This is less of a comic and more of a children's book, so it's not what I'm accustomed to reviewing. In fact, it's also my introduction to the critically acclaimed Tony Millionaire and his Sock Monkey characters. While I was suitably impressed by the artwork and the style, and would like to see more by Millionaire in the future, however, there was one sticking point that I just couldn't get past in my enjoyment of the book. Though it's a fun read and a beautiful package, it seems all too brief for its $15 price tag, especially when you compare what those $15 could also buy in the comic-book arena.
Leaving aside the question of price, however, The Glass Doorknob is a terrific book. It is the illustrated fiction format that has become popular amongst some comics publishers, but the style goes back to children's books more than comics. In fact, the price-tag is probably comparable to those books, and it seems clear that this is meant for an all-ages audience. The story of a simple event that mystifies the childlike characters of Sock Monkey and results in a funny quest to recreate that beauty is one that will resonate with children, who don't yet realize the way the world works and can see beauty even in the mundane.
Millionaire's gift, however, is in making us see through the eyes of children (or a Sock Monkey, stuffed crow and hobby horse with childlike qualities) and letting the readers share in that simple joy and wonder. Part of that comes through in the artwork, where we can see even with the limited expressions of the toy main characters the curiosity and joy they take in trying to recreate the prism of light that starts off the story. Part of it is in Millionaire's text, which is written such that children can easily understand it but isn't written so that adults get easily bored of it. And part of it is that it's such a simple thing, an everyday miracle that none of us would think about, but which is indeed beautiful when it's pointed out to us.
Make no mistake, while this is an age-old format, Millionaire does have some innovation up his sleeve. On the facing pages of each illustration, below the big text that tells the story, there's another narrative running in comic-book form. Each page features a new panel, sort of, which tells the story of a bug and a bird finding joy in the food that nature has brought them, and it fits in nicely with the quest of the toys to recreate a moment of beauty. While the toys are looking for something fun, the animals are seeking something to sustain life, but both are enjoying the simple joys of the season.
In comparison to a lot of comics, this book comes off looking a bit expensive for what it is, even though it is a joy to read with great production values and plenty of talent behind it. However, for those who are in the market for a children's book that will no doubt provide their child with hours and hours of repeated reading (or having something read to them, more likely), this book is a treasure.
