Essex County

Alright, welcome back my newly appointed comic book readers. I hope you all had a happy New Year and are ready to add comics into your life in 2011.

Last we meet I told you about the comic Blankets. It is a moving coming of age tale that deals with first loves and religion in some challenging and beautiful ways. Well, if you liked Blankets then this next one is for you.

Essex County by Jeff Lemire is an incredible comic. The first thing you should know is that it is very Canadian. Yes, that’s right! Essex County all takes place in America’s attic and includes, but is not limited to: snow, hockey, moose, white people, french people, and more snow.
More than its Canadian setting though Essex County has some beautiful black and white artwork not dissimilar to that of Blankets. When I think of comics I usually have images of striking color and overly muscled men in tights. However, I have found that in many (but not all) cases, a comic that is worth reading, and is in black and white, tends to be an incredibly intimate and beautiful story.Essex County has just that. What is most striking about the story is...nothing happens. Sure there is betrayal and sexuality and family strife and medical issues, but at the end of the day it is all so very real. This may be because Jeff is from the real Essex County and is pulling a lot from his own life.
So if you want a grand tale of superhuman proportions...you should wait till our next installment. However, if you want a gripping and moving tale that feels so real you can touch it, welcome home.
Now come on in and get out of the comic chaos.