Not Just Capes

The major misconception we comic-book fans face is, that there is only room for superheroes in the medium. An easily understood misconception since the capes and cowls dominate the sales charts and honestly my pull list. Though on rare occasion an indy book will end up in my stack. It must have been 4 or 5 years ago that one such occasion had happened when "Blankets" made its way into my stack. That day I brought it home and quickly devoured every page. Since then, I have been recommending the book to all the people that roll their eyes at the thought at reading comics.


"Blankets" is writer and artist Craig Thompson second comics work, but his use of the page to pace the reader is masterful. In "Blankets" Craig Thompson recounts his life growing up with his younger brother in a small Wisconsin town and the first time he fell into and out of love. This book is gripping in its honest emotion, some stories are so personal and perhaps embarrassing that reading them drew me in all the more. The art style is simple but complete with each line importance is felt and emotion is carried on each face.

Each person I have lent this book to, comments on how relatable the story is, and how quick a read. With close to 600 pages I'd always assumed getting it back would take a week or two, but as it goes no one has been able to put it down once its in their hands. The only down side is that Craig Thompson's work comes out sparingly and getting a new reading completely addicted to the medium takes more then this emotional one night stand. But, even for fans of the comics medium "Blankets" is a great recommendation for a first taste into indy comics.