Book Review: Graphic Novels

Home After Dark

David Small

Hardcover, 416 pages

Publication Date: September 11, 2018

Publisher: Liveright

Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction

David Small is the author of “Stitches,” a memoir very well-known in graphic novel circles. I have yet to read “Stitches,” but the premise of “Home After Dark” looked to be an intriguing first experience with a new, widely loved author.

“Home After Dark” is about a boy named Russell who, after being abandoned by his mom, moves with his dad to California in the mid-20th century. Russell, only 13, has to suddenly deal with the absence of his mother, a father who treats him like a stranger and the usual teenage fears of starting a new school and making friends.

A good plot, certainly, but the story itself turned out much weirder than that. Russell falls in with a no-good group of friends, an animal killer is stalking the town and homophobia from the townspeople lurks around every corner. I found it difficult to like Russell or agree with any of his choices despite his sympathetic background.

I also did not enjoy Small’s style of drawing. It felt too abstract to me, although it did an excellent job of getting the point across and revealing the character’s feelings. Small must recognize this about his art, as portions of the book are devoid of dialogue, allowing the art to communicate the story to the reader. This works very well, but on an aesthetic level, his style is not my favorite.

 

Lost Soul, Be at Peace

Maggie Thrash

Hardcover, 192 pages

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Publisher: Candlewick

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir

“Lost Soul, Be at Peace” is the sequel to Thrash’s 2015 memoir, “Honor Girl.” While it is the second book in a series, “Lost Soul” could be read on its own, as it is not a direct follow-up to “Honor Girl.”

I was ecstatic when this book came out. I picked up “Honor Girl” on a whim a couple of years ago when I first started reading graphic novels, and I enjoyed it immensely. “Lost Soul” is just as good, although it is certainly a slower burn than its predecessor. Having already been acquainted with Thrash’s younger self, however, I did not mind the slower plot, as it allowed for further character development which started in the first book.

In “Lost Soul, Be at Peace,” Thrash is a junior in high school and struggling to care about her life. Distant parents, a lack of motivation in school and the looming presence of college and adulthood have brought Thrash to a halt. She does not know what to do with her life, and she no longer particularly cares. Only when her cat goes missing and a ghost appears in her house does she begin interacting with things again.

 

Thrash’s style is simple, although it is much more grounded than Small’s. Even complex teen emotions are communicated well through her drawing. It pairs well with her straightforward narration as she looks back on her younger self struggling to see her place in the world.

I hope Thrash continues her memoir series, but until then, I will be happy recommending both “Honor Girl” and “Lost Soul, Be at Peace.” Small’s “Home After Dark,” however, is not something I would encourage others to read.

Paige Holmes is a junior journalism major from Topeka, KS. Reading is her favorite thing to do because it teaches one how to think, imagine and live. Paige believes there is no better way to learn something or be entertained than by reading a book. Her favorite genre of books is fantasy/thriller and her favorite book is ‘Opening Moves’ by Steven James.