More Proof That Comics Aren't Rubbish

In the past couple weeks, I’ve read a number of graphic novels worth mentioning (and some not worth mentioning, too, but…I won’t mention those). I’m one of “those people” who believes in comics as both a legitimate art form and literary form and loathes adults who unilaterally pass them off as rubbish*. Here are some teasers of the non-rubbish ones.

Jellaby, Volume 1, by Kean Soo. Portia’s an oddball at her elementary school; her analysis of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia for a book report is proof enough of that. She’s lonely at home, too. Mom works late, and Dad is mysteriously out of the picture. Then one night, Portia looks out her bedroom window to see what appears to be a dragon—a large-noggined, stubby-winged, tail-clutching baby dragon who’s lonely and frightened. Portia calls him Jellaby. But how’s she going to get him back home—wherever home is?

Two caveats: first, the packaging leads the reader to believe Jellaby is a self-contained story, so the words “To be continued” on the final page are a bittersweet surprise. Second, in spite of the super-cute illustrations and largely benign premise, I’d give this book a PG rating, as a couple of scenes include a sinister man who frightens and/or chases Portia.

Amulet, Book 1: The Stonekeeper, by Kazu Kibuishi. Following the death of her father, Emily, her brother Navin, and her mother move to an old family home across the country. They haven’t been there even a day, though, when Emily awakens a powerful amulet, her mother is swallowed by a tentacled monster, and Emily and Navin are thrust into a strange and dangerous new world in trying to save her. Utterly lost, the children’s only guidance comes from Emily’s amulet, but can it be trusted?

Again, the cute illustrations and characters, including a pink bunny-like creature called Miskit, might mislead readers into thinking this series is for very young readers. But it does have its scary moments, namely monster attacks and Emily’s dad’s tragic death. I’d give it another PG rating.

Blankets, by Craig Thompson. I borrowed this monster, autobiographical “illustrated novel” from the library a couple years ago, but just used a gift card to buy my own copy. It’s well worth re-reading: beautiful illustrations, pretty much seamless interweaving of themes and storylines, and a well-told story (if at times a bit overwritten—a small quibble, truly).

On the surface, Blankets is the story of Craig’s first love with a girl, Raina, whom he meets at his church camp. Craig’s family is evangelical Christian, and he is a true (if at times questioning) believer, even though the church has taught him to deny the worth of his artistic ventures and the physical aspects of love. Craig’s relationship with Raina breaks his faith wide open. Though their relationship isn’t built to last, as a result of their time together Craig experiences meaningful changes in his relationships with his family, his art, and God. And that’s where the heart of the story lies: in Craig’s redefinition of faith. As someone who's continually redefining faith, as I think a great many intelligent people do, I felt Blankets really hit home for me in that regard.

The themes and subject matter are pretty mature, with some (in my opinion, very tasteful and appropriate) depictions of nudity, making Blankets best suited for readers in their teens and up. It’s one of those books you really hope makes it to the world outside of comic book stores and the teen shelves, because there’s so much for even the stodgy “comics are rubbish” reader to appreciate. Okay, maybe not them—but all the rest of us.

*I blame all (over)use of the word "rubbish" on my current BBC binge.