9. Blankets by Craig Thompson

Blankets by Craig Thompson
ISBN: 1891830430
Top Shelf Productions, Marietta, GA, 2006
582 pages
Alternate Format: Graphic Novel

Teaser: The book reads as a quick flip through the real life of Craig, the author, only to end with what maybe a surprise for the actual family members who may read the book and the comfort of special blankets along the way.

Summary: I laughed at the first person presentation that the writer/illustrator presented. Many of the situations, such as sharing a bed with a young sibling and fighting over covers were very funny and true to life! I also related to special blankets and the comfort in a simple item that can also morph into a tent, secret hiding place, reason to get closer to someone and sentimental journey through time after someone passes on. The pictorial side of the book was very expressive and showed a great deal of emotion from both the side of the author and his family members. Craig uses a lot of nudity in his drawings and cusses his way through what must have been actual bits of his childhood.

Evaluation: I’m a comic fan and enjoyed the way the writer used comics to express various stages of his life. It also lends itself to expression beyond words with the expressions of the comic characters. I initially thought it would be a quick read, but when I stopped to admire the simplicity of the art and the mastery of the expressions, I took a long time to get through it, enjoying the written content and art equally. Craig is very talented with his art, but I would also like to see more updated graphics, as the book seems stuck in the 1960’s or 1970’s with the language, dress and background art.

Challenge issues and age recommendation: The book deals with nudity, cussing, sex, homosexuality, anger and personal growth in a short span. I would recommend it not only as a good comic style read, but for art students to show how short impressions can say a great deal with few words. I would recommend this book for readers 15 and up.