A few days ago, my very own copy of Craig Thompsons BLANKETS arrived. I couldn't be happier with it.If there ever was a book that found its way to me, it has to be this one. In a time where I was engulfed in a both personal and artistic struggle, Craig Thompsons second graphic novel was both an inspiration and a reassurement. The story of the book is an autobiographical retelling of Thompsons first love when he was 18. Raised in a stric catholic household, Thompson was alien to his classmates and lived the life of a loner, until he meets 'Raina' during a skiing-trip.
The story is beautifully in both pictures and narration, and shouldn't be missed. However, what gave me so much reassurance (apart from the message of the book) is that this is Thompsons second full graphic novel, with his first work, GOOD-BYE CHUNKY RICE not being too much of a success (even though it's definetely a fantastic book). He's pretty much conquered the New York Times best-seelers list out of nowhere, and is now at least able to work on books full time.
With JAT taking up so much space in my head at the moment (and the project still not being green-lit, even though our crew's expanding with each week) and the next project already on the horizon, it's also a breth of fresh, positive air. But JAT and its as of now untitled successor are pretty dark, and I think I've still got to work on those two for some time, but the book showed me the direction which I want to take with future works. Sometimes it's much more simple to tell a small and beautiful story than to alienate and disturb your viewers...
I think I'd settle with a Craig Thompson Tattoo though, at least his version of the minotaur I wanted to get as a tattoo for ages (my close friends know why THAT minotaur). I don't think he'll draw one soon, but... well... maybe I'll end up with one of the angels that are so very present in BLANKETS...
