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Join Chunky the turtle on a voyage of emotional discovery
Writer and Artist: Craig Thompson
Original Graphic Novel
Published by Top Shelf Productions 1999
$14.95
Reviewed by Paul Hanna
Although a newcomer, Craig Thompson has nothing but exceptional professional skill to offer the comics medium. GOOD-BYE, CHUNKY RICE is a meditative examination of humanity; it reflects upon loss and loneliness, joining these ideas in the context of companionship.
Chunky Rice, the title character, is a small cartoon turtle who moves away from home and his friend, a small female mouse named Dandel. The story is something of a quest for new knowledge, for both the reader and Chunky Rice.
Set on traveling to the Kahootney Islands, Chunky Rice becomes a passenger on a boat headed by the ill-tempered Captain Chuck. He also meets Siamese twins, connected at the head and shoulders, both of whom have a funny and all too present sense of each other's companionship.
The boat voyage they embark upon is one of self-discovery, sharing memories, and perhaps building new ones. In simplest terms, CHUNKY RICE is about the emotional pain of change.
| "A second look will reveal umpteen elements that a first reading often misses" |
With superb, simplified brush strokes, Thompson employs fundamental techniques of comics storytelling and uses them to their fullest extent. The outcome is a story that reaches to comics fans and new readers of the medium.
CHUNKY RICE reads fluidly: carefully yet seamlessly balancing elements of character and plot. Not unlike a modern-day folk tale, its characters are initially memorable in an iconic sort of way; then, as the story unfolds, we realize the humanity that makes them real. Thompson even invites us to feel sympathy for Captain Chuck, who seems despicable towards the beginning. Just about every character that utters more than one word balloon is given this treatment.
The story is deceptively simple; a second look will reveal umpteen elements that a first reading often misses. A reread gives the reader a completely different look at the characters, more in-depth then their iconic first impression.
Thompson has tapped into something profound. CHUNKY RICE is easily one of the best comics of the year; at least, it is a must-read and a must-reread for any comics lover.
Recommended
Paul Hanna is a regular contributor to PopImage
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Relevant Links
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/