A Fantastic Journey to Find Oneself
STATSPaperback, 160 pagesPublished May 28th 2019 by Image ComicsISBN153431217X (ISBN13: 9781534312173)Edition LanguageEnglishSeriesMiddlewest #1-6
STORY SYNOPSIS
The lands between the coasts are vast, slow to change, and full of hidden magics. The town of Farmington has been destroyed sending an unwitting adventurer and his vulpine companion in search of answers to quell a coming storm that speaks his name. From author SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, DEADPOOL) and artist JORGE CORONA (NO. 1 WITH A BULLET, FEATHERS, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK) comes the tale of Abel, a young boy who must navigate an old land in order to reconcile his family’s history.
Collects MIDDLEWEST #1-6
MY THOUGHTS
Middlewest is a wild romp of an adventure. It brings together volumes 1-6 into one giant epic tale. It reminds me of The Wizard of Oz with magic and steampunk with traveling carnies and an older man who is a collector. Abel is the main protagonist of the story. A youngish kid, who in the beginning, is running a paper route. He is a pillar of responsibility. Through ordinary childish foibles, he lost his paper route and stole something. Instead of getting grounded, his father, with whom Abel does not have a fantastic relationship, explodes into a massive storm creature that destroys Abel’s home. Abel makes a break for it and thus starts his incredible journey.
Abel runs away and makes it as far as he can get. He boards a train and meets the first memorable person on this journey: the man who collects things, the junk man. This man is one of several colorful characters that try to assist Abel. This story plays out as half coming of age story and half great chase. Because the entire time Abel is traveling his father is not far behind, and he is mad.
I like how mental illness is addressed in this book. This book does not gloss over aspects of the disease that people suffer — quite the contrary. The author built a fantastical journey and story around flawed characters that are thrilling and compels you page to page. Graphically this book is a treat to look at. The art is done playfully, but instead of soft whimsy, the art is done with hard lines, bright colors, and a steampunk vibe. It is well done.
This is a graphic novel that shouldn’t be missed. Get it. Read it and go on the journey with Abel. You will love it.
Other Reviews of Note
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PROCUREMENT
I received a copy of this from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my open and honest review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Skottie Young has been an illustrator and cartoonist for over ten years working for entertainment and publishing companies such Marvel, Warner Bros., Image, Upper Deck, Mattel, and many more.
He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum’s OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.
Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.
This sounds AMAZING! You know how I’ve been in a GN phase lately so this one’s been added to my TBR now. I didn’t even know it existed but you had me sold from the gorgeous graphics and the added elements of steampunk and carnies 😍 lovely review as always! Jen
Thanks Jen! This book is gorgeous and well worth the read. Tell me how you like it.