I was extremely excited to read Blankets because I have been told countless times by many of my friends what an amazing and enjoyable read it is. So without any pressure whatsoever, I sat down to read it.
I found it interesting that there is a similar quality to the visuals of both Craig Thomson's work and Will Eisner's in that they are black and white and both have line quality that is extremely kinetic. While Eisner's is much more sharp, there is a gentler, softer quality to Thomspon's. I found his characters to be charming, simple and iconic. His illustrations are also very emotive in that the reader doesn't only understand the action taking place, they get the feeling of that character and their reaction to the situation.
The story was one that almost every person, including Thomson since it is fairly autobiographical, can relate to when moving from childhood into adulthood. It deals with subject matter like bullying, faith and love. Like discussed in McCloud, it seems to be a good thing that his characters are simplified so the reader can connect themselves with Craig's adolescent experiences. Everyone has felt out of place and longing for someone who won't connect in the same way. Though the comic doesn't necessarily end on a high note like most would like, it does teach a life lesson of the more likely scenario. It's bittersweet.
It is better to have loved and...
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