Patience | Clowes | 2016
Fantagraphics
Love.
When we find love, we hold on to it dearly. It's a near-universal theme of the human condition. So when love is the only thing precious in your life, you don't just hold onto love - you cling to it.
The time travel aspect of Patience allows Dan Clowes (notably the creator of Ghost World and Eightball) to explore the tumultuous moments in life where everything suddenly changes for the best, versus the flaws and bad decisions we scar our futures with.
Possibly one of the most profound attempts at answering the question: "What makes a 'man'?". Highly recommended.
Deathship Jenny, #1 | O'Connor
Self-published
YESSSSS Deathship Jenny is fantastic. It's a subversive critique of celebrity worship, our perceptions of beauty, and of life after childhood mega-stardom. And Jenny herself is freaking great. Secret Identity has copies in the Indie section.
Ashcan Comics #10 | Various
Self-published
Ashcan is an anthology of Australian comic artists, this time working to a loose theme of "true stories".
Jase Harper (Awkwood) and Dean Rankine (Simpsons Comics) shine in this collection.
Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland | Shanower, Rodriguez
IDW
The original Little Nemo, by legendary artist Windor McCay, ran in the Sunday papers from 1905. It was inventive - it's referred to as the Citizen Kane of comics. Recently IDW revived Little Nemo, more than 75 years after it previously finished. The book is stunning. The art warrants time spent revelling in its detail and imagination.
Cold Justice | Harrison
Self-published
Danikah Harrison is one of the most promising comic artists emerging in Queensland right now. Cold Justice is a 24 Hour Comics entry, and it's remarkably accomplished. The characters have emotions and motivations, and the story itself cracks along with confidence. Great stuff. Junky Comics stocks it.
Astro City (2013-), Vol #12: Lovers Quarrel | Busiek, Anderson, Ross
Vertigo
I love the way Kurt Busiek handles his enormous cast of characters. They drop in and out; they have histories and regrets, they exist within the confines of time and space, and sometimes they're forced to leave the fight for justice.
Scientific fact: You can't go wrong with a drumming gorilla.
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'Six Comics' is a collection of thoughts about six comic books I've read in the past month (not necessarily released in the past month). The rules: at least one issue of an ongoing title I've never read before; at least one Australian book; and a preference for books whose creators and/or characters are more diverse than straight white and male.