I was at a loss when trying to decide what I should write about this week; I feel like I’ve reviewed quite a few superhero comics as of late, probably more than any normal human being could handle, save a handful of dorks (myself included). I finally decided to share my favorite graphic novel: “Blankets,” written and illustrated by Craig Thompson.
“Blankets” is a personal memoir of sorts, remembering Thompson’s childhood and adolescence. It is the story of the brutality of sibling relationships, adolescent alienation from being “different,” first loves and the dangers of obsession.
Now, there are a lot of “indie” graphic novels out there that deal with the same themes as “Blankets,” but more often than not, they come off as shallow or contrived and always with a hint of cynicism. On the other hand, “Blankets” above all else comes off as honest and heart-felt.
“Blankets” is first and foremost a story of high school first loves. That theme alone can seem entirely banal, but interweaved in the story is a much larger concept: obsession. This air of obsession not only manifests itself in Thompson’s love affair, but in his childhood compulsion to draw; a form of escapism, as part of his intense devotion to religion and to alleviate the trivialities of adolescent isolation. These obsessions, though good intentioned, often envelope his life but eventually lose their meaning and slowly begin to slip away.
But even though these obsessions seem to drift, they are never completely gone. There is always a relic of that all-too-foreign sentiment that continually lingers. As in the final line of the book, “How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface. To make a map of my movement, no matter how temporary.”
I am not pretentious enough to classify art into various stages of greatness, from “low” to “high” art. However, if ever I were to do such a thing, Thompson’s artwork in “Blankets” would resoundingly be placed into the high art category. And that isn’t purely in relation to other comics and graphic novels, but in the entirety of art.
Thompson has a phenomenal ability to portray emotions. From anger and terror to joy and rapture, Thompson can flawlessly render emotional sentiment. There are many scenes in this graphic novel that can only be justified as beautiful, as in the abstract motion of breath, a heartbeat or the sound of falling snow. Thompson’s work can be almost painfully beautiful.
I know some of you may still be thinking that “Blankets” just sounds like another shallow story about high school. And I know we’ve all been a little jaded by John Hughes movies. But Thompson’s work really transcends those clichés. “Blankets” is art and a graphic novel at its finest.
And hey, maybe carrying around a copy of it will help you impress that artsy girl you’ve had your eye on. No promises, though.