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So here it is, the first issue of Minor Arcana, Jeff Lemire’s major project at Boom Studios. The whole thing is planned as a series of four books (Wands, Swords, Cups, Pentacles), which will be released in a Deluxe Hardcover version at some point. Of course, it’s Boom afterall.
But let’s not talk about the form for now (and I’m not writing this to distract from the fact that I let myself be tempted by the 1:10 incentive plus the A-cover and the Slaughter var). Let’s focus on the content.
Minor Arcana #1 is, without a doubt, a classic Lemire. We have ‚em all, the typical ingredients. The small town, the family ruins, the tormented souls, the human core. Wrapped in sadness, longing, loneliness, melancholy, eeriness and mysticism. All presented in this unagitated tone, which still manages to create a tension that draws you in and keeps you close.
But what strikes me first is what was already apparent in his previous Image project Fireflies. Jeff Lemire has definitely found his drawing style. It is really fascinating to see how his illustrations have developed over the years and across the stories. From a means to an end, to an aesthetic element of the comic that stands and communicates on its own.
The artwork is no longer just the carrier of the story. The illustrations communicate through the expressive composition, the ever more refined gestures and facial expressions, and the color scheme, which creates a balance with the rougher drawing style through its pastel softness.
As you can tell, I’m increasingly impressed by Lemire’s very own artwork. I’ve hardly said a word about the content. But I don’t have to, because, firstly, not much is happening here in issue #1 other than what the teaser already tells you, and secondly, I assume that you have either already read Minor Arcana or will do so as soon as possible. Because I am sure this series will be one not to be missed. Whether in comic book form (like me) or as a deluxe hardcover collection.
(You can subscribe to Minor Arcana at Walt's Comic Shop. Simply click HERE.)
Minor Arcana #1 Cover A Lemire
€6,95
Theresa, the daughter of a small-town "psychic" fraud, returns home to care for her ailing mother, however begrudgingly. But when Theresa discovers that there may be more to the magic than she originally believed, she'll find herself caught up in… read more
