I bought this graphic novel upon release in 2010 and remember quite liking it at the time but not thinking it was anything special. So, after about 12 years, it's nice to revisit it.
This is a handsome book with good quality paper stock.
The book is a coming of age/ existential crisis tale that was popular during this period in time. It has a slacker comedy vibe but also some of the elements of mumblecore movies where young adults are trying to figure things out. In this story we follow Jon, a young college graduate who is leaving his American home to travel to work in an orphanage with his Peruvian girlfriend in South America. He had his doubts but as he is directionless, feels its a good thing to do. He collides with Koko, a narcissist who is in it for herself and together their friendship grows and they learn about what it means to be good people and function in a society. There is a b-story about Faron, a young boy looking for a safe home and future, but his story is sidelined for the most part.
The ochre colours are beautiful and bring the art to life.
Whilst the story is perfunctory and the dialogue a little too earnest and Dawson's Creek-ish in its navel gazing, the art is a real standout and the ochre water colours are lush and expressive. The silent moments, the moments when the tale is told purely through images, is often stronger than the narrative unfolding through dialogue. It reminds me of Reality Bites, the early 90s film about finding your true self. It sounds great but some of the dialogue was clunky and didn’t aged well and it doesn't here either. However, the comic is an interesting read and, whilst not essential, worth the hour or so required of your time.