In Comics: Tales From The Farm: Essex County Vol.1

Written and Illustrated by Jeff Lemire

Published by Top Shelf Comics

The great people at Top Shelf Comics once again introduce fans of graphic novels to an impressive talent: Jeff Lemire. Top Shelf recently published Tales From the Farm: Essex County Vol 1 and I tore into it with enthusiasm.

The Story

Tales From the Farm: Essex County Vol 1 tells the simple story of Lester. Lester is a ten year old boy, much like any other 10 year old you might know. Lester is growing up on a farm in Essex County, Ontario Canada. Although, he is going through a rough time as this story is being told.

Lester’s mother recently passed away after a struggle with cancer. He has never known his father, so he winds up going to live with his Uncle Ken on the farm in Essex County. Uncle Ken and Lester don’t have an easy time of it though.

The two are both distinctly different personalities and do not share any common interests. Lester escapes these difficulties by escaping into a world of drawing and comic books during long hours in his room. Ken isn’t used to having a child to care for as he is a bachelor and spends long hours in the fields working. Lester and Ken seem to bond briefly over hockey, but largely, they are just worlds apart.

Enter into Lester’s life Jimmy Lebeuf. Jimmy owns the local gas station and used to be a professional hockey player, in his younger days. Jimmy is kind hearted but a bit on the dim side. He is like an overgrown child, the perfect companion for a 10 year old boy.

The two spend their days chatting, playing pond hockey and fighting off imaginary alien adventures. The days come and go and Lester feels less lonely now that Jimmy has entered his life.  What is to become of Lester and his unusual best friend?

The beauty of Tales From the Farm: Essex County Vol 1 lies in its simplicity. The story is told in a stunningly pure manner that sneaks up on you emotionally and will have you recalling your friends of your childhood.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Jeff Lemire is a talent to keep an eye on and I count myself among his fans after reading this book. There will be more books in this series and I anxiously await the next story from Essex County.

8.5/10

The Artwork

The artwork of Tales From the Farm: Essex County Vol 1 is distinctive black and white. Lemire’s style is straightforward and stark but emotionally resonant. It proves that you don’t have to be Alex Ross in order to convey emotion within your pen strokes.

7/10

Overall ( Not an Average) 8/10

Review

The Story 8.5/10

The Artwork 7/10

Overall (Not an Average) 8/10

Suzie Lackey