North Country

(NBM, 2005)
™ and © 2005 Shane White

One would think that anyone with a childhood as troubling Shane White’s would have turned to far less constructive pursuits than writing or drawing. But childhood trauma has long been subject matter for many different creative outlets.

White’s autobiographical story isn’t one filled with self-pity, despair, or resentment. He doesn’t try to run from the pain or even just cope with it; he embraces it. Like a psychologist who’s also the patient, White brilliantly examines his traumas via his own storytelling. He deals with memories of abusive parents and constantly dashed hopes by aggressively acknowledging them. In doing so, he seemingly heals his own wounds, as the story takes on a more positive and almost inspirational tone.

White emulates such varied and unexpected comic artists as Mike Zeck, Jerry Ordway, and Brent Anderson. And his flair for poetic, colorful, and emotional narrative is impressive. This is all the more amazing because this is his first published work. Shane White’s name will be heard again; pick up this graphic novel to see why.

—Jim Johnson

Jump to issue:

Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

Cover Price: $13.95
1 copy available for $13.50

Shane White