Cicada

(Top Shelf, 2001)
™ and © Top Shelf

Cicada is a portrayal of a man who lives in the past; he’s continually drawn back to memories by the most mundane and unexpected elements of the present. The story derives its name from the cicada bug; in the story, swarms of these insects surface every 13 years to mate before dying. In a small Midwestern town, it’s mating season, but the story’s protagonist is drawn back for a different reason. In his past, Thomas had grown up as a sickly and lonely child but eventually fell in love and married. But his constant need for acceptance drives him to seek companionship beyond the scope of that marriage. These extramarital affairs eventually lead to a long downward spiral for Thomas, as he buries himself in the past to avoid dealing with the present.

Josue Menjivar’s story isn’t pretty, either in its context or illustrations, but neither is Thomas’ predicament. Simply drawn with minimal dialogue and narration, the story is quickly read, which keeps the reader from becoming bored by the character’s story-long self-pity. There are some small annoyances, like the fact that the bugs don’t seem as evident as the story says they are. But the story’s point is clear, nonetheless.

The story of a person surrounding themselves with memories at the expense of the present is nothing new, but Menjivar does a good job with it. And the optimism hinted at late in the story gives it an extra boost. Despite its depressing nature, it will be enjoyed.

— Jim Johnson

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#1

December, 2001
Cover Price: $12.95
1 copy available for $9.99

Josue Menjivar