True Story Swear to God

(Clib’s Boy, 2002-2006)
™ and © Clib’s Boy

Creator Tom Beland has been doing his online strips and mini-comics for a few years now, but only recently has he ventured into the world of real comic books with his new series, True Stories Swear to God. His stories are autobiographical, and for the new series Beland has chosen to go back in time to chronicle his best story yet: how he met his wife, Lily.

This naturally would be an important chapter in Beland’s life, but it’s also the best of his True Story works thus far. In the story, Beland’s character lucks into a company-paid trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. But his luck only begins there. During the trip, he encounters a young Puerto Rican woman at a bus stop with whom he hits it off immediately. Before the night is through, The Magic Kingdom takes on new meaning, as he comes to realize he has met the girl of his dreams. And that’s where the story’s own magic truly begins.

In the first issue, Beland flawlessly conveys: his emotional trip from loneliness to euphoria in a single evening; how fate intervened and made him discover this wonderful woman at a time when he most needed such intervention; and how by evening’s end he feels as though he’s known this woman all his life. This isn’t just a documentary or self-indulgent boasting; it’s real emotion brought to life on every page. It’s genuine. And it’s moving.

The second issue features Beland’s character trying to stay grounded in real life after returning to California, but unable to do much besides thinking about Lily, thousands of miles away. Anyone who’s ever been in love will relate to this series. This comic book is not only Beland’s best work; it’s one of the best comics of its kind, period. And it proves that the greatest stories are those that are too incredible not to be true.

— Jim Johnson

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