EmiTown

 This was the first book I bought, post-graduating college, and its full of pictures. I have never been more proud of myself, and could not think of any more fitting image of how college wrecks the soul. I mean, I graduate and buy a 400pg. comic on the simplistic life of yet another dreamer barely making it. Called EmiTown by Emi Lenox, I bought this book on a whim. It felt right in my hands, and it had been way to long since I had bought anything from our (amazing!) local comic shop. I could go on about Central City Comics forever, but this isn't about that.

EmiTown is a sketch diary, as seen on cover, which was different than any other comics I have read. Reading a story that was true, and simple in plot--changes the feel of it all. I mean, why read a 400pg. work on a story where nothing significant happens? [Actually a lot happens in her life, but most pages are mundane topics]. Why am I so wrapped up in a story where breakfast burritos and coffee are talked about more than major life events? And why does life seemed to be more clearly talked about in breakfast burritos and coffee? Some of the spreads are like looking directly at life in the face, and accepting that I will probably never do anything great. Life is more in the simple joys and pains than anything else. Example A: In EmiTown (Volume 1) she signs a publishing deal for the book I am reading (weird, right?), but the story actually doesn't reach some climatic end because of this. The story keeps moving, slowly, painfully, and happily. It's a diary, and it is simple in nature. Very realistic and relatable. 


One of the downsides to this being a public diary is not all the information is given out in details. Example B: we know as an audience, that Emi is going through love troubles, but there is no names, or details. In any another fictional piece, and even non-fiction there is a name, clearly defined roles, and reasons for why things did not work out. She doesn't do this. She has herself as various characters that represent different aspects to her love life: White Heart, Black Heart, Ocean Girl and Army Cats. So sometimes I felt like I wasn't following the story as accurately as I could be. Another strange thing is that this book takes place 2009/2010 (the year I graduated high school) so a lot of the references are things I forgot were such a big deal (like the movie 2012, or Justin Beiber's song "Baby"). 

But seriously, Emi Lenox has got herself a new fan (I LOVE THE ART WORK). I think my biggest reason to love this sketch diary is that my best friend has a very similar style of comicking. Reading this book is like having a piece of my best friend with me all the time (who is in July moving to Taiwan for a whole year! Sad face:{ ). Besides personality differences, the art is familiar to me, and I love it. 

Check her out @ Emi Lenox's Blogger Site:) 

Comics for Daysssss!
Emily