February 21, 2004

Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth

Jimmy Corrigan was the lead story in Chris Ware's Acme Novelty Library comic book series, published by Fantagraphics. Rendered in Ware's painstakingly detailed and clean-lined hand, Jimmy Corrigan is a non-linear fictional biography about a guy who lives a miserable life because his parents treated him horribly. We learn that his parents, too, were treated horribly. It's pretty depressing, but the art is truly mind-blowing, and the creative ways in which Ware unfolds the story are pure genius. I highly recommend this book, especially since you can buy a used hardcover copy on Amazon for just $10. A great deal for a 380-page, all color book. Buy from Amazon.