In Home, Volume 2, Marc Michaud and Daniel Michaud continue to their epic science fiction stories. The two long-form (novella) stories in this volume are related to their previous chapters in Home, Volume 1.
The 122-page book is a lengthy read. ’29’ by Marc Michaud brings us back to Patrick’s early days on Demeter, as he prepares to leave aboard ARC29. Life on Demeter is what we would consider a throwback to an earlier era. Farming, with its simple chores and responsibilities, along with the joys and irritations of living in a close-knit community. The petty disagreements, the simmering resentments, the occurance of unrequited love. (Marc) Michaud does a superb job of world-building, of magnifying the small events and giving the reader a true sense of what it is like to live on Demeter. Likewise, the scenes aboard The Phantom Artist spacecraft continue to reveal surprising and delightful twists and innovative ideas.
The artwork is carefully crafted, with halftones and well-placed black areas that help to anchor us. The figures are well-rendered, and Marc’s ability with gestures and facial expressions is really strong.
The second story, Demeter, is written and illustrated by Daniel Michaud. Captain Emmanuel Thoreau of ARC56 is awakened from his sleep by Cyril the robot during a nightmare. He has been reliving his struggles with farm animals, his wife, and his daughter. It’s a really emotionally powerful series of events, with a combination of (possible) symbolism and foreshadowing for Thoreau. Daniel Michaud’s linework is reminiscent of 1960s comic strips, with full panel faces, thick lines, and high contrast lighting. There are many excellent moments of dramatic tension and characterization.
Home Comics, Home Volume 2, $20 US for 122 pages of content.
Available now from https://homecomics.ca/, and from Lev Gleason imprint New Friday in January 2022.
Newsdesk