Staff Picks (January): Patience

The award-winning creator known for his raw, honest, and gut-punching emotional commentaries on contemporary society and the unknown ordinary people who live in those worlds brings us his all-new original graphic novel since 2010, Patience, from Fantagraphics.

Patience is the brightly-colored, deeply personal love story of which Clowes truly is the master. Along with what we have come to love of Clowes' works, though, Patience gives us all of the raw, pained aspects of living 21st century urban society but with a unqiue and abstract psychedelic science fiction twist. In the first few pages you are witness to the roller coaster ride of emotions our protagonists feel and the heart-breaking events that shape their lives only to be thrust into the near future where we are reminded that this reality is one of "fizzled out"  and "pointless bullshit."

Whether it be Ghost World, Wilson, Eightball, or my personal favorite Death Ray, Clowes has become one of the undeniable masters of the independent comics scene; in many ways shaping the way we read and think of about and graphic novels today. In his newest work he evolves his craft further strengthening his position. Patience takes aspects that are quintessentially Clowsian but tweaks them into something new but equally as indelible as his past works.

Patience is a real treat without a doubt for all the patient Clowes' fans but also anyone looking to add a new modern classic to their graphic novel library! I couldn't recommend it enough and can't wait to get ahold of my copy.

—Caitlin McCabe

Publisher: Fantagraphics Item Code: JAN161448 Release Date: 03/30/16 SRP: $29.99