Jeff Lemire

A year ago this time, I had not heard of Jeff Lemire. I don't go to a big comic shop and I rarely buy things that I don't already subscribe to unless they really jump out at me or are done my favorite artist and so I missed this gem initially. To be honest, my comic shop probably never even got a copy in. Luckily I had friends who knew better, Noel told me I need to see Jeff's work. Later Duane and others mentioned him to me as well but I had to see for myself. I bought Ghost Stories, the second volume of the Essex County trilogy last summer during a con. I couldn't put it down and I reread it twice in the same day. I have never done that before. I have never seen storytelling like that before, never... in my mind there was a quantam leap with what Jeff is doing and what everyone else does and aspires to do. I read the full trilogy now and they were amazing, interesting and totally engrossing. I have bought about 10 copies of Ghost Stories from Jeff, Amazon and my comic shop and I have sent them to anyone I know into comics who appreciates the art and storytelling. I think people HAVE TO SEE this for themselves. HIs artwork is sparse and a little loose at first but as you read, it is perfect.... no one else could have illustrated these pieces. Hands down, Ghost Stories is the best comic I have read in the past 5 years and I have been catching up on some pretty great comics in that time period. The 3 volumes are being collected soon and should be available this summer but I encourage anyone who loves art and the art of storytelling to see the genius that is Jeff Lemire.