Media Release -- NBM's ComicsLit presents a new talent from France whose comics are magical, luminescent and quietly inspiring: Renaud Dillies (pronounced RehNO DeelleeEHSS).
A few years ago, Renaud graduated the prestigious comic art school Saint Luc and promptly developed his chops at the leading kids' comics magazine Spirou also doing best-selling spoof graphic novels on sports such as soccer or rugby for another publisher.
Soon, he started on his own, marrying his love for music and comics with a remarkable premier graphic novel called "Betty Blues" which caught the attention of fans and critics and the Angouleme Fair prize for Best First Graphic Novel..
With this graphic novel, whose mystifying title will become clear as you read it, his deceptively simple cartooning talent soars, inspired by and honoring Herriman and Krazy Kat but also reminiscent of StExupery's simple bewitching classic "The Little Prince." In an anthropomorphic world, we meet Charlie the Mouse, an author with writer's block. He is shy, doesn't get out much and can't find inspiration for his next book.
That inspiration comes in the form of a mysterious bird we are never quite sure actually exists who, out of the blue, visits him and is called "Solitude." The bird drags him out of his comfortable little shell to see the world right around him. His town's carnival, in particular, becomes a great occasion for him to be thrown in amongst the rejoicing populace, thrust into a performing band, having a wonderful time and, after maybe a bit too much imbibing, feeling himself soaring into a dream world of simple lyrical beauty.
The whole experience unblocks him.
It also brings us on a magical trip of discovery and manages to lift our spirits as we soar along with him. This beguiling story enthralls without trying very hard at all. All ages can find something to enjoy in it. It may be a fairy tale for adults, but even little kids can certainly enjoy it as well for bedtime. There's no great drama. Just poetry in art.
8 1/2x 11, 80p., full color hardcover, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-56163-611-2, $16.99
Publication: October 2011
