I am utterly unsurprised that this has an above 4-star rating as of me writing this. While I wouldn't give it that myself, I'd assert that for many habitual readers of graphic novels, it will be a solid five-star read. It's original, interesting, well-written, insightful, and thought-provoking. The author obviously knew going into this what he wanted to get out of it, though it's equally as obvious he didn't know how he was going to achieve it. Much of this book was too roundabout, too abstract in its depiction of a man finding himself. Not to imply that it's a non-abstract topic, but it seems to meander wildly, like a rhetorical switchback up the face of self-discovery. Incidentally, had this been a novel, it probably would have been a five-five-star work, assuming the novel's writer kept with this author's intent. Cormac McCarthy could have done some great things with this book, were it not a graphic novel--of course, if Cormac McCarthy were involved, everyone would die in the end. Another work of heartbreaking tenderness by Jeff Lemire, the creator of the masterpiece "Essex County." This book is more concise than his previous graphic novel (probably owing to his monthly work for DC) but it doesn't sacrifice anything in the power of the emotions or the subtlety of the story.Lemire has a real knack for writing flawed, complex characters that are haunted by their pasts and Jack Joseph is another great example. His relationship with his deceased alcoholic father is a great counterpoint to his impending relationship with his own unborn son. Also, Lemire's art is perfectly suited to the setting (Canadian seaside) and characters (weathered); his use of ink washes for flashback scenes is particularly lovely."The Underwater Welder" is further proof that Lemire is an artist at the top of his game. He approaches his drawing and writing with a deft, gentle touch and his books are always a pleasure to read.
What do You think about Il Saldatore Subacqueo (2013)?
Like a Twilight Zone episode about a deep sea welder.
—poohgurl
This was absolutely mind blowing!! Nuff said!
—slkc
