CBR15Passport, Illustrator lives in UK
I did not rate Rain a five because it was the best, but because it really hit me in the right feels. Plus, there are some amazing alternative images at the end. It is probably a 4.5 but I was feeling generous as this is an experience book that had I been having another experience than what was happening while reading, this book wouldn’t have worked. You need to give this book time, read the illustrations, read slowly as if you are walking through the crystalized-knife-rain leftovers. And while the ending was partly predictable, and partly, “Was that really the best ending?” it was an interesting one. Overall, this book is not if you are looking for horror, but if you are looking for a relatable, realistic science-fiction/thriller, literary read. Trigger warnings: there is mild homophobia, serious violence, religious extremists, death.
And now for the feelings of this graphic novel adaptation of Joe Hill’s novella. David M. Booher takes on a story that in the end is part love story and part environmental story, with a dash of family tossed in. The plot starts on a beautiful day in August in the state of Colorado. That clear day, the rain falls. Only it is knife-like blades coming down. The numbers are staggering for the death toll. But because Honeysuckle was inside the garage of a neighbor’s house, and the owner’s son, too sick to be outside, stops her, Honeysuckle survives. But cue the first tearjerker. Her girlfriend, Yolanda, and “bonus mom” (Yolanda’s mother), do not. The next tearjerker will come soon enough. Trying to make sense of things Honeysuckle starts off on a journey that will be part inspirational and mostly heartache. We learn
the secret of the rain, but at a terrible cost.
It was the artwork of Zoe Thorogood that really sets the tone. We see graphic images of pierced eyes, animals curled around their young, daggers sting out of bodies. People take advantage of each other, blood flies and guns go off. We see the ugly feelings coming off people’s faces, good guys look good and bad guys look bad (there is one criminal that looks like he belonged in a superhero comic). The use of colors and lack of is perfect. Things, detailed wise, can be busy and stark. Everything is just right and too much. The cover lets you know a bit about the fantastical elements, but mostly this is a straight forward, realistic tale. I would have preferred Honeysuckle to be a bit less pencil thin, and yes, Yolanda not dying, but I came to like, or understand, most people and looks didn’t matter. Except for the hairless cat. I’m sorry, yes, they look like they will steal your breath (and soul) while you are sleeping.
