Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written and Drawn by: Jeff Smith
Colored by: N/A
Lettered by: Not credited
Editor: N/A
Publisher: Cartoon Books
Bone may not have run for 300 issues like the unmatched independent series Cerebus, it is one of the most well known indy comic books of all-time. The trade paperbacks can be found on the shelves of comic shops as well as most major book sellers that carry collected-sequential-art. While it is not the most widely read comic on the shelves, it is quite popular, and it seems most everyone that has read the book enjoys it immensely. For me, Bone is the pinnacle of what comic books can offer. Men, women, boys, girls, literally anyone with an open mind, will love the series, and this issue in particular!
I only began reading Bone late last year, and mainly on a whim. My comic shop was running one of their semi-regular 50% off sales, and I decided it was time to grab the first three trades. I had been meaning to try it for years, and finally the time had come. I had a magical experience reading those trades. I quickly got my girlfriend (hi, Patti!) hooked on Bone, and in short order we had read all of the adventures! That’s when the waiting began!
Bone began publication in 1991 and has been a critical darling since its inception. Jeff Smith’s all age accessible writing and artwork befitting a Disney film have made Bone a stunning work, and book that truly deserves to have the word classic associated with it. Smith has brought to life one of the grandest, character-centered stories in comic book history. Each of the first 53 issues has been near perfection. The fact that it took me more than 12 years to start reading Bone is a tragedy of sorts, as I almost completely missed out on the actual publication of the book. Yet, the release schedule has been sporadic, and the fact that I got to read all but the final two issues in a span of a couple of weeks was a wonderful treat.
As I waited for issue #54 to arrive at my comic retailer these past months, I got just a small taste of what it has been like for the fans that have been loyal to this title for the duration. When the issue finally arrived there was not even the slightest bit of disappointment at the content. Jeff Smith had delivered yet again! The only disappointment came from me knowing that there would only be one more chance to read a new Bone story.
Let me tell you a little more about Bone!
Every issue of Bone and all of the trade paperback collections have begun with the following text:
“After being run out of Boneville, the three Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone are separated and lost in a vast, uncharted desert.
One by one, they find their way into a deep, forested valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures…â€
So, through the series run we have followed the Cousins Bone as they adventure far from home. They are cute little creatures that look something like Casper the Ghost. Fone is the endearing hero, Phoney is the conniver trying to always make a buck, and Smiley is the slow witted, but well-meaning cousin. They are three of the most vibrant character ever put to the printed page. They are joined by a cast of equally vibrant characters. Thorn is heroic female that we have watched grow into a warrior, her Gran’ma, Ben, is unlike any grandmother you have ever seen. Of the entire cast she’s probably the fastest thinking and certainly the toughest in a fight. She, like the entire cast, goes far beyond mere caricature. These characters are so well built that, despite the fantastic nature of the series, they seem to be alive.
I don’t want this review to turn into a column about the series in general. I plan to dedicate an entire Near Mint Memories piece to this wonderful series when the final issue releases later this year. So, let me cover the issue in question, #54, before I ramble on for another 700 words.
Obviously, the series has reached its period of climax. I can’t go too deeply into the mechanics of the story itself. It would be wrong to ruin this story! Bone has seen tremendous character development over its course, and the plot has always been advanced with the characters as the central focus. This issue weighs in at packed 48 pages. Jeff Smith’s got all of the plotlines converging together perfectly. There are only 48 pages to go in one of the greatest stories ever told in the comic medium, but it’s clear to see that the planned length is perfect. The story’s not too long, and while the fact that it is ending is a downer, all of the question will be answered, and the final resolution will be as wonderful as everything that came before it.
We are deep in the “third act†of this epic story. Jeff Smith hits all the right notes with his writing. The usual blend of action and humor takes a somewhat dark tone as our heroes are all facing their mightiest challenge. Smith has balanced his cast superbly. He keeps each of the characters involved and they are all in serious doo-doo. You can’t help but hold your breath as the events within unfold, and the wait for the finale will certainly not be easy.
Jeff Smith is one of the finest artists working today, and with this issue he has succeeded, yet again, with a perfect comic reading experience. Smith’s cartoon style is an absolutely heavenly site. The emotion, the action, and the majesty are present in every single panel he brings to us. Bone may look too cute for the cynical comic reader of today, but I must tell you that in your comic reading lifetime you will not read better. When looking for comic books to introduce the medium to the younger audience, there is nothing else better! Much like the Harry Potter series is for books, the comic industry’s finest example of all ages material is Bone!
This issue illustrates just how well thought out Bone is and just how perfectly this story is coming together. Obviously the second to last issue of this comic is not a great place to jump on board this majestic tale. If you are reading this review, and haven’t tried Bone, and are intrigued, go out and pick up the first trade, “Out from Boneville,†there’s simply no way you could possibly be disappointed!
