A touching graphic memoir about brotherhood, coming of age, and artistic inspiration by one of France's most celebrated graphic novelists.
Edmond Baudoin is one of the most revered and influential figures in European comics, renowned for his slashing, expressive brushwork and narrative experimentation. New York Review Comics is proud to present the first English translation of his most intimate and inviting book, his graphic memoir of growing up with his beloved brother, Piero.
Whether stuck in bed with whooping cough or out exploring in the woods, the two brothers draw together endlessly. They confront Martians, battle octopuses, stage epic battles between medieval castles, and fly high over the earth. Inevitably, they begin to grow apart, and their shared artistic life is replaced by schoolwork, romance, dances, motorcycles, and the struggle to decide what sort of people they want to be. Piero is a delicate, exuberant testament to the joys of childhood and a bittersweet account of what it means to become an adult—and an artist.
"This affecting, Proustian dip into childhood memory follows a relationship between two brothers in all its intensity and complexity….Baudoin lays pages in loose pen-and-ink, with rounded figures inhabiting vibrantly sketched settings, which suggest something between classical Renaissance cartoons and great children’s book artists like Maurice Sendak and Edward Ardizzone. His evocation of childhood, at once dreamlike and intensely vivid, makes the reader inclined to agree with the brothers when they say that 'it’s a little dumb to grow up.’" —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Edmond Baudoin has an astonishing talent that clearly distinguishes him as one of the masters of graphic storytelling. The incredible economy of Baudoin's style is apparent within the first couple pages; readers will find that amid his minimalistic lines and scribbles, his spare and descriptive dialogue, Baudoin manages to tell an incredibly imaginative and humane story about the creativity of children and the joys of childhood companionship. . . Piero is a top contender for my favorite book of the year.” —Emma Levy, Shelf Awareness
"For newbies and aficionados alike, this artistic remembrance-of-things-past should prove poignantly compelling." —Booklist
"No other book inspired me more than Piero. Edmond Baudoin is a master." — Craig Thompson
“An exceptionally talented and thoughtful cartoonist.” —The AV Club
