Gin and Comic #34: The Displaced – A City Lost, Stories Found
We paired The Displaced with a cozy mug of brandy-infused eggnog, perfect for a thoughtful, introspective evening. Written by Ed Brisson with art by Luca Casalanguida, this graphic novel presents a mysterious premise with a mix of heartfelt character arcs and a touch of the surreal. While engaging, it’s not a book that begs for a second read, so we’ll put it up for trade on AugustTales.com.
A City Erased, Lives Forgotten
In The Displaced, the city of Oshawa, Ontario, and its 170,000 residents disappear without explanation. Strangely, those who were outside the city at the time find themselves slowly forgotten by the world. As memories fade, the survivors are left to navigate a world where their existence is erased from history.
The premise is intriguing, and Brisson delivers a character-driven narrative. Emmett wrestles with guilt while caring for his ailing father. Gabby strives to shield her family from their impossible new reality. Harold confronts his fractured mental state, and Paige searches for identity and purpose. Each character is written with care, though some arcs feel more compelling than others.
Art That Drives Emotion
Luca Casalanguida’s art brings depth and expression to the story. His characters are drawn with lifelike emotions, grounding the surreal premise in human reality. Dee Cunniffe’s coloring enhances the book’s tone, using muted palettes and stark contrasts to reflect the characters’ struggles.
The visuals excel during pivotal moments, such as a bus engulfed in flames, where Cunniffe’s colors truly shine. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering adds to the experience, subtly guiding the reader’s eye while emphasizing key emotions in the dialogue.
Worth a Read, but Not a Keeper
While The Displaced starts strong, it struggles to deliver a fully satisfying resolution. The premise invites curiosity, but some storylines feel underdeveloped. The ending is predictable, leaving the book feeling more like an enjoyable diversion than a lasting masterpiece.
We enjoyed The Displaced as a single read, but it’s not one we’ll revisit. Instead, it’s ready for trade on AugustTales.com, where another reader can discover its unique premise and poignant moments.
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