A review by bluepigeon
Rusty Brown by Chris Ware

4.0

Rusty Brown by Chris Ware is certainly a masterpiece. As a collection of the stories of six people who interact in one way or another at a school in Omaha, Nebraska, it is excellent. Ware moves from present day to the past seamlessly, varied panel sized and groupings focus from the minutia and the mundane to the larger, more important panels, giving the whole thing a flow and ebb that's akin to great storytelling and pacing in an epic novel. The stories of four students and two teachers are interesting and interlocking in some ways. Sometimes told in parallel in the now and sometimes focusing on one character's life but from past to present (to future), Ware creates a bigger universe than what's on the page.

My one complaint is that I seem to be too old to read and enjoy the tiny panels! I felt like I needed a magnifying glass sometimes. Ware's art, coloring, meticulous architectural drawings are awe inspiring, but hard to appreciate in the small panels.

Recommended for Chris Ware fans, and those who like action figures, Mars and snow.