THOUGHT BUBBLE MONTH 2024! There are times when you read comics work that is so captivating and so delightful that you immediately fall in love with it. This was my reaction whilst reading Haru: Book 1: Spring, the first in a darkly enchanting series of graphic novels from Joe Latham. It’s the kind of opening instalment that has you eagerly anticipating the next part which, for myself at least, will not be a long wait given that it’s published later this month.
One of those offerings that I have personally defined as “genuinely all-ages” here at Broken Frontier over the years, Haru works so well because, depending on your age, you will find different layers to appreciate in these pages. Latham’s story is set in a world of intelligent animals; one with echoes of our own in both societal structures and oddly placed artefacts. It’s a place that seems somehow both innocent and sinister at the same time, and in its forest surroundings it’s where we first meet schoolkids Haru (a bird) and their porcine pal Yama.
While exploring their woodland home the pair discover the Heart of Briar, a mystical relic from a time of darkness, and one that somehow attaches itself irremovably to Yama. On the advice of the oldest tree in the forest the pair begin a quest that will take them across the land, looking for a mysterious beacon in an effort to discover how to free Yama of this curse. On the way they will face great perils; meet outlandish characters like Herb Toddman, an anthropomorphic toadstool-person; and gradually have fragmentary truths about the realities of their world revealed to them. Meanwhile Haru’s younger sibling Goose is in hot pursuit of the duo…
It’s understandable that comparing one work to another in comics commentary circles is considered lazy but there’s something about Haru that nonetheless leads me to describing it as a Bone for our time. Latham’s story seems to hint at something just out of our perception so far as to the bigger picture here. Elements of humanity and more recognisable domesticity sit side by side here within an otherwise strictly fantasy setting – a car abandoned in the woods, a strangely out of place abandoned shopping mall, references to Google and a half-reference to a famous naturalist’s documentaries. Are these pop cultural mentions designed to connect with younger readers? Or are they hints as to something narratively important to come? Haru’s strangely ghost-like mother is similarly reticent to discuss their past or where they came from…
This is part of the joy of Haru as we find out more about its wider world, history and sociological structures bit by bit. For younger readers there are other subplots which will resonate; particularly the one surrounding Haru being bullied at school. There are important messages here but they are implicit in the reading rather than being preachy in tone. It’s Latham’s art, though, that will be the first thing to pull in many readers. Gorgeously presented with a use of colour that is simply astonishing as it builds emotional resonance, a sense of place, and atmosphere that can slide from the jaunty to the foreboding in a heartbeat.
My number one graphic novel choice for the all-ages readers in your orbit this coming holiday season.
Joe Latham (W/A) • Andrews McMeel, £14.99
Review by Andy Oliver
Joe Latham will be at Table B31 in the Redshirt Hall at Thought Bubble.
Thought Bubble 2024 runs from November 11th-17th with the convention weekend taking place on the 16th-17th. More details on the Thought Bubble site here.
Read all our Thought Bubble 2024 coverage so far in one place here.
Art by Rocío Arreola Mendoza
