diverse graphic fiction (half First Nations brother and sister come to terms with alcoholic dad, violent alcoholism, drug abuse in small town Canada). ( )

This is one of the most beautiful graphic novels I’ve ever read. It’s up there with Maus! I didn’t want this to end yet it was perfection on every page.

I need to sit with my thoughts some more but WOW! ( )

Powerful and emotional. Well done. ( )

Roughneck is exactly why Lemire is such a goddamn talent. He takes the travails of a traumatized former NHL player in small town Ontario and writes a story of loss, courage, and redemption. I especially appreciated the flourishes of the past in total color, an undertone of the glory days, that slowly made its way to the present.

Set in a cold and bleak Canadian town, Roughneck is the story of a retired hockey player trying to put his life back together.

The e-ARC I received is mostly black and white, (except for the first 15 pages or so, which have this nice, light blue, cold feeling to them), but from what I've read the final copy will be in color. For me though, the black and white worked quite well.

Derek Ouellette is trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol. Being that he already is a tough guy, the drinking doesn't bring out the best in him. Then, when his long lost sister Bethy shows up, (on the run from her latest abusive boyfriend), things get even worse. Derek tries to do the right thing, but can he make it happen? You'll have to read Roughneck to find out.

I've not heard of Jeff Lemire before, but I requested an ARC of this graphic novel based on the description alone. I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed the artwork, the isolation of the setting, and the realistic view of the characters. I'm not sure if there are going to be more books about Derek and his sister in the future, but if there are? Count me in!

Recommended for fans of cold, bleak settings and tough guy ex-NHL players that can drop the gloves and go in a second's time!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for the free e-ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.* ( )