A beautiful, labor intensive, deep, and dense read, The Hunting Accident is a tale that (ironically) could only have been told in graphic novel format. The interweaving of imagination, academic writing, philosophy, history, redemption and personal relationships would have been dry and impossible as a purely-text novel, and the gorgeous, intricately-detailed illustrations and depictions add a pathos otherwise hidden from a standard read.

The relationships are the real star here: between Matt and Charlie, between Matt and Leopold, even between Charlie and Bob. They're all real and true, weighted down with history and (sometimes irrational) feelings and impressions. While there's no doubt that Matt and Leopold are criminals (and Leopold is never depicted as remorseful for his actions, a bold and unique choice), they are also just people, deeply flawed but with limitless potential to better themselves. The scene where Matt reads the poem that ends with the line "Oh God/There are noises I'm going to hunger for" to the prisoners in class is beautiful and touching, and emphasizes the humanity and struggle of everyone involved (and on it's own is just a beautiful line) while recognizing that they maybe don't deserve unconditional forgiveness.

Just a beautiful read that takes a while to get through (or at least it should), that makes you think and feel all at once. ( )