An Elegy for Amelia Johnson had me bawling by the end.  Over two metro rides I read this original graphic novel written by Andrew Rostan.  It’s a story about death and life, and as you’d expect with that, the comic can be depressing at times.  But damn is it good and worth being bummed.

In her 30 years on earth, Amelia Johnson has touched many lives with her compassion, intelligence and spirit. Now, at the end of a yearlong battle with cancer, she asks her two closest friends to take her final messages to the people who have touched her life the most. Henry Barrons is a cocky, Oscar Award-winning documentary filmmaker whose demeanor hides deep insecurities. Jillian Webb is an acclaimed magazine writer with an inability to make long-term commitments. They set out across the country to fulfill Amelia’s dying wish…and end up learning more about her—and themselves—than they ever imagined. Andrew Rostan, Dave Valeza and Kate Kasenow deliver a meditation on loving and forgiving those close to us in their moving graphic novel debut.

There’s just so much here.  It’s a great story about what you’ll do for friends and examining our lives and what we want to accomplish.  For a debut graphic novel, it’s even more impressive.  There’s just so much to love, the art is fitting, story touching, it’s just fantastic in so many ways.

I think this is an absolute buy, and deserves such and audience.  Many folks have talked about how you get women to read comics, and this is “chick lit” in graphic novel form, but don’t let that hold you back from checking it out.  I know I’m a sap at times, but even if you’re not, you’ll enjoy this.

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