Review: ‘COVID Chronicles’ published by Graphic Mundi

COVID Chronicles. edited by Kendra Boileau and Rich Johnson. Graphic Mundi. 2021. 296pp. $21.95

COVID Chronicles is a unique comics anthology, a testament to the collective response to COVID-19. The comics medium is exceptionally well-suited to convey, evoke and process the massive tangle of information and expression involved. We often say that comics is known for superheroes. However, on an even grander scale, comics is known for being a communication and educational tool able to make it possible to see the forest for the trees. This remarkable anthology was put together during the first half of 2020. We were lost amid the trees then and we’re still finding our way today. As a comics creator, I fully appreciate the challenges for a book like this to stay on point. I have seen countless comics anthologies and the biggest stumbling block for such an endeavor is a lack of consistency and vision. And then we have those gems that prosper because of a clear and compelling purpose. This is such a collection.

“The Right to Breathe” by Maureen Burdock with Joanna Regulska

Here are some examples that demonstrate the broad spectrum of expression found in this book of more than 60 short comics from a diverse set of creators: indie powerhouses, mainstream artists, Ignatz and Eisner Award winners, and various other talent. This represents a whole new comics movement! These are all comics invested in a new wave of informational comics. It is the result of an iterative and explanatory process imbued with passion. This is work looking inward and outward. Inward to family and the self. Outward to the relentless news and the chaos to be confronted.

“Ring the Bells” by Emily Steinberg

“Lessons Learned” by Tim E. Ogline

“Sort of Together & Mostly Apart” by Brenna Thummler

“State of Emergency” by Sarah Firth

“Seasons of the City” by Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos and Aaron Guzman

“Shelter-in-Place Sing” by Lee Marrs

By all counts, this is a significant and monumental work. We see where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. Each story here has something important to share and the book adds up to an authentic and valuable response to one of the greatest challenges of our lives.

BINC Foundation

Special Note: The comics in this collection have been generously donated by their creators. A portion of the the proceeds from the sale of this volume are being donated by the publisher to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) in support of comics shops, bookstores, and their employees who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.