The Retreat

The narrative economy of this graphic novel underscores how deeply the story meditates on things that go unsaid. Two 20-somethings, Serge and Igor, leave the city to spend time at a cottage in the mountains owned by the family of their dead friend, Matt. Soon, their attention shifts to their memories of the last time they were together at the cabin. Try as they might, Serge and Igor have a difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Matt is gone and struggle with understanding the circumstances surrounding his death. Wazam, a prolific comics writer (Koma, Snow Day), relies on frequent collaborator Tirabosco’s visual canvas to tell the story, his gently rounded characters showing how small human beings are in relation to their environment and revealing the complex ways in which characters communicate without words. The resulting story will move thoughtful readers, especially those who have experienced loss and struggled with accepting it. (Sept.)