Berkeley Breathed
I was kind of shocked when Breathed killed off Opus earlier this year. I understand his rationale that the world is really just too messed up for an Opus, no matter how feisty he is. However, I think Breathed did a great disservice by taking away a gently sarcastic bright spot in a cynical world. Regardless, he has partially redeemed himself with his gorgeous new children’s book Pete and Pickles. Full of Breathed’s luminous illustrations, Pete and Pickles tells the story of a quite little pig who spends his days tending his wife’s grave. However, once he rescues an elephant named Pickles, his whole quiet life goes out the door. Lots of great images, some highly reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes, along with a very sweet story.