Days of Sand Part 1 Review

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Set during the 1930s. Days of Sand follows East coast photographer John Clark who is sent on a journalistic assignment to the mid-west to record the aftermath of the Dust Bowl on the rural populace.

 

My Thoughts: Story/Pacing (5/5) – Historical fiction is a genre I very much fun and interesting to read as it takes liberties with a real-world setting to tell a tale from the POV of a fictitious subject that could have existed during a certain period. This work continues in the tradition, retaining historical accuracy exploring a unique avenue with its setting. The book took its time to allow the reader to absorb the setting over numerous panels and pages never going overboard with the dialogue or rushing the exposition

 

Characters (5/5) – Being the primary focus, John is the one who receives the most fleshed-out characterization as the lone journalist trying to capture the contemporaneous climate of the places he visits. There are heavy hints at an internal struggle between whether to depict raw candid photos or stage them to elicit the most shocking effect, a suggestion his boss’s secretary makes.

Most of the other personalities John interacts with represent the average working rural America and, in that respect, encapsulate that archetype effectively. The live-action photographic transitions interspersed in between chapters serve to emphasize this well. Furthermore, John’s interactions with various local citizens share a natural chemistry expected from a genuinely dedicated reporter. This quality especially shines during his short exchanges with equally ambitious child Cliff who winds up forming a little bond with John as a voluntary assistant.

 

Art (5/5) – Both the urban and country landscapes were evocative of their respective settings containing thick lines which appropriately fit the rough atmosphere the plot was attempting to convey. The expository scenes show the art at its best.

 

Final Thoughts: Like most of Europe Comics’ lineup, the first part of Days of Sand does not disappoint and will interest those who enjoy stories set around the Great Depression times. I’m looking forward to the second installment.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with my first advance ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.