Holy Lacrimony
Drawn & Quarterly
Michael DeForge
Jul 10, 2025
Internet Unique
Prolific avant-garde comedian creator Michael DeForge’s (Birds of Maine, Journey Time) latest graphic novel follows Jackie, a musician who’s kidnapped by house aliens that want to examine his “grief, sorrow, despair, dread, and malaise” as a result of he’s the “saddest individual on the planet.” After an unknown interval of torture and debasement, they return him to earth the place his issues solely worsen. What follows is a singular story that addresses trauma, isolation, and, ultimately, the seek for group and private achievement.
If that sounds kinda like a bummer, it’s not. Holy Lacrimony is kind of humorous and there are a number of shocking, sexually graphic moments. DeForge is an professional at navigating an unlimited and various emotional panorama and his distinct, but ever-evolving visible fashion lends itself very properly to each drama and comedy. His characters float towards largely clean backgrounds however their inside lives are spherical and wealthy. And whereas the world that Jackie inhabits is difficult and ceaselessly disagreeable, I actually loved my time in it. At factors his story appears deeply private however usually his struggles are primarily performed for laughs. It’s an unpredictable journey that rewards a number of reads.
Holy Lacrimony is one other in a collection of wonderful choices from Michael DeForge. The e-book is filled with nuance and resists straightforward style categorization. My solely actual want was for it to be a bit longer. I’d prefer to suppose that DeForge would possibly revisit a few of these characters and themes sooner or later however I doubt his relentless progress and experimentation will permit it. (https://drawnandquarterly.com/books/holy-lacrimony/)
Writer score: 7/10
