Title: Local
Author: Brian Wood
First published September 17, 2008
376 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781934964002 (ISBN10: 193496400X)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly have crafted a mesmerizing collection of stories in Local. Follow Megan McKeenan as she embarks on a journey across America with nothing but her backpack and a thirst for adventure.
From the bustling city streets of New York to the serene landscapes of Montana, each of the twelve interconnected short stories captures a different year in Megan’s life as she navigates the challenges of finding a place to call home. Blurring the lines between genres, Local is a poignant and emotional exploration of self-discovery and the search for belonging.
About the Author
Brian Wood has an impressive history of published work, with over fifty volumes spanning various genres. His creations include the 1500-page epic DMZ, the ecological disaster series The Massive, the American crime drama Briggs Land, and the innovative lo-fi dystopia Channel Zero.
His writing style is characterized by thoughtful world-building and political commentary, accompanied by a diverse cast of compelling characters.
Wood’s Young Adult novels, Demo, Local, The New York Four, and Mara, have earned him recognition on YALSA and New York Public Library’s best-of lists. His historical fiction, such as the viking series Northlanders, the American Revolution-centered Rebels, and the norse-samurai mashup Sword Daughter, are considered benchmarks in the comic book industry.
Notably, Wood has contributed to some of the most iconic franchises in popular culture, including Star Wars, Terminator, RoboCop, Conan The Barbarian, Robotech, and Planet Of The Apes. His work for Marvel Comics has even resulted in number-one-selling series.
Additionally, he has created multiple canonical stories for the Aliens universe, including the beloved Zula Hendricks character.
Editoral Review
Local by Brian Wood is a graphic novel that explores the lives of various inhabitants of New York City’s neighborhoods. The book was first published in 2008 by Oni Press and has since become a cult classic in its genre.
Brian Wood, the author of Local, is a well-known American comic book writer who has worked on several popular titles like DMZ, Northlanders, and The Massive. Local is a unique take on the graphic novel genre as it is a series of interconnected short stories that follow different characters living in different parts of New York City.
Each chapter tells the story of a different person or group of people, and together they paint a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants. The book opens with Megan McKeenan, a teenager who works in a small-town bar and is struggling to find her place in the world.
As the story progresses, we meet other characters like a young couple struggling to make ends meet in Brooklyn, an aspiring musician in Manhattan, and a group of friends navigating the nightlife scene in Queens. Each character is wonderfully fleshed out, with their personality, ambitions, and struggles depicted vividly on the page.
One of the most significant strengths of Local is its ability to capture the essence of each neighborhood in New York City. From the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the bustling nightlife of Manhattan, the book aptly captures the unique vibe of each district.
The writing is well-crafted, and Brian Wood’s ability to capture the protagonists’ different voices and perspectives is impressive. Local is not a book about superheroes or epic adventures.
Instead, it’s an intimate and grounded look into the lives of regular people living in a big city. The graphic novel touches on themes such as love, loss, identity, and the pursuit of happiness, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.
While Local is not without its flaws, the book’s strength more than makes up for them. Some chapters do feel rushed or disjointed, and several characters could have been developed a little better.
However, these are minor issues in an otherwise solid graphic novel. Local is a must-read for anyone who enjoys graphic novels that focus on character-driven stories.
It’s an excellent choice for readers who are looking for something that captures the essence of a place and its inhabitants. The novel has cultural significance as it touches upon the lives of New Yorkers and gives readers a glimpse into the city that acts as a melting pot of cultures.
Overall, Local is a beautifully written and illustrated book that is well worth reading. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves graphic novels or is interested in exploring stories about everyday people.
I give Local four out of five stars, and I’m confident that it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
