Minor Arcana #1
Review
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: September 4, 2024
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Jeff Lemire delivers another captivating supernatural mystery with Minor Arcana #1. While the story is just getting started, this debut issue showcases Lemire's signature storytelling and art style fans have come to love.
Minor Arcana #1
ReviewWriter: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: September 4, 2024
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Jeff Lemire delivers another captivating supernatural mystery with Minor Arcana #1. While the story is just getting started, this debut issue showcases Lemire's signature storytelling and art style fans have come to love.
For the first time in his long career in comics, Jeff Lemire has finally released a comic under the BOOM! Studios banner. While he’s made a strong name for himself over the years from publishers like Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics, having him create something new for BOOM just feels like a refreshing change for the beloved cartoonist. With its first issue, Minor Arcana #1 delivers much of what you expect from Lemire: striking art, a deeply human story, and a strange world with a pinch of fantasy. As a long-time fan of Lemire, I’m just always excited to see what new emotional story he has cooked up in another nondescript small town.
Does Minor Arcana live up to the hype of Jeff Lemire making his way to BOOM Studios? Keep on reading for my full review of the new and intriguing comic!
Overview of Minor Arcana #1
Theresa returns to her hometown at the request of her mom who is getting more ill by the day. Frustrated by the memories of a past she left behind, Theresa tries to piece together how she can survive her foreseeable future. But while having to cover for her mom as the town’s local “psychic,” Theresa discovers there may be something more to the “magic” of tarot cards she had believed.
Image: BOOM! Studios
Review
In this first issue of Minor Arcana, fans of Jeff Lemire will immediately spot many of the creator's trademark story elements: the comic takes place in a small town, the story is deeply connected to the main character’s past traumas, and of course, there are some strange paranormal activities afoot. But while all those seem like Lemire is simply treading familiar territory, there are aspects to Minor Arcana that make it stand out from his bibliography. The main character, Theresa, is particularly intriguing because she’s not who I expected for this story. She’s a bit of a mess who’s the farthest thing from a ball of sunshine. Maybe it’s because I’ve read so many of Lemire’s books at this point, I'm just so used to his lead characters being more sympathetic and compassionate. Theresa's disgruntled, frustrated, and aggressive personality sets a somber tone for the narrative. The comic makes it clear early on that she is not someone you are meant to like from the get-go. That is where I see how she has plenty of room to grow as the story progresses deeper into its mystery. But even though she makes such a rough first impression, the issue provides glimpses into her past with hints about how her traumas fundamentally changed her perception of the world. So while this issue starts a bit slow, I have a strong inkling that Minor Arcana will be heavy on her soul-searching and reality-bending journey.
Image: BOOM! StudiosAs a fan of Lemire's unique storytelling style, I find exploring the "magic" and mysteries of tarot cards an interesting angle for him to take. Lemire's stories have always had a pinch of fantasy to them, whether it's the strange bugs in Fishflies or the supernatural presence in The Underwater Welder. But, in those comics, the sources behind the mystical elements were fully explained because they didn’t need to be. By latching Minor Arcana’s narrative onto the nature and themes of tarot cards, the story's magic feels more structured, in a way. Regardless if you believe in the power of tarot cards, it's easy to grasp the concepts they represent. Like many of Lemire’s other comics, Minor Arcana’s story is most intriguing when mundane life dips into the supernatural. I’m excited to see how Theresa’s fate unfolds as she delves deeper into how the cards play out throughout her life.
Image: BOOM! Studios
Final Thoughts
Minor Arcana #1 delivers so much of what you expect from Jeff Lemire but with some unique twists to his usual formula. His art is as striking and distinct as ever with gritty line work and soft coloring. While this first issue only scratches the surface of its character-driven story, it sets the table for this series to get stranger as the intricacies of the world and characters get revealed. If you’re a fan of Jeff Lemire’s work, then Minor Arcana deserves to draw a spot in your pull list.
Why You Should Read Minor Arcana
- The comic delivers plenty of Jeff Lemire’s particular style of art and storytelling.
- It’s interesting to see Lemire explore the concepts and themes of tarot cards.
- It's a captivating supernatural mystery perfect for readers who enjoy eerie small-town stories.