41. Moomin mania
I received one of the Moomin comic books from a friend this Christmas. I loved the series of Moomin stories by Tove Jansson when I was a child, but I had forgotten many details about them. Reading the comics has rekindled my love for Moomins! I now remember why I loved the stories so much.
Set in the magical Moominvalley, the stories contain exciting adventures, humour and important life-lessons. Often there are insights into certain aspects of life, for example when Snufkin comments on freedom: "One can never be entirely free, if one admires someone else too much." The characters are both comical and endearing, whether you enjoy Moomin's naivety, Snorkmaiden's romantic fantasies, Sniff's money making schemes or Moominmamma's wisdom.
The comics originally appeared in the London newspaper 'The Evening News' in 1954. The first three volumes of the newspaper comic strip have been recently published by Drawn and Quarterly.
While Tove Jansson's storytelling abilities are well known and appreciated by many, I feel her abilities as an artist have somewhat slipped under the radar. The comic features many detailed, beautiful illustrations that need more recognition.
The comics originally appeared in the London newspaper 'The Evening News' in 1954. The first three volumes of the newspaper comic strip have been recently published by Drawn and Quarterly.
While Tove Jansson's storytelling abilities are well known and appreciated by many, I feel her abilities as an artist have somewhat slipped under the radar. The comic features many detailed, beautiful illustrations that need more recognition.
