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'Map of Days' by Robert Frank Hunter

Graphic Novel Illustration Map of Days Robert Frank Hunter I recently read 'Map of Days', a graphic novel, by Robert Frank Hunter- who is an extremely talented illustrator. I don't often review books because I think books are a very personal thing in that everyone's opinions and interests are so varied. After reading 'Map of Days', I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it, but the artwork is so beautiful and a visual treat. The graphic novel itself is a wonderful object to hold and to keep.

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Here is a blurb from Robert's website about 'Map of Days':

"Richard can’t stop thinking about the clock. He lies in bed each night listening to its tick-tocking, to the pendulum’s heavy swing.

Why does his granddad open its old doors in secret and walk into the darkness beyond?

One night, too inquisitive to sleep, Richard tiptoes from his bed, opens the cherry wood door of the grandfather clock, and steps inside.

There, in a strange, nebulous twilight, he sees the face of the Earth, locked forever in a simulated world, where green things seem to grow in the semblance of trees and plants, from unreal soil.

In this quasi-world they sit together for many nights, the face and the boy, talking quietly of creation and the beginning of all things.

Moved by the face’s ancient tale of mysterious, magnetic love, Richard longs to release him.

So one night he secretly winds back the hands of the grandfather clock, and changes time forever… "

I 

I love the flatness of the colours and the hand drawn quality of his work. The vividness and contrasting colours in each scene sets the mood of the characters.

There is something really visceral about 'Map of Days'; the narrative is elegantly executed with rich, vibrant and complex themes of friendship, love, trust, honesty and familial love. I was really drawn to Richard's relationship with The Face: there is something very human and humbling about it as the story goes on. At times strained, however, the bond between the two characters are very much strong coupled with The Face's ever long search for The Sun: his love that is out of his reach.

Anyone who reads this will somehow relate to the characters; any sort of friendship or love can be complicated and troubled at times. What we do, how we act and how we treat others are important lessons to learn and to reflect.

All I'm going to say is that 'Map of Days' is a captivating read for all.