Chimo

by David Collier

From the back cover: "Since publishing his first story in R. Crumb's Weirdo magazine, David Collier has been know for his thoughtful comic essays, often biographies of endearing eccentrics like himself... Chimo is an autobiographical account of Collier's decision to re-enlist in the Canadian army and go through basic training again at age 40, leaving his new family behind. His goal is to get to Afghanistan and follow in the footsteps of artists (such as Alex Colville) who produced a body of work while serving in the Canadian War Artist Program. It is a poignant account of aging and mortality, but in true Collier fashion, digresses into scenes of jumping rope, kayaking in Hamilton harbour, and the story of his childhood hero, skier "Jackrabbit" Johannsen."

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Biography, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite Collier book. Very deserving of the Doug Wright award win. Has all the Collier cartooning traits being charming, funny and self-effacing. This one holds together the best in terms of a focused narrative. I learned a lot about life in the military in Canada. Great book.

[Terrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second comic essay/biography that I have read by Canadian artist David Collier. I enjoy his style and will continue to read his books.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really did like this comic. I read this because it was nominated for a Doug Wright Award for Best Book (prestigious Canadian comic award) but says "for mature readers" on the front. I don't really know what they were talking about, except that little children might get bored, but I thought it was a really interesting comic. It follows the author, David Collier, as he joins the Canadian Forces Artists Program and then later enlists as a middle aged man. He reflects on his time in the Canadian army as a younger man and the narrative is mixed in with Canadian history and little anecdotes. It's quite interesting, and what you'd expect from David Collier. I definitely recommend this book! :)

[Thomas Vree · Rating 3 out of 5]

David came in to the place I worked at years ago to use the photocopier. I’ve read some of his other books, but I particularly enjoyed this recounting of his efforts to rejoin the Canadian Forces (at the age of 40) to become a part of their Artists Program.