This Will All End in Tears (Paperback) - Common

by Joe Ollmann

In these six beautifully illustrated stories, Joe Ollmann peers into the cracks of every-day life, finding inspiration in those slightly uncomfortable moments, both extra-ordinary and mundane, that make life . . . well . . . interesting. Influenced by a variety of artists, such as Ben Katchor, Charles Schulz, Ralph Steadman, and Edward Gorey, Ollmann draws the inhabitants of his world with remarkable craft and an eye for detail, making each character unforgettable.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Comix

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Joe Ollmann lives in Hamilton, the Riviera of Southern Ontario. He is the winner of the Doug Wright Award for Best Book in 2007 and loser of the same award another time.

Reviews

[Alison Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first graphic novel. I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 5 short stories and they weren't overly thrilling but a nice read about humanity in different scenarios. Don't tell Lori Richards I liked it. Haha

[Sonya Di Sclafani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book of short stories. Gritty with things we think but rarely say. And Canadian, so we get it.

[Matt Graupman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow comics, there are certain names that are instantly recognizable as Greats: Ware, Clowes, Telgemeier, McCloud, Burns, Tomine, etc. I’d argue that Ollmann- Canadian cartoonist Joe Ollmann, that is - not only deserves to be in that company but surpasses them. He’s not the most prolific creator but everything Ollmann has done (the stuff I’ve read, at least) has been absolutely superb. In his standard nine-panel pages, he combines stylized, quasi-Derf Backderf art with witty, carefully observed slice-of-life writing that celebrates the absurd and champions the losers and weirdos of the world. “This Will All End In Tears” is a collection of five impeccable short stories that prove Joe Ollmann is all about quality over quantity.

FAVORITES:
“Day Old” - A sympathetic bagel shop employee attempts to help a beleaguered single mother as she waits for one of her children to be seen by a doctor.
“Oh Deer” - An office drone joins his coworkers on a hunting trip, killing a buck but struggling with the consequences of his actions.
“They Filmed A Movie Here Once” - A pious girl in a serious crisis of faith takes steps to change the direction of her life.

[Dov Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the form of the graphic novel was my great love, but between Ollman, Tatsumi, Tomine, and I suppose Lynda Barry could find herself in this category (and many others I am sure I will soon add to the list) the form of the graphic short story is knocking quite a few of my socks off these days. "This Will All End in Tears" is one of the first books of graphic short stories I read and I don't have it with me to give a detailed review, but suffice it to say I enjoyed the the intense atmosphere of these stories. Ollman builds the worlds of these stories quickly and meaningfully. He explores a wide range of characters, though there seems to be a certain mood or focus bringing these stories together. Each story revolves around a character who struggles against their own limitations, some more tragically and some more comically than others.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to plough my way through the nominee's for the Doug Wright awards and I had to say, this one was the least like the style of comic I enjoy, but I loved it.

The book is comprised of several short stories and Ollman manages to climb into each of his main characters bodies and minds and they each come off with different weaknesses and strengths (if any) but they are each equally fascinating. While the deer hunting one was memorable, it's the last story about the two brothers that really cut me, I don't want to spoil anything so just find it and read it, you won't regret it.

[Derek Royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost all of these stories are collected in Happy Stories about Well-Adjusted People....one of my favorites of 2014. So it should go without saying that I find this a great collection of stories. Wanted to visit this collection because of my interview with Joe, which is turning out to be a lot of fun.

[Darrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

short comic stories about average internal monologue people in Canada
fun style of drawing and a great read on the bus
some drunk mess tried to get into a fight with me tonight while I was enjoying it and
i ended up wishing the mess "good luck" with his life
as a closing statement

[HeavyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of comics is well done, the art is great and the stories, while sad, ring true. Recommended.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was browsing a local bookstore, I was keeping an eye out for interesting, compelling and gritty graphic storytelling - and then I finally stumbled across Joe Ollmann’s collection of short stories. I was immediately taken with his use of shading and somewhat unflattering line work that lends more realism to his characters. This particular collection contains five stories from a variety of perspectives - with the common theme being the inner thoughts of people who feel they are stuck in a certain situation. The tone is dark, the themes often lend themselves to tragedy that does not necessarily get resolved; however, that lack of resolve feels very much intended.
My only complaint is that this book felt like an appetizer that left me wanting more. Looking forward to checking out more from Ollmann.

[Zez Vaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five different stories that are as beautiful as sad. The humor, I would say, is very Louis CK-like. Truly well-written and empathic.

[Allegra S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the five stories in Joe Ollmann's graphic novel "This Will All End In Tears," I enjoyed three of them. Sixty percent isn't exactly high, but I'm very picky about roundabout non-conclusions, which Ollmann loves. If possible, though, find some way to read the one about the guy who goes hunting with his guy friends from work. He shoots a deer and the conclusions he draws are hilarious, ironic and heartwarming.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic novels continue to surprise me.
This one was so good. Each story was sad in its own way but with main characters so relatable. I found myself wanting to tell each one "Maybe if you just....". After all it is so much easier to see solutions when it's not you in the midst of the angst.

Big ups to Lara for recommending...thanks!

[Pooker]

Just started this one for John Mutford's Canadian Book Challenge #4. From the intro, I'm told that it takes at least five years to crank out a graphic novel if you're under the influence (of friends and booze and/or illicit substances) and you have a deadline - ten years without the deadline.

[Heather Judson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these stories. The characters are awkward, and unsure of themselves, but the characters come to some level of acceptance. The "normal" people in the stories, like the hunters, and the people that the waitress work with, come off looking rather assholish.

[J. Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stories that are barely relatable and yet I enjoy how he writes. Good, pretty quick read. I wondered if these were true stories but apparently they are fiction. Oh, well. Fun to read and the simple art grows on you.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone is just a little bit (or a lot bit) lonely and defeatist. Ollmann writes/draws characters with an interesting mix of cynicism and affection.

[Brandy Vallet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty dark but entertaining

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up for a dollar at Toronto's "Word on the Street" festival. Best dollar I've spent on a book so far.