As part of his latest work, Jérémie Moreau plunges his readers into the island land. Iceland, one of the most beautiful countries in the world is the scene of the saga of Grimr, a graphic book published by Delcourt on September 13.
The author, Jerémie Moreau, has a certain propensity to attack characters on the margins of society. For his first solo story, he told the story of an invincible tennis champion who cannot find his place in the society where he evolves, despite incomparable physical abilities. The saga of Grimr presents us with a young Icelander, who finds himself orphaned following a natural disaster. He will work hard to prove his worth in a country that is under the thumb of its Danish neighbors.
The Saga of Grimr: A Tragic Childhood
The tone is set from the first pages of the novel which reveal a key moment in the childhood of our hero. The volcano near his parents' farm erupts. The silhouettes of his family disappear while Grimr survives, driven by a desire to live out of the ordinary. In a few boxes, the artist makes us feel the power of this natural element.
He then finds himself following a combination of circumstances with a real "scoundrel", the so-called Vigmar who decided to collect him. Although bruised by a succession of trials, Grimr is determined not to let nature or the customs of the time dictate the path he will have to follow.
An extraordinary hero
The central protagonist of this epic is not spared hardships as he grows up. He has to face the contempt of his fellow citizens because of his lineage and an atypical physique. Jérémie Moreau is the undisputed master of the Grimr saga since he scripts, draws and takes care of colors. A great opportunity for us readers to discover the talent of this artist largely influenced by animation.
Some might describe his stroke as simplistic especially at the beginning of the work since he does not overload his plates with multiple details. On the other hand, what strikes us from the outset is its ease in reproducing many human emotions.Grirm's anger and rage are perfectly transcribed. The use of colors is perfectly balanced and accentuates all the roughness of Icelandic lands.
The night scenes are among the most successful of the album. We understand the extent of the work done when we learn that everything was done by hand outside of the storyboard.
The saga of Grimr is a singular work that addresses a theme unknown to the French public, Iceland of the 18th century.the plot mastered from start to finish reveals the main stages of a character consumed by rage that will surprise you. A great moment of reading to discover at Delcourt.
A few words about the rather classic edition of the Delcourt house but which still honors the saga of Grimr. The relief titling is a plus appreciated, we would just have liked some sketches of the author's research work.
