Shortcomings

October 15, 2007 | Comics

shortcomings.gif

Shortcomings
Adrian Tomine
Drawn & Quarterly
$22.95/$19.95 US (Hardcover)
**** (out of five)

Ben Tanaka, like many men, has a wandering eye.
When his girlfriend, Miko, insinuates that he always seems to have that eye out for white girls and not Japanese ones like her, he blows up her about it, because, well, the truth hurts.
When Miko announces she’s accepted an internship on the other side of the country and will be gone for four months, suggesting that a relationship break might be good for them, Ben can’t help but take the opportunity to test Miko’s theory.
So, with the help of his friend, Alice, he heads off into the dating scene in search of the blue-eyed blonde of his dreams.
But will the dating pool be refreshing or a cold splash of reality? And while Ben thinks he’s the mouse playing while the cat’s away, he may be shocked to find out what Miko’s been up to in New York City.
Acclaimed graphic novelist Adrian Tomine (32 Stories, Sleepwalk) crafts a bittersweet and clever look at relationships and racial issues, filled with compelling and well-developed characters that are sure to resonate with many readers.

___________________________________________________________________________
Drawn & Quarterly creators Rutu Modan (Exit Wounds), James Sturm (America: God, Gold And Golems) and Adrian Tomine (Shortcomings) will be guests at the 2007 International Festival of Authors at the York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto.
Rutu Modan & James Sturm — Saturday, Oct. 20, 12 p.m., Brigantine Room
Adrian Tomine — Saturday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m., Studio Theatre
Cost: $15
For more info, check out www.readings.org or call 416-973-4000.

You must be logged in to post a comment.