My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies by Ed Brubaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a standalone book, not part of the Criminal series. Brubaker and Phillips bring the strong art and brilliant writing that fans have become used to. The limited watercolor pallet that Jacob Phillips brings is perfect for the book, dropping most color when the story moves back into the past.

Ellie, whose parents were both criminals, and raised by an 'uncle' after her mother passed away. It was he that placed her in a rehab center. There she meets Skip, also placed by family. Everyone there is dealing with various issues, some very real and others in denial, but the two younger patients soon find them sharing. We learn, through flashbacks, about Ellie's upbringing, before and after her mother's death. How she became a fan of creators, who often got their own inspiration from drugs. Hence the title and Ellie's admission. In Brubaker's work, his characters always carry secrets, those often hidden even from the reader.

Whether it's his work on original material, or working for major comics companies, Brubaker is among my favorite writers, and Sean Phillips is the perfect partner on most of his graphic novels.


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