The Way Home: A Graphic Novel (Owly #1): Volume 1

Top Shelf is one of the more unique comic publishers out there today. Rather than trying to compete with the more mainstream publishers, Top Shelf puts out the kind of material you don't see from anyone else. Back in the late 1980's I published a fanzine covering small press comics. And when I say small press, I'm referring mostly to self-published comics that could be anything from eight page mini-comics done on a copy machine, to digest or even full-sized comics, 96 pages or more. The people who put out these comics rarely made any money as they basically sold amongst themselves in a very tight-knit small press community. No, they really did it out of love for what they were doing. They were some tremendously talented artists and writers! Which brings me back to Top Shelf. Top Shelf reminds me of that era of small press comics, and Owly is a great example. Owly is a true triumph of the comic-strip medium. It's a 160 page, black & white, digest-sized graphic novel that tells the story without the benefit...or need...of dialog. The only text you see is used to convey sound effects. It takes a talented cartoonist to pull it off and Andy Runton does, and does so masterfully. Owly contains two stories, "The Way Home" and "The Bittersweet Summer." In "The Way Home" we see a sensitive, lonely little owl, who is just looking for some companionship. He frees a couple of fireflies from a jar they are trapped in and then finds a poor little worm, sleeping on a leaf and shivering in the cold. Owly takes him home, and makes a nice little bed for him. The Worm is at first terrified by what should be an enemy but soon learns that Owly just wants to help. Through picture word balloons, "Wormy" explains how he was caught in a terrible rainstorm and separated from his parents and just wants to get back home. Owly decides to help him find his parents and takes him on the long journey home. Along the way they are assisted by the same fireflies Owly helped earlier. In "The Bittersweet Summer", Owly and Wormy are now close friends, tending their garden when something rapidly buzzes by them several times. They soon find out it's a little hummingbird. They make friends but cannot find anything for the little bird to eat until Owly consults one of his books and finds out that they like to ear nectar from flowers so it's off to the nursery to get one. Soon they attract a second hummingbird and Owly names them Tiny and Angel. Together with Wormy, the four friends live in Owly's home, tending the garden and playing hide and seek. But as fall approaches and the flowers no long bloom, will the little hummingbirds finally have to leave? This graphic novel is one of the most unique I've ever read. Filled with warm-hearted fun and laughter, and gentleness that is suitable for readers of all ages. Kids, I think, would greatly enjoy Owly as the cartoon is so evocative of many great children's books. Andy Runton has a crisp, clean cartooning styl

Owly's is a great story, and conveyed in a timeless and ageless way. It would be very easy with this kind of material to be mawkish or contrived, but Andy does a brilliant job conveying his deep respect for nature. Owly is simple and sweet, and hearkens back to the classic storytelling of Winnie-the-Pooh or Curious George. Especially nice is the clear and intelligent use of animal behavior. For example, what flowers will attract hummingbirds, that small birds would be scared of an owl, etc... It really is one of the most honest and genuine things I've read in a long time.

It's really hard to review "Owly". The easiest thing to do would be to say "It's awesome. Go read it. If you don't like it, you have no soul." That would be the quick way to discuss this book (and it would be accurate). But, Andy Runton deserves a little more. Because he's accomplished something to admire: he's created a truly all ages comic book, that is, you can be past the age of 9 and really enjoy it. That's not easy. Quick, when was the last time you saw "good for all ages" on a book (or movie) and not feel your I.Q. drop a few points even before you even read page one(or watched the opening credits)? And then you noticed it dropping as you progressed? Runton doesn't do that. His "Owly" stories engage you at a basic human level. Owly is an owl, but he's the quintessential gentle soul, the rare altruistic good guy who looks out for the little guy and overcomes any obstacle to win. You root for him because you know if there were more Owly's in the world, it would be a more bearable place to live in. And the most amazing thing, aside from the wonderful art, is that Runton does this without a single word. Aside from some expressive thought-balloons, Owly and his friends don't say anything. But the drawings communicate a much raw emotion as a dozen well-chosen words could. Enjoy "Owly" with your kids, by yourself, with friends and family. It's time well spent, and good feelings well shared.

Owly is a kind-hearted but lonely little bird in search of a friend. This bittersweet story is filled with charming and adorable characters, and you can't help but fall in love with them. Owly's story is told without words, relying solely on comic-style picture panels, but the meaning is never lost. It is amazing how much emotion is conveyed in each of the drawings. The unique format makes the book fun for adults, but kids will have no trouble understanding and enjoying it too.

Owly is not your typical owl. He's friendly, adorable, and he sometimes hangs out with a worm. The art is well done, clean and cartoony. Not to disregard the fact that Owly is easily one of the cutest owls put on paper.I was attracted to this book because it mixes great drawings and the paneled story pacing of a comic with a great story that seems almost nostalgic. With representational dialogue (i.e. pictures in word bubbles) instead of words, these two heart-warming tales are easily interpretable for people of all reading levels and languages. Definitely one of those rare books that cross-over from adult-reading to bedtime-story.