A comiXologist recommends:
Come Prima

by: Karrie Larsson

As it is summer and perhaps the ideal time to take a road trip, I recommend doing so with the beautiful graphic novel Come Prima, written and illustrated by French creator Alfred. Set in the 60s, Come Prima tells the story of two brothers, Fabio and Giovanni, driving from France to their native Italy in a tiny Fiat 500 to transport the ashes of their father. The brothers have been separated for 10 years and their relationship has been a tumultuous one. On the road, amidst a slew of chance encounters, they fight often and sometimes do not speak to each other at all. At the same time, however, the trip proves to be a bonding one, digging up memories, both happy and painful, from their childhood.

Alfred’s storytelling is sensitive but accessible. The number of wordless panels sets a pleasant, meditative pacing to the book while also communicating the silence and distance between the brothers. There are wonderful landscapes of the French and Italian countryside, as well as many dream-like flashbacks. Inspired by Italian cinema of the 60s, Alfred’s illustrations succeed in a creating a powerfully nostalgic atmosphere.  

Come Prima is an extremely engaging and visually stunning tale centered on family, roots, and a journey through Europe. It is easy to see why it won the top prize at last year’s Angouleme festival and I am so happy that it is available in English for the first time!

[Read Come Prima on comiXology]

Karrie Larsson is a Senior International Production Coordinator at comiXology currently living in Brooklyn. .