Graphic Novel Review: Needle and Thread by David Pinckney

Synopsis:

Choosing between living the life you want and living the life you’re “supposed to have” is not always an easy choice. Noah, embracing his true-self, wants to pursue a career in costume design, something his loving, public service parents would never approve of. Azarie, the perfect, model daughter of a very stern, traditional family, dreams of embracing the hobbies she secretly loves, hobbies her social circle would never abide by.

The two live different lives and their social statuses keep them from ever crossing paths until they have a chance encounter that exposes some common ground: the desire to be who they truly are. Together, the two set out to put it all on the line and show everyone what they’re made of and what they want to achieve in the form of cosplay. Their growing friendship will be tested and their faith in themselves, as well as each other, will be tried.

Up-and-coming writer David Pinckney (Fight Like a Girl) and first-time graphic novel artist Ennun Ana Lurov introduce a coming-of-age yarn about self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring power of having a person believe in you.

Review:

Needle and Thread took me by surprise. I thought this was going to be a short fluffy graphic novel about making clothes. Oh, how wrong I was. This had a much deeper story about having friends and parents who don’t believe in you/won’t allow you to be who you really are. This could get a little heavy and overdone at times, but I understand it was needed to make the point of the graphic novel.

Ok, so the art style of Needle and Thread is amazing. I say this almost every time I talk about graphic novels, but this is genuinely one of my favourites. Ennun Ana Lurov did an incredible job, especially as this is their first graphic novel. I love the colour palette and the fact that this style was so easily transferable from highly detailed panels to more simplistic ones. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any other work they do.

I was genuinely surprised at the length of Need and Thread. I haven’t come across graphic novels with over 200 pages very often and honestly I actually enjoyed that this was quite long. I got to enjoy the artwork for even longer.

The story was very fleshed out and I loved how the new chapter pages foreshadowed what was about to happen. The constant pressure from both Noah and Azarie’s parents is something I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. It can get a little difficult to read at times as honestly they are quite mean, but the friendship that forms between Noah and Azarie makes it all seem worth it.

My biggest issue with Needle and Thread is that the cover really does not did it any justice. Personally, I find the cover a little boring to look at compared to what’s actually in the novel. Don’t let the bland cover put you off, this is seriously great.

I would highly recommend Needle and Thread to anyone who is looking for an interesting graphic novel to read. With a beautiful art style and an in-depth story you really cannot go wrong.