July 24, 2009

White Rapid by Pascal Blanchet

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White Rapids by Pascal Blanchet

translated by Helge Dascher

Drawn & Quarterly,

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

2007

White Rapids is graphic novel that tells the story of the tiny, company-built town of Rapide Blanc located deep in the forests of northern Quebec. Conceived and designed in 1928 by the Shawinigan Water & Power Company, who were building a hydro-power dam across the St. Maurice River, the town attracted engineers and workers needed to run the power station. Accessible only by railroad, it was a self-contained community, with churches, a school, a co-op and all kinds of modern amenities. Blanchet's retro-inspired art work, inked in browns and oranges, captures the feeling of the time, the belief that anything was possible with science and technology.

Blanchet tells the story clearly, with few words. It is a testament to the time and the the people who built and lived in Rapide Blanc. It is lovingly dedicated to his father. I really enjoyed this book and think would be a perfect introduction to the graphic novel genre.

3 comments:

Michael Kindness said...

I'm a huge fan of this as well! I've re-read it a couple of times.

I have to say I don't think his follow-up "Baloney" was quite as good...

Anonymous said...

Your description alone, makes me want to go visit the town and read more of its history.




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Ali said...

I've never heard of this one before, it looks interesting.