A Graphic Novel by Brrémaud & art by Giovanni Rigano

It has been far too long since the last time I did a review for a comic Book, so today I am rectifying that by reviewing Pickhead Vol 1 -Bayou Beasties by Brrémaud and Giovanni Rigano. This is a middle grade comic book for children and young readers from Europe Comics, one of the best digital publishers for European comics into the English language. Brrémaud, originally from South Korea, but working in France, has been nominated for the Early Readers category of the Eisner Awards, and as such usually specializes in comic albums for children. His other works have included albums titled Soleil, Paquet, and Bamboo. The topic of today’s review is a little book called Pickhead (Tête de pioche), which tells the story of a stubborn little girl that wields a huge pickaxe and has a way with all animals great and small. In the pages of this book, she sets out on an adventure across America to New Orleans to watch her sister perform at a cabaret club.

“Once upon a time, high up in the snowy mountains, in a cozy cabin with her grandmother, lived a little girl whom everyone called Pickhead. Because she was never without her miner’s pick, and because, well, she was pigheaded. Not the nicest way to say it, but once she’s made up her mind to do something, there’s no stopping her. A little determination and a lot of gumption take the indefatigable Pickhead across the continent and all the way to the Bayou to see her tap-dancing sister perform. That’s the plan, at least, unless some poachers have something to say about it…”

Pickhead Vol 1 -Bayou Beasties is designed for children, so don’t into this expecting something like an Alan Moore book. While Pickhead (a nickname because of her affinity for carrying a huge pickaxe) should be imperiled quite a bit traveling hundreds of miles across the country at something like six years of age, she ultimately uses her extreme optimism and ability to communicate with animals to expertly navigate the land towards her destination. This puts her directly face-to-face with treacherous poachers, stuck up train passengers, wild animals, and even environmental dangers. Don’t worry kids, Pickhead makes it there just in time and is able to see that tap-dance show!

The main thing that stands out here is the artwork by Giovanni Rigano. Colors are beautiful and everything – including even the most mundane human or animal character – is drawn with loads of charm and expression. It’s the sort of book that would make the perfect template for an animated show at some point, if this got big enough for that to happen. It’s a short fun read with interesting ideas and great artwork.

Overall, if you have kids that you are trying to get reading, something like Pickhead Vol 1 -Bayou Beasties might be a nice change of pace from the more adult-oriented American comic market. You just really don’t see too many children’s comics over here, and they aren’t marketed in that way at all. Europe Comics is one of my favorite publishers for a reason – they take chances and release some stuff you won’t find anywhere else.

If you are interested in this book, click HERE

For additional titles by the same publisher, Click HERE

NOTE: I received a free preliminary, and likely unedited copy of this book from Netgalley for the purposes of providing an honest, unbiased review of the material. Thank you to all involved.