There is a basic rundown of the beginning of this picture novel as Jason Lutes calls it. A simple enough beginning for a simple, yet surprisingly complex, tale about average people wrestling with their lives.As I said before, I thoroughly enjoyed Lutes' work on this book. He was and remains a creator I have not heard much about, but this book has surely placed him among the writer/storytellers that I respect the most.

There are no Earth shattering battles in this book, but it packs a punch that can not be ignored. I was surprised at how much these characters, just ordinary people with not so incredible problems, were able to touch me. How much their triumphs made me smile and how their failures hit me like a punch to the stomach. The entire book is wonderful, both subtle and realistic. The characters, while sometimes extremely depressing, are ones that you root for and care deeply about. Lute's writing, not to mention his artwork, draws the reader into the story. His illustrations make the reader feel as if they are part of the story, a person in the room with Al or Ernie. I really enjoyed how Al and Ernie mirrored one another. Ernie is young, in the prime of his life, but is woefully sad and depressed. It is as if the life has been pulled out of him prematurely at such a young age. Al, however, is old and definitly senile, but is still full of life. He never lets a moment pass without a witty or sarcastic remark. You feel for him, the fact that he is losing his mind, but laugh at his antics and remarks. There are a few other characters in Jar of Fools, but I will leave them for you to discover. I will tell you this; they are just as interesting and well thought out as the Ernie and Al, which is saying quite a bit.

Lutes' black and white artwork is clean and easy to follow. It was a welcome change from the overly rendered panels of a typical mainstream comic book. There are no digital effects in this book or unrealistic proportions. Just beautiful illustrations designed to tell a story and tell it well. I was reminded a few times of Sunday comic strips as I read through Jar of Fools. It is often that a character will be frustrated or angry and Lutes shows this both through facial expressions and thought balloons filled with a scribble cloud. Something you often see in Charlie Brown or Family Circus. I was a little taken aback at first, not being used to such elements in the comics that I read. However, after a few pages I began to really enjoy it. It was a feature that complimented the expressions of the characters, adding to the emotions that Lutes' was attempting to convey.

The bottom line is that Jar of Fools is a beautiful book. Lutes' is a gifted story teller, both in writing and artistry. He has crafted a wonderful tale that will please almost anyone I can think of. Jar of Fools might be a bit depressing, but it is a journey that is well worth the time and effort to explore. I was very glad that I took the time to read this book and I am sure you would be as well.