GIANT DAYS #5
Written by John Allison
Art by Lissa Treiman, Whitney Cogar
Published by BOOM! Box
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Giant Days is a quirky, dialogue-driven story of three college freshmen — Esther, Susan, and Daisy — who live in the same dorm and have become fast friends. This issue begins with the three friends dress shopping for the Hall Ball. McGraw and Ed are two other students who are suit shopping for the ball. Ed has a crush on Esther, while McGraw pretends to have no interest in meeting anyone.

John Allison writes humorous dialogue when Esther and Susan counsel Daisy on her love life. I like how no character dominates the conversation. Daisy is feeling depressed after her last crush rejected her, but Esther and Susan don’t make her feel bad about moping, nor push her to rush into another romance. Susan finally gets a major plot development that has been teased continuously in this series. I like the personality contrast of Esther’s energetic external processing and Susan’s reserved, almost secretive introversion.

Lissa Treiman draws detailed scenes with unique angles, like when students are hanging up streamers. Vintage clothes play a major part in this issue, especially Esther’s attire, and Treiman carefully draws each ruffle and flourish. I like Whitney Cogar’s contrasting colors of characters’ clothes and accessories, such as a bright purple scarf or a yellow sweater with teal art. The dresses of Daisy, Nadia, and Chan are especially outstanding examples of Treiman and Cogar’s eye for style.

Giant Days entertains and surprises with authentic friendships, unpredictable plot twists, and nonstop humor. Lissa Treiman and Whitney Cogar give each character unique style and memorable characterization. One of the strengths of this series is that Esther, Susan, and Daisy each deal with relationship disappointments and drama on their own terms. John Allison writes a funny and enjoyable story about friends navigating college life together.

The Verdict: 8.0/10