synopsis
A new graphic novel, Bird Parade by Patrick Loehr (with a fabulous introduction by Nathan Ballingrud) is a dark, coming of age narrative about two young boys and a gun. Set in rural Colorado, the story exposes a somber world wherein notions of strength and maturity are deeply intertwined with the mystique of firearms and family legend. The young narrator’s eagerness to grow up — to complete a rite of passage — compels him towards actions that ultimately shatter his childhood. The richly illustrated volume is awash in muted textures of brown and gray, a visually appropriate setting for this dark, thought provoking, and timely tale.
Centipede Press contributor Nathan Ballingrud (author of The Visible Filth from Simon and Schuster, and North American Lake Monsters from Small Beer Press) has written a poignant introduction that offers thoughtful insight and context to this uniquely American story. Below are two short excerpts from Nathan’s introduction:
“Patrick Loehr…has made a beautiful contribution to the long, peculiarly American tradition of writing about boyhood and guns; in particular about a boy who crosses a threshold into a maturity more compromised and guilt-heavy than he ever could have guessed…”
“…Bird Parade belongs in the same family as the short stories of Ernest Hemingway and Anton Chekhov, or the poetry of William Carlos Williams. The story deepens upon each rereading, revealing new complexities. It’s meant to be revisited; it has more to offer you.”
Patrick is a Colorado native who’s written and illustrated two children’s books for HarperCollins Publishers. He’s contributed illustration and design work on several Centipede Press publications, including Blackwater by Michael McDowell.
This is the first publication of Bird Parade. Aside from the author’s promotional copies, it has never before been published.
This premium bound, hardcover volume with dustjacket is printed on Mohawk Superfine with custom end sheets and a sewn-in bookmark. This edition is limited to 500 copies, signed by Patrick and Nathan, and numbered. It is on sale for just $25, and is an extraordinary value.
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