Royal City Book 1: The Complete Collection

ROYAL CITY is a graphic novel by Lemire that follows Patrick Pike, a fading literary star who returns to his childhood factory town. The novel explores the lives, loves, and losses of a troubled family and a vanishing town across three decades. This deluxe hardcover edition collects the entire series in one volume with behind-the-scenes material.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2020
Publisher: Image Comics

In a captivating return to the literary and thematic realm of LEMIRE's groundbreaking graphic novel Essex County, ROYALCITY takes readers on a poignant journey following the character of Patrick Pike, a fading literary star who reluctantly returns to the once-thriving factory town where he grew up. As he re-encounters the people and memories of his past, Patrick is inexorably drawn into the intricate web of his two adult siblings, his domineering mother, and his beaten father, all of whom are still deeply affected by the tragic drowning of their youngest brother, Tommy, decades ago.

Spanning a vast and ambitious narrative, ROYALCITY intricately weaves together the lives, loves, and hardships of a troubled family and a fading town over three decades. This deluxe hardcover edition presents the entire ROYALCITY series in a single, comprehensive volume, accompanied by behind-the-scenes material that delves deeper into LEMIRE's original story and creative process.

Within the pages of ROYALCITY, readers are invited to explore the intricate dynamics of a family torn apart by grief and trauma. Patrick, the protagonist, grapples with the weight of his past and the lingering consequences of his brother's death. His siblings, each grappling with their own demons, are forced to confront the painful legacy that Tommy's drowning has left behind. Meanwhile, Patrick's mother, a domineering figure who has always controlled the lives of her children, struggles to maintain her grip on the family amidst the changing tides of the town.

The town itself serves as a metaphor for the decay and decline that permeates the family's lives. ROYALCITY vividly portrays the town's transformation from a bustling hub of industry to a desolate shell of its former self. The factories that once employed thousands have shut down, leaving behind a trail of unemployment and poverty. The once-thriving community has been eroded by social and economic upheavals, leaving behind a sense of loss and nostalgia.

Through its rich storytelling and stunning artwork, ROYALCITY offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of family relationships. LEMIRE's masterful portrayal of characters and his ability to capture the essence of small-town life make this graphic novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction and graphic storytelling alike.

In conclusion, ROYALCITY is a remarkable achievement that showcases LEMIRE's exceptional talent as a writer and artist. This expansive and ambitious graphic novel offers a profound exploration of loss, grief, and the enduring power of family bonds. With its stunning artwork and compelling narrative, ROYALCITY invites readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the Pike family and the town of Royal City, leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Weight: 1596g
Dimension: 192 x 284 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781534316058