Fishflies
Writer/Artist: Jeff Lemire
Publisher: Image Comics
Jeff Lemire is among the most acclaimed Canadian comic book creators working today, perhaps best known for Essex County, whose collected edition was released in 2011.
Fishflies is a much more recent work, collected in hardcover in 2025, but it returns Lemire to familiar territory. At first glance, the story appears to be a horror tale, and in some ways, it evokes memories of Lemire’s Sweet Tooth. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Fishflies is something far more nuanced.
One element that consistently ties Lemire’s work together is his artwork. His distinctive visual style permeates everything he creates. Personally, I enjoy it because it harkens back to a simpler era of comic book storytelling. That said, Lemire’s art is something of an acquired taste and may not appeal to every reader.
The story initially hints at an alien presence arriving in a rural Canadian town, but it gradually evolves into something rooted in an ancient curse cast for reasons that may seem entirely justified. Beneath the mystery lies a deeply human story about small-town prejudice, dysfunctional families, bullying, poor choices, and ultimately redemption.
Lemire has a remarkable track record for delivering memorable stories, and Fishflies is no exception. It is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant graphic novel that rewards patient readers and deserves to be savored.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
Fishflies
Writer/Artist: Jeff Lemire
Publisher: Image Comics
Jeff Lemire is among the most acclaimed Canadian comic book creators working today, perhaps best known for Essex County, whose collected edition was released in 2011.
Fishflies is a much more recent work, collected in hardcover in 2025, but it returns Lemire to familiar territory. At first glance, the story appears to be a horror tale, and in some ways, it evokes memories of Lemire’s Sweet Tooth. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Fishflies is something far more nuanced.
One element that consistently ties Lemire’s work together is his artwork. His distinctive visual style permeates everything he creates. Personally, I enjoy it because it harkens back to a simpler era of comic book storytelling. That said, Lemire’s art is something of an acquired taste and may not appeal to every reader.
The story initially hints at an alien presence arriving in a rural Canadian town, but it gradually evolves into something rooted in an ancient curse cast for reasons that may seem entirely justified. Beneath the mystery lies a deeply human story about small-town prejudice, dysfunctional families, bullying, poor choices, and ultimately redemption.
Lemire has a remarkable track record for delivering memorable stories, and Fishflies is no exception. It is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant graphic novel that rewards patient readers and deserves to be savored.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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