2) Ice Haven, by Daniel Clowes.

Last time I read anything by Daniel Clowes, people whose opinions I respect (well, and , anyway) said I should look out for more of his work, especially Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron. Well, in the comic shop this morning picking up a present for F’s teacher (a Calvin and Hobbes book) I didn’t see Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron but my eye did fall on Ice Haven and I bought it. It’s a quick read, I understand previously serialised in a single Fantagraphics monthly, but very good – doings of various characters in a small town, much going on under the surface, unspoken fantasies, how we react to literature and writing, children’s views of the world.

There’s a good review of it here which links to three other thoughtful reviews. Now I’m going to read it again.