Miniature Jesus #2 is the continuing odyssey of Chomsky, a recovering alcoholic who is forced to do battle with his personal demons, whether real or imaginary.

Here’s the official description from Image:

Critically acclaimed writer/artist TED McKEEVER returns to the theater of the bizarre, as a small-town Pastor thinks the eight-inch Jesus that descended from a cross on the church’s wall is the devil’s work. Meanwhile, a recovering alcoholic’s fractured reality battling his own demons is becoming all too literal.

Ted McKeever (Transit, Metropol, Mondo) is one of the most original and divisive voices in comics.  He’s like the comic equivalent of Cormac McCarthy, raw, visceral, and brimming with talent. His artwork resembles knife carvings or burned charcoal on paper, both grotesque and beautiful to view, like some religious iconography or paintings of the crucifixion. His unpolished style is certainly not for everyone but it shouldn’t be ignored.

The story, however, is very difficult to follow. It’s disorienting, like a hallucination or dream that keeps getting more bizarre as it progresses.  Even though I wasn’t always sure what was going on, I still was able to appreciate McKeever’s haunting vision which is extremely poignant and personal. This comic deals with belief, redemption and the meaning of reality. Perhaps, the story can serve as a metaphor for faith and the difficulties of sobriety. Unfortunately, due to the disorganized story-telling, some of the deeper meaning eludes me.

Overall, If you like indy off-the-wall comics you should give this a try. I’d argue that McKeever’s huge ambition makes up for the flaws in his storytelling. Even with its shortcomings, Miniature Jesus is still one of the most thought provoking comics on the racks.  But I have no doubt this miniseries will read better collected in trade.

3.5/5