The only way to have a friend is to be one. Kodi by Jared Cullum perfectly encapsulates the notion. The original graphic novel, published six years ago, told the exquisite story of a lonely girl, Katya, rescuing a bear in need, Kodi, and finding connection through the act. Now, Cullum is back with a follow-up, Kodi: A Place to Call Home.
It could have easily continued the cozy, warm, watercolor comfort of the original story. Instead, the new book challenges the friendship and, in doing so, celebrates what made it beautiful in the first place while showing how such connections must evolve. Kodi: A Place to Call Home is relatable, sweet, complicated, and wonderfully surprising. To put it in even simpler terms, it’s one of the best graphic novels of the year.
We are most pleased to have Jared Cullum on the show this week. Even more so because the artistic core from which Kodi: A Place to Call Home sprang forth is more surprising than we imagined. We chat with Cullum about his relationship with friendship, how the first book came to be, and why he felt compelled to be even more explicit about his intentions when making the second book.
Both Kodi and Kodi: A Place to Call Home are now available from Top Shelf Productions. Make sure you’re following Jared Cullum on Instagram and BlueSky.
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