On Being Bub by Renee French (Mini Kus! #150)

On Being Bub opens right up on the sparkly-eyed protagonist, and it’s a worthy entry into French’s oeuvre of breathy work. I really enjoy the approach to color and line weights, which both provide exceptional depth of field, while still being dreamy and distinct. It all makes the figures pop and gives the sense that the characters are almost three dimensional rather than laying flat on the page. The Easter pastels are carefully balanced with warm Earth tones that are so pleasing to the eye. The principle idea at play seems to be allowing ourselves to detach from our emotions and draw inward long enough to reset. By doing so, we may be able to process how we feel in a healthy way, reengage to be in tune with our feelings, and articulate or act upon what we want and need. Despite some slight mystery, some darkness at times, and some anthropomorphized beings and feelings that could play ominous, it’s ultimately a very warm vibe and cozy aesthetic.