Not as glamorous as it sounds.
Note: as we prepare for IGN's Best of 2016 awards, we're revisiting a handful of graphic novel releases from the past year. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our nominations and vote in the reader poll.
For many people, the prospect of serving as a police officer on the moon probably sounds like the coolest job opportunity imaginable. But the reality of that position would probably be far less glamorous. That's essentially the premise behind Mooncop, a melancholy but charming examination of a lonely man in a lonely colony carrying out a pointless job.
Cartoonist Tom Gauld takes a very minimalist approach with this graphic novel. In terms of tone and visual style, it's very much in the same vein as the work of Norwegian cartoonist Jason, minus the anthropomorphic animal characters. There's no narration, little dialogue and an emphasis on somber reflection. It's certainly an approach that's well-suited to the concept and setting. Mooncop stars a nameless protagonist referred to only as "Officer." He's the lone cop in a dwindling lunar colony, a place where even a missing dog serves as a welcome respite from the crushing boredom and loneliness that define his existence.
Gauld's light touch really works to the benefit of the story. It's glum, but not overly dark or melodramatic. As the lunar colony shrinks in both physical size and population, there's a sense of something vital and indefinable being lost. We want it to persevere, even when the colony has no apparent reason for existing and little to offer its few, isolated inhabitants. The sexy allure of space travel smashes into the bland reality that life is simply life, no matter where you live it. It helps that there's a dry wit to the story, as Gauld explore the simple absurdities that make up the job of being a Mooncop. Throw in a sweet but understated element of romance and the book has no trouble connecting on an emotional level.
Gauld's art style goes hand-in-hand with the overall minimalist approach. Everything from the page layouts to the architecture to the figures themselves is very geometric in design. Yet "simplistic" isn't the right word, as Gauld still pores ample detail into rendering barren moonscapes and giving the lonely colony a distinctive texture. It's actually very impressive how much expression and emotion he's able to wrangle out of his figures despite their spartan quality. There's also a very orderly, methodical flow to the pages, and Gauld frequently uses his panels to linger on key moments of dialogue and emotional reactions. The art is very much geared towards creating a unique setting and ensuring that the reader lingers there, soaking in all its stark, quiet beauty.
The Verdict
Mooncop isn't anywhere near as thrilling or action-packed as the title suggests. However, it is easily one of the most unique and charming graphic novels of the past year. It offers a very spartan, understated look at moon life, one that's equal parts absurd, lonely and romantic.
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