To sum up the totality of True Story by calling it a "chick flick on paper" is perhaps an accurate description. If that label is to be applied, it must take its place alongside classic fare such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle, and The Princess Bride. Yes, it's that good.

Beland is a fabulous writer. He combines spot-on dialogue with some of the most gorgeous exposition I've ever read:

"She's sleeping. Her body's so close, I can feel it move as she breathes."
"Here."
"In my arms."
"I feel a sense of serenity that I've never felt before with others."
"If my feelings are a painting... this moment would be the frame."

The artwork on True Story is, on the surface, deceptively cartoony. The characters are caricatured simply, but that merely adds clarity to the story. Beland's backgrounds are where he really shines. He gives us super-detailed establishing shots to frame the location, then abandons them as the characters take the stage. This has the effect of making the dialogue jump off the page, and draws the readers' eyes to the characters, which are the most important parts of the story. It's a visual trick that Dave Sim and Gerhard used masterfully well in Cerebus, and Jeff Smith used to impressive effect with Bone.

Together, the writing and the art make for a story that will have you crying and laughing out loud, often at the same time. It's brilliant, essential reading for anyone with a passion for meaningful human interest stories, chick flicks, or just a damn fine read.

True Story, Swear To God is available from any local comics shop that has even a marginal clue. The first and second trade paperbacks are still available from AIT/Planet Lar, along with the 100 Stories collection of Beland's original mini strips. Recently True Story made the jump from Tom's own imprint Clib's Boy Comics, to Image. The first issue is out now, and it's a pretty good assumption that future graphic novels will be released with Image as well.