Scott Chantler has explored Canadian history in comics before, but Two Generals is the first time he’s tackled a story with such a strong personal connection (the book recounts his grandfather’s experience in WWII). Chantler’s reverence for his grandfather is the book’s biggest strength, and weakness: the author’s passion for the subject matter shows on every beautifully laid-out page, but he also makes Law Chantler out as a kind of saint, giving all the interesting flaws to Law’s friend Jack (the other general of the title). Chantler’s artwork suits the historical setting, looking like a cross between Seth and Tintin.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2011.