Dry Cleaned

By Joris Mertens
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
ISBN: 9781787334816

Translated from the Dutch, this is a story that fills you with awe and wonder before blindsiding you with an act so completely unexpected that you’re all but reeling. Creator Joris Mertens has worked as a set designer, storyboard artist and graphic designer, which goes some way to explain the astounding visuals that help bring this tale to life.

It’s the story of François, a simple man who earns a living delivering dry cleaning. He’s approaching retirement and has little to show for it, although he continues to play the same lottery numbers week in, week out, as he has done for the past seventeen years. He smokes too much, eats alone, but is relaible and hard-working at his job. Which is why he’s surprised to find himself lumbered with the owner’s nephew and told to show him the ropes. Reluctantly, François does as he’s asked, fearing he’s about to be cast aside. The trouble this brings, though, is nothing compared to where the story takes us next.

It’s not just the story and how it plays out that makes this book an instant classic. It’s the execution of the visual storytelling. Set in the 1960s, Mertens is illustrating a gloriously detailed vision of a city that places you squarely within the terrible downpour, crowded streets and glowing signs. One fantastic panoramic street scene has François dashing across wet cobbles amongst bustling traffic, linking two focal points. The way the wet surfaces, including the overhead tram lines, pick out the bright reds and yellows in an otherwise bleak and dreary palette of greys, is mesmorising. It’s all too easy to beleive you’ve stepped back 60 years. 

But the crowning glory is where this is all going and how it’s ultimately resolved. I’ve not been moved by a book as strongly as this for quite some time, and the reason it has such a powerful affect is because you’re given plenty of time to get to know François and what make him tick. It’s cleverly done, and delivers on its promise. Buy yourself a copy – you won’t be disappointed.

And if you liked that: Try Charles Burns’ Final Cut.