Australian illustrator Shaun Tan‘s stunning graphic novel The Arrival was released in 2007, back when I was still working in Tokyo. I’ll like to think that the reason why I was completely unaware of such an amazing work back then was because I was immersed completely in Japanese media, and thus quite cut off from the outside world.

It is therefore ironical that I should only discover the artist’s brilliant work some 12 years later when I’m back in Japan during a vacation, visiting his exhibition titled Welcome To Nowhere.

The Arrival clearly deserves all the accolades it has earned – Shaun Tan’s allegoric tale about the immigrant experience is gorgeously illustrated in vivid sepia and monochrome tones that accentuate the crisp details of his sublime draftsmanship.

I am well aware that this book review has come some 12 years too late; but I’m still hoping to share this wonderful book with new readers out there who like me, had completely missed this amazing work back when it was first published. My highest recommendations.

The Arrival – Shaun Tan Graphic Novel details :

– Dimensions – 9 x 0.5 x 12 inches
– hardcover, 128 pages
– Full color, in English

Buy From Amazon CA | Amazon JP | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

You might also be interested in these items :