Centerfield
by Nick Jeffrey
Floppy Comix
BW, 32 pgs

An accomplished reflection
by Chad Boudreau

ComicReaders first encounter with Nick Jeffrey was through his mini comic, Hillbilly Sex #1. Dana kept that treasure trove of debauchery to himself, but in revisiting his review, that particular comic was an exercise in foul laughs and pushing the envelope. Nick Jeffrey's Centerfield is as far from Hillbilly Sex as one can get in terms of subject matter. Centerfield is a serious and accomplished piece of storytelling.

Originally written in 1999 in prose form, Jeffrey won a Xeric grant and self-published the story in comic form in 2004. Four years later, an issue arrived on our doorstep.

It's an autobiographical tale. Set in the awkward teen years of his life, writer / artist Jeffrey explains why it is that he hates sports. Being a student at a small Catholic school meant he was involved in organized sports even though he had little interest. He was on the baseball team. A lack of interest and skill meant he was stationed in right-field, playing for a losing team. That losing streak came to an end when Nick was in the eighth grade thanks to a new kid named Peter. He had been kicked out of public school for lighting trash cans on fire, but the boy could play a mean game of baseball. At the height of this success, Nick would be confronted with news that would further disturb his already difficult journey through life.

Centerfield features a cartoon style of art that captures the awkwardness of teen years thus painting both an unflattering and yet realistic, sympathetic picture of its young characters. At times, the art is silly, but only naturally so. Nick Jeffrey forces no humor on the readers.

The story is serious throughout, with the aforementioned humor coming naturally from the situations presented and the observations made by Jeffrey as he reflects from his present day, adult perspective. He manages to very clearly present the emotional truth that is the true heart of his story.

4 of 5