Cerebus #220

Opening the "Rick's Story" chapter of the long-running Cerebus saga, issue #220 kicks things off with a cover by Dave Sim and Gerhard that sets a quietly compelling tone — a broad, grinning older man reclines contentedly at what appears to be a tavern table, a tall glass of dark beer in the foreground, papers nearby, as if he's settling in for a good, long tale. The warm tan palette and relaxed body language suggest a story more intimate and character-driven than Cerebus's more frantic adventures. It's a thoroughly inviting piece of craft from two collaborators at the top of their long-running partnership.