commentary

April 12, 2011

These were the original words of the Dreamer:

"I am cradled in the arms of an enormous stone statue of a motherly woman. She tells me everything will be alright."

At the oneir0nautics event in Providence, someone asked me whether the crucifix made by the post and the lane divider was intentional. He also asked if the contour of the mailbox was meant to symbolize a tombstone.

I can't say either of those implications were intentional. To be honest, the inclusion of the mailbox was just a practical bit of mise-en-scène to indicate the end of a driveway. If there was any symbolic intention, it was to give the panel a sense of patient longing, particularly for hopeful news.

I don't know the fate of Cassidy's father. I know he's at war, either in Iraq or Afghanistan. Since his destination lies outside the plot of the comic, I leave it up to the reader to decide. More important to me is remembering that those wars continue, and that soldiers and their families are sacrificing more than I can possibly imagine as a civilian.

If you're a soldier reading this, thank you for your service. And if you're overseas, know that we're proud of you and looking forward to the day you come home. - Stephen