Nathan the Cavema, Ben Bishop (Writer, Art) Ben Bishop & Split Decision Comics (2018)

A deeply engaging and affecting romance. Nathan, and artist and Adrianna, who works in the Portland Museum encounter each other for the second time in a late-night coffee shop. Both have slipped out of the homes to get away pressing situations. At the museum there is an upcoming exhibition of prehistoric cave paintings. The story of the cave artist is run alongside the blossoming romance of Nathan and Adrianna. It unfolds very nicely; the narratives counterpoint each other very nicely.
Ben Bishop has a very engaging confidence in his story, the cast are engaging and never sentimental. They move across the difficulties they encounter with effort and hesitant determination that draws the reader in. The story does not push in any new direction, the conclusion is not unexpected. It still has great force due to the investment Ben Bishop has invited the reader to make in the cast. The story is simple in outline and deeply expressive in execution.
The art is friendly and a pleasure to read. Bold, thick lines and the minimum of details to establish a context are all that is needed. The time shifts are clear and never jarring, the emotional beats are captured in each with confident care. The panel design is smartly structured to manage the pace of the story and the transitions from one timeline to another are seamless. The cast are individual, the faces and body language are clear and direct.
The back and white art is never stark, the edges are soft and flowing the grey tones of memory are just what the story needs to give it a balance within the lives of the cast. The lettering is plain and effective, it is a little small to read without more attention that it should have, it does not really slow down the story.
A charming romance, Nathan the Caveman is a deeply enjoyable comic.