Review by Solomon Yeoh

Shortcomings is Adrian Tomine’s deeply personal reflection on race, societal expectations and identity. It follows Ben Tanaka, a defeatist Asian-American as he grapples with his own new-found freedom when his long-term girlfriend, Miko departs to New York for an internship program. Ben is confronted about his negative outlook by the people in his life, including his various love affairs and his best friend Alice. 

Tomine constructs a quiet story about stagnation, portraying those that eventually leave Ben behind sympathetically. Tomine appears to have little patience for Ben, and nor will the reader as Ben continues to make a mess of his relationships. The outlook on race is controversial but piercing, Tomine cementing himself as one of the clearest voices in the Asian-American space. He contends with societal expectations of what it means to be Asian-American and the ensuing race relations that must be dealt with are handled with a practiced tenderness and grace, the dialogue never becoming ham-fisted or over the top, always maintaining a subdued style.

The artwork is efficient, never taking the time to show-off or flaunt fancy panel work. Instead, the art is understated and systematic, guiding the readers’ eyes from one panel to the next with elegance. Tomine’s technical skills shine through when conveying social interaction, highlighting the pauses and jolts of a conversation effectively with his pacing.

This is a book of declarations and Shortcomings is Tomine’s grand statement on race and identity after being pestered to address these issues. He does not disappoint.