Drummond Weaver graduates from college with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and immediately wonders what’s next. Applying for a part time position at a non-profit which offers support to adults with extra needs, Weaver finds himself facing the challenge of dealing with real, complex people; managing their emotions and needs over the course of several years.

Though the slice-of-life drama of writer Dino Caruso’s Underpinnings is very small scale compared to most comics fare, it has an endearing, compelling intimacy that can make even the smallest of actions (and reactions) feel like the most seismic of events.

The cast of characters, from the carers and their managers to the complexities of the residents of the community centre, are very well sketched and nuanced; by the end of the story, several of them feel like old friends.

There’s plenty of sadness and tragedy here, but it’s nestled alongside heartwarming moments of what feels like genuine, human connection. It does feel as if we witness friendships and familial connections both blossom and wither in numerous ways as we progress.

I found myself incredibly emotionally invested in the story and its tale of lives lived in various ways. I really appreciated how Caruso doesn’t pass judgement on how each character chose to live their life, instead presenting every choice and consequence in a very matter of fact way.

Not all of those choices lead to happiness, and some outcomes are remarkably affecting; though that’s the case, ultimately I felt uplifted and left with a sense of hope in the general decency of people renewed.

The artwork, from various artists, presents the story in expressive close ups for the most part, and does a fantastic job of imparting the drama in every situation, small or large in implication.

I really enjoyed my time with Underpinnings, and I look forward to whatever Caruso turns his attention to next.

Underpinnings is available now from Inservice Comics.

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