An Introduction to “Ducks”

“Ducks: Two Years in the Oilsands” by Kate Beaton was published by Drawn & Quarterly in 2022. This memoir of the Cape Breton-born Beaton’s experiences working in the Alberta oil fields is her first extended work of non-fiction & garnered immediate, widespread critical praise. 1/9

Beaton rose to fame through her series of comic strips known as “Hark! A Vagrant,” active between 2007-2018. Originally webcomics before being republished in three critically praised collections, these strips often satirize history, literature, and pop culture. 2/9

Beaton also published the children’s books “The Princess and the Pony” (2015) and “King Baby” (2016). The former was adapted into the Apple TV series “Pinecone & Pony” (2022). “Ducks” represents a significant departure from the lighthearted tone of Beaton’s previous work. 3/9

“Ducks” begins with Beaton’s decision to seek employment in the Alberta oil sands after graduating from university in New Brunswick, in an effort to pay off her student loans. Beaton’s memoir thus comments on the ways capitalism and geography shape Canadian identity. 4/9

Beaton’s memoir is also centrally concerned with gender identity and the ways the male-dominated, socially isolated crucible of the oil sands creates a toxic atmosphere of gendered violence, both emotional and physical. 5/9

But Beaton’s memoir isn’t just about the oil sands. It’s about what the oil sands tells us about ourselves—from gender politics to national and regional identity and how the relentless force of capitalism harms people and environments in diverse ways. 6/9

As noted, “Ducks” lacks the lighthearted humor of Beaton’s previous work. Yet her deft comedic timing and satiric edge shine through. As does her ability to humanize her subjects. “Ducks” is both deeply critical and deeply empathic. 7/9

To date, “Ducks” has won CBC’s “Canada Reads” competition and the Doug Wright Award celebrating excellence in Canadian comics. It’s also topped the Publisher’s Weekly poll for best graphic novels of 2022. It seems poised to win more awards in the coming months. 8/9

Over the next two weeks, we’ll explore a variety of themes & topics in Kate Beaton’s “Ducks,” including connections to Beaton’s previous work, the comic’s autobiographical voice, its reflections on Canadian identity, and its depictions of gendered violence. Stay tuned. 9/9