It's here!  Here is the graphic novel edition of Craig Thomspson's epic memoir / history of his life, that centers on his relationship with ginseng, and that is also a  historical biography of the humble ginseng root itself.  While it does collect (nearly*) the entirety of the Ginseng Roots story pages fron the twelve-issue series, there are also quite a number of new pages that have been weaved in throughout – *at least a few of which replace pages from the original issue – with the aim of creating a unified work that reads like a graphic novel as opposed to simply a collection of the series. Craig worked on this series for over five years, and so understandably had a better idea of what he wanted by the end of the process than he did at the beginning; thus the additions/edits/changes to the original issues.  Also, most of the bonus / back-up material from the individual issues is not included (but a small smattering is).

So... it should be interesting to read this and compare!

But, no matter how you slice it, Ginseng Roots is a masterpiece of the form – and the Copacetic favorite among Craig Thompson's works thus far in his career.

And we're not the only ones who think highly of this work:

“Returning to Craig’s roots in rural Wisconsin, Ginseng Roots is part systems exploration, part cultural history — but most uniquely, it is an exercise in journalistic listening as an act of devotion. Even as Craig painfully questions his upbringing and his own beliefs about work, he expresses a hope for healing and an ultimate acceptance of imperfection and grace.”
—Thi Bui, author of The Best We Could Do

“Craig Thompson’s sometimes aching reflection on his roots in the soil and culture of rural Wisconsin is also a tender love letter to ginseng and to the diverse, compelling, and often quirky people who struggle to make it grow. A sweeping story, gorgeously drawn and beautifully told — this is Craig Thompson’s masterpiece.”
—Joe Sacco, author of Palestine and Paying the Land