This "futuristic workplace kerfuffle" recently came to my attention via social media, and I was very glad to buy and read a copy. Pushing Buttons features an eventful first day at work. It stars Margit, a young woman who has not had a job in months and is facing eviction. Luckily(?), her best friend Chloe is a supervisor for a local company and scores her a position operating a 3AZ machine, which involves reading a manual to learn which wires to connect and buttons to press. Chloe's supervisory position makes for some awkward situations, and Margit starts to question their friendship. She also quickly realizes that this gig has lots of restrictions.
This was a relatively short graphic novel, but I found a lot to relate to. I felt quickly drawn into the personal drama, and as I realized more about the social and work dynamics the more engrossed I got. The artwork is geometric and cartoony, somewhat drawing to my mind alternative comics artists like Kaz or Chris Ware. I felt that the cute, regular drawings made for a great atmosphere for the rote and soul-sucking situations Margit finds herself in. Additionally, the adorableness of the characters adds an interesting accent to the ways they put up certain appearances and treat each other.
Pushing Buttons was made by Ursula Blix, an animator and artist who recently graduated from The Animation Workshop in Viborg. She has drawn a bunch of comics and covers, but as far as I can tell, this is her debut graphic novel, drawn as a final school project. She drew this interview that tells a little bit more about her work on the book. I was not able to find any reviews of it online, but I will definitely keep my eyes peeled to see what else she publishes.
Pushing Buttons was published by Black Panel Press, and they offer a preview and more here.
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