Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses

Sometimes you just need to read some fun genre fiction, and Barbaric is just that. The star of this fantasy series, Owen the barbarian, starts out as a typical ruffian, drinking, fighting, and enjoying all sorts of carnal desires. However, he runs afoul of a trio of witches who curse him to only do good for the rest of his life, saddling him with an enchanted, talking axe (named Axe, of course) who constantly craves the blood of evil-doers. Together this terrible duo has a streak of misadventures, applying justice in their own warped way, with Axe constantly yakking Owen's ears off.

As their journeys continue, they pick up a motley assortment of allies and rack up quite the body count. What I loved about this book is how weird it is, with Axe explaining its strange sense of justice that determines just who is and isn't worthy of slaying. And there is also witty wordplay that complements the gore and nudity, making this book into a fun, engaging adventure. What is more, there are three subsequent volumes as well as some related series, which I have also read and enjoyed. So if this book is to your liking, you have more in store.

This book was written by Michael Moreci, drawn by Nathan Gooden, colored by Addison Duke, and lettered by Jim Campbell. Moreci is a screenwriter and author known for his comics series The Plot and Wasted Space as well as the movie Revealer. Gooden is a co-founder of Vault Comics and is involved in developing a number of series, including Post Malone's Big Rig. Duke began his career as a production artist, and Campbell has lettered a good number of comics, including The Great British Bump-Off. Moreci speaks about his work on the development of the series in this interview. 

Certainly, this series has a specific audience, and the reviews I have read about it have been positive. Brad Gullickson penned the memorable line, "If Gooden's art does not belong in a museum it sure as hell belongs on the side of a van." Matt wrote, "The prudish will not approve, but fans of dark fantasy will love it and eagerly anticipate Barbaric, vol. 2."

Barbaric Book One was published by Vault Comics, and they offer a preview and more information about the series here. This book contains profanity, gore, nudity, violence, and is suggested for adult readers.

Santos Sisters, Volume 1

This collection gathers the first five issues of the 2025 Eisner Award winner for Best Continuing Series. Santos Sisters is a tough book to categorize, but I think it characterizes some of the best aspects of comics in general. It looks like an Archie comic, features adventures and characters straight out of superhero stories, and is mostly full of clever repartee and relationship talk. This strange amalgamation makes for some very funny and engaging stories, and I have really enjoyed reading this series and revisiting the comics in this version was very rewarding.  

Ambar and Alana are the titular sisters, and one day they discovered a pair of medallions on a beach and were transformed by the mysterious and mystical Madame Sosostris into masked super-beings to defend the fictional town of Las Brisas. That is, when they are not laying about the house, watching silent bee cartoons, and bickering, especially about Ambar's self-absorption or boyfriend Dirk. 

Together they deal with a motley crew of threats such as the saboteur 8Ball, Scope the assassin, Weird A.I. Ankhovic, Kreg the Handsome Barbarian, and Bridgette Spinner (say it out loud). These characters are a vivid and distinctive bunch, and a lot of the fun of this book is seeing just how ridiculous they and their villainous motivations are. The sisters often defeat them more out of personal reasons or irritation than altruism, and as they battle they are often engaged in side conversations about food, relationships, or sex acts. 

And there are lots of comics Easter eggs. Check out those teeth!

They also talk to lots of anthropomorphic animals, including a bunch of jerky forest animals and a know-it-all dolphin. These are some surreal, fun, and smart comics that have a lot going on but also trust the reader to catch onto what's happening without needing much context or backstory. I love the episodic way the tales are structured like classic Archie comics: each one is a celebration of comics, a burst of inventiveness and joy. And much like stones in a mosaic, cumulatively these stories depict a wonderfully realized fictional world.

This book's creators Greg & Fake collaborate between Chicago and Manzanillo, Mexico, respectively. Fake Petre is the writer and Greg the artist, and they also incorporate ideas and input from Graham Smith, Dave Landsberger, and Marc Koprinarov. G&F speak more about their origins and work in this interview. You can learn more about the series at its official website.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been full of praise. D. Morris opined, "It is a book that knows great comedy comes from putting well defined characters into absurd situations." Timothy Callahan wrote, "None of these three- to eight-pagers would feature in a Best American Comics anthology. But as a whole, the accumulation of details and comedic elements and relentlessness work to make this a highly entertaining comic." 

Santos Sisters was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer a preview and more about it here. This book is not for kids. 

Beat It, Rufus

I feel that any time a new book comes from Noah Van Sciver is time to celebrate. Van Sciver is one of my favorite comics creators, the Ignatz Award-winning author of the graphic novels One Dirty Tree, The Hypo: The Melancholic Young Lincoln, Saint Cole, and Fante Bukowski. His work is often darkly funny and full of compelling characters who are often depressed, sad sacks, or incredibly delusional. The title character of Beat It, Rufus hits the trifecta there. Rufus Baxter is a washed up rock guitarist who has been living off of the fumes of his slight musical success for decades. After he gets kicked out of his storage unit, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to try to revisit old friends, rekindle past glory, and recoup the royalties that could fund his big comeback.

At least his tape deck still works...

I am not going to spoil things, because most of this book is Rufus back-tracking through the wreckage of his life, but I will say that mostly things do not go to plan. The journey is full of surprises, weirdos, and disappointments, although there is an occasional bright spot, such as a free Quiznos gift certificate. 

One of the things I admired about this book was how much it portrays the road of this road trip. There are lots of depictions of street signs, buildings, wilderness, and businesses that make the American landscape as much as a character in the book as humans. Beat It, Rufus grounds the weirdness, zaniness, and melancholy in drab reality in a way that makes this book completely engrossing.

All of the reviews I read of this book have been positive. Frank M. Young wrote that the affection for ambitious self-doubters "gives this and Van Sciver’s other books a warmth, even as his characters debase themselves in their failed grabs at the big brass ring." AJ Frost called Rufus "a character of surprising depth and complexity: an aging hair metal dreamer whose stubborn refusal to abandon his long-dead aspirations is simultaneously hysterical, harrowing, and deeply human." Publishers Weekly called it "a must-read comic about a must-avoid person."

Beat It, Rufus was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer a preview and more information about it here. This is not a graphic novel for kids.

The Cola Pop Creemees: Opening Act

This book I got as part of Birdcage Bottom Books' 2023(!) Kickstarter campaign. The Cola Pop Creemees: Opening Act is on its surface a funny book, but its loopy, cartoon images masque several unique human dramas that all combine as one musical act. The Cola Pop Creemees consist of guitarist/front man Ralph Jonathan, drummer Wallace T.J., Mona Gertrude on tambourine, bassist Gil Christopher, and keyboardist Henrietta Susan. Part of this book details the politics of being in a band, with people jockeying for praise, songwriting credit, and attention. Part of it is a deep dive into the different band members' pasts, with a look at their childhoods, parents, and various life-shaping events.

The five members all feature very different personalities, and many of them have been shaped and influenced by traumatic events. Sometimes the tenor of the stories can be slapstick or has a tinge of dark humor, but mostly they are relatable and moving. Some of the band members are depressed, some obsessed, some stressed, and it might be accurate, and sad, to say that Wallace T.J., who abuses a good many substances, might just be the most well adjusted of the bunch. Whatever the case, each story is incredibly compelling, and I found this book difficult to put down.

The Cola Pop Creemees: Opening Act paints remarkably vivid character portraits and is one that rewards reading and re-reading. It will make you laugh, cry, and seek a solo career where you never have to be in a band.

This is the debut graphic novel by Desmond Reed. Since this, he has published two further works about the Cola Pop Creemees: Lefty and The Horrors of Being Human. Reed speaks about his work on Opening Act in this interview.

The reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. I concur with Andy Oliver who wrote that "in less than 250 pages, The Cola Pop Creemees manages to make the reader so invested in this oddball cast that a second outing feels essential." Publishers Weekly called it "an unexpected, oddly emotional gem"

The Cola Pop Creemees: Opening Act was originally published by Birdcage Bottom Books, and they offer a preview and more information about it here. You can now buy it from Microcosm Publishing. This book features family trauma, adult relationships and situations, and drug use, so it is recommended mature enough to deal with those matters.

The Toxic Avenger

When I was growing up, there was a theater right next door to my dad's pizzeria, and I saw many a movie there. One of my formative experiences was watching the original Toxic Avenger movie, which warped my prepubescent brain with all its gore, violence, and "special effects." It led me to other films from Troma, and probably deranged me (in what I feel are mostly positive ways). I was not as big a fan of the 1990s cartoon revival of the franchise, though I was glad for the popularity and profits for the upstart parent company. A re-imagined version of the monster hero starring Peter Dinklage will debut in theaters this year, but before it arrived there was this five-issue comic book series collected here. 

This version of the Toxic Avenger operates independently of any of the movies, and new readers really do not need to know anything about them. Here, Tromaville, NJ is beset by a huge environmental disaster, and aliens and/or a shady corporation may or not be involved (I'm not going to spoil it). The entire area is quarantined, and a good number of the populace are exposed to something that radically transforms them into monstrous beings. Furthermore, there is a huge amount of misinformation coming from the government over both traditional and social media that obscures what is really happening. 

As you can see from this excerpt, this book follows the exploits of Melvin, once a scrawny weakling but now a strapping, grotesque hulk. Over the course of the narrative, he has to deal with physical battles from his former bullies who are also now monstrous, as well as the ethical dilemma of possibly becoming the public face of the huge cover-up fabricated to lie to the public about what happened in Tromaville. Among all of this action, horror, and intrigue, there is also a good dose of ridicule aimed at public and business institutions as well as some good old fashioned physical humor. I found this book highly entertaining, and luckily for those reading this trade paperback, they don't have to wait a month to see what happens in each subsequent chapter.

This book is the product of writer Matt Bors and artists Fred Harper and Lee Loughridge. Bors is a long time political cartoonist who also founded and edited The Nib. He has won multiple Eisner Awards and also writes the Justice Warriors series. Harper has a huge list of past clients, both comics and corporate. Loughridge is one of the most in-demand colorists in contemporary comic books. You can read more about these Toxic Avenger comics in this interview.

The reviews I have read about this book have been positive. Steven W. Alloway called it " weird, funny, sarcastic, satirical, sometimes violent, often gross, extremely campy, but ultimately good-hearted." Chris Coplan, who is a long-time Toxie fan like me, wrote that it "isn’t just a damn good comic, but it very much exceeds my kooky, totally awkward expectations."

The Toxic Avenger was published by Ahoy Comics, and they provide more information about it here. This book features body horror, gore, violence, and profanity, so I suggest it for readers mature enough to deal with those things.

And for those are enjoy this book, good news: there is more on the way.

Boys Weekend

The best kinds of satire usually skirt the lines between funny and horrible, and Boys Weekend certainly falls into this category. It's about Sammie, a newly out trans person who has been asked by her old friend Adam to be his "best man." 

As you might glean from this excerpt, Adam does not know about this change. Moreover, he certainly does not know how to deal with Sammie's new reality, nor do the even more clueless members of his groom's party. Still, all of them embark on a weekend trip to El Campo, an island resort where you can get away with way more than you can in Las Vegas, especially in the even more libertarian near-future when this book is set. For instance, they have an attraction where you can clone yourself and then go all "Most Dangerous Game," hunt it down and kill it.

Complicating matters even further from the incredibly cringe-worthy bachelor party is the rash of bloody murders happening in El Campo, and everything devolves into a disastrous survival situation more reminiscent of a horror movie than a weekend getaway. What makes this book work is that the horror stakes are real, the humor is sharp and topical, and the contemporary concerns about gender politics and discrimination are prominent. Boys Weekend is brutal, biting, and hilarious, a satiric parable for our times.

Mattie Lubchansky is a self-called "Award-Winning Transsexual Comics Idiot." She has a long history with making funny, political comics, from being an editor of the Eisner Award winning website The Nib to creating scores of comics for that venue to her own graphic novels, such as The Antifa Super-Soldier Cookbook. She speaks about her work on Boys Weekend in this interview.

The reviews I have read about this book have been mainly positive. Michael Kurt wrote, "It’s funny, deeply insightful, and even more wild than you’d expect for a story about a hedonistic future-tech-Vegas." Sylvie Rosokoff opined, "Lubchansky’s razor-sharp satire, eerie sci-fi sensibility, and distinctive illustration style make Boys Weekend the perfect mix of darkness and light." Kirkus Reviews found it a bit clunky in parts and summed up, "An uneven but undeniably original adventure."

Boys Weekend was published by Pantheon Graphic Library, and they offer a preview and more here. Because of adult humor and gore, I recommend this book for more mature readers.

Casual Fling

Corporate lawyer Jennifer Ryan leads an enviable life. She has a high-paying job, dutiful husband, and a happy family. Tensions between her home and work lives get a little stressed though, and one night she gets caught up in the attentions of a work acquaintance. 

She has the titular casual fling, but instead of being a one-off tryst it turns into a path of betrayal and blackmail. She gets threatened with exposure, and for fear of losing the life she has built she does some sleuthing of her own to learn about her mystery man and his path of villainy.

I picked this book up because I have seen some good things from AWA (Artists, Writers, Artisans) Publishing and I have really enjoyed a number of novels by this series author Jason Starr. I was not disappointed at all, and Casual Fling has all the hallmarks of an entertaining noir narrative: a tight plot, a compelling mystery, sexual tension, and complicated characters. This books really works because Jennifer is a flawed person but also one who owns up to her faults and won't simply be taken advantage of. 

Not just successful because of its plot and characterizations, this book also features strong artwork by Dalibor Talajić and colors by Marco Lesko that portrays steamy moments, tense interactions, action, and human moments in fine fashion. Consequently, it is a book full of moody, grim atmosphere that suits the plot. Casual Fling is a taut thriller told economically, great for noir or mystery fans.

The reviews of this book I have read have been positive. Kobi Bordoley called it "a sleek, well written story." Logan Dalton wrote that it was "a decent erotic thriller and still had plenty of time for tough, nuanced conversations."

Casual Fling was published by AWA Upshot, and they offer a preview and much more about the series here. There is also a sneak peek of the series available on Webtoons. Because of the themes, relationship issues, and adult situations in this book, I recommend it for mature readers.

Light It, Shoot It

 

I love a good noir story, especially one that features excellent artwork like Light It, Shoot It. It follows the travails of Billy Bonney, a young man who has just gotten out of prison for arson. He has troubles getting along with his peers as well as just fitting in to society. Luckily, his older brother is in the film business (on a low rung, but still), and he helps him get a gig being a actor's assistant. Mainly that involves him making sure the older alcoholic leading man is in working shape and on time to the set, not very glamorous work.  

As you can see from the excerpt above, the artwork is very expressive and lovingly portrays the gritty realities of 1970s Hollywood. The excerpt also features a lot of characters and moving parts, which are a hallmark of this book. There is a lot going on and lots of people with their own motives. Billy is trying to fit in; his brother is trying to get laid; one of the producers has a plan to recoup shooting costs through insurance fraud; some people are trying to make a movie; some people are trying to get famous, and still others just want to bask in the glow of showbiz. I am not going to say that the plot is the most original I've ever read, but I think that this book hits its story beats hard: a quintessential exploitation tale in graphic novel form. It's clearly a labor of love, and I got very much caught up in the enthusiastic way this story was told both through its narrative and art.

Light It, Shoot It was written and drawn by Graham Chaffee, who mainly works as a tattoo artist. He has published a couple of other graphic novels, including To Have & To Hold and Good Dog. He speaks about his work on this book in this interview.

All of the reviews of this book I have read highlight its strengths. Publishers Weekly wrote, "Chaffee’s pastel washes, clear affection for the period, and well-stocked gallery of colorful hoodlums and reluctant heroes make up for the lack of suspense." Jason Green called it "an excellent example of noir storytelling at its finest, soaked in a uniquely 1970s mood." Paul Dunne opined, "Drawn in bold brushstrokes, and hand-painted in subtle washes, Chaffee brings vintage LA to the page in a propulsive adventure."

Light It, Shoot It was published by Fantagraphics, and they provide a preview and more info about it here. This book is suggested from mature readers.

Reckless

I have read pretty much everything that Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have published. Together they have produced some of the most compelling and well crafted crime/suspense stories of the past couple decades, sometimes melded with superhero tropes, supernatural tales, movie history, or even westerns. Of late, they have moved from producing monthly comic books to original graphic novels, and Reckless is the first of a series.

The titular star of this series is Ethan Reckless, an ex-student radical from the 1970s who has flamed out and taken up residence in a run-down movie theater and who takes on private cases for those he deems worthwhile. For a price. In this book, he runs into a woman from his past and is faced with a case that brings up lots of baggage. I know all of this seems cliche to those who relish a good pulp tale, but the way the story is executed and paced is pitch perfect. 

The artwork clearly displays a love for the recent past, with accurate depictions of old locales and cars, as well as hairstyles and fashions. This book is homage not only to classic pulp authors like Donald Westlake and John D. MacDonald but also past decades. The coloring by Jacob Phillips resembles that of classic paperback covers, adding to the tone and timbre. I loved getting swept up in this story, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. It's another winning piece of genre fiction from these masterful creators.

Even the exposition is interesting!

All of the reviews I've read of this book have been glowing. Jake Owens wrote, "Reckless showcases all that the comic book/graphic novel genre is capable of. Exquisite art and skillful dialogue meet in a display of subtlety that weaves together and makes something much larger than the sum of its parts." Zac Owens called it "nearly perfect." Justin Harrison summed it up as "a damn compelling introduction to an intriguing anti-hero."

Reckless was published by Image Comics, and they offer a preview and more about the entire series here. It features violence, drug use, and sexual situations so it is suggested from readers mature enough to deal with those topics. And if you like this book, there are four subsequent sequels.

Mr. Boop

Mr. Boop collects the four books of a webcomic about a man who is married to Betty Boop, works at Subway with Bugs Bunny, and is roommates with Peter Griffin. Despite its inclusion of beloved cartoon characters, this book is definitely not for children. One of its prime targets is copyright laws and corporate ownership of characters, and the series loves to push boundaries by putting these characters in inappropriate and adult situations. However the series also has a heart, as it is a look at romantic relationships and how they play out. The set-up is a faux diary comic where Alec, the narrator, speaks about his love for his wife, Betty.

Things spiral out of control pretty quickly, as Alec's insecurities cause him all sort of grief and anxiety about his wife leaving him or him stupidly deciding to divorce her. Also, his co-worker Bugs Bunny starts explicitly telling him how jealous he is of Alec's relationship with Betty and how he is plotting to murder him. Once Alec realizes that Bugs is not joking, he and Betty decide to have a threesome with him to defuse the situation. And it works. And then they do the same thing with a variety of other cartoon characters. This all happens in the first quarter of the book, which ends tragically, and the rest takes many dramatic, silly, and surreal turns.

Reading this book, things get raunchy and weird pretty quickly, but I found something utterly compelling and charming about it all. The episodic quality of the individual strips is addictive. I also think there is some sort of alchemy about the sorts of satire and parody that are going on here, coupled with the intentionally amateurish drawing style and some clever commentary on corporate machinations, that combine to make this a memorable, unique, and baffling reading experience. As I wrote earlier, this book is definitely not for kids, and I don't think it is necessarily for everyone's tastes, but it really appeals to a unique demographic (which includes me).

The mastermind behind this grenade of a book is Alec Robbins. Robbins has worked in all sorts of media, and he also currently produces another webcomic CRIMEHOT. He speaks about his work on Mr. Boop in this interview.

Almost all of the reviews I have read of this book have been positive. Publishers Weekly called it "a Rube Goldbergian maze of multilevel, tongue-in-cheek internet ironizing, catnip for those who love such stuff." Kalyleigh Hearn called it "a Tijuana Bible for the Twitter age, racy and absurd and a jab in the eye of every intellectual property law in existence. It’s also the most romantic comic strip of the year." In a contrary take, Lane Yates offers a long meditation on why he did not really enjoy this book.

Mr. Boop was published by Silver Sprocket, and they offer a preview and more info about it here. There is also much more material, including the strips, videos, and a video game, about Mr. Boop at its official webpage.

Caravaggio: A Light Before The Darkness

To say that the pandemic has affected my life, work, and productivity is an understatement. This graphic novel I have been meaning to read and review for about a year, and I am happily and thankfully (and finally!) glad to post it today.

Caravaggio: A Light Before The Darkness is set in the late 16th/early 17th century, and this book took me back (not to the 17th century, I am not THAT old) to my undergraduate days when I took an art history class and attended a lecture about the art of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. He was an important figure of the Baroque style, and he lived a tumultuous and eventful life, all of which are conveyed effectively in this book. He is known for his sense of drama and lighting in his work, with a masterful use of chiaroscuro that influenced many painters afterward. In apt fashion, the artwork in this book employs his painterly style in its depictions.

Just as dramatic as his artwork was his personal life, which was characterized by sex scandals (with men and women), duels, and multiple brawls. Ultimately the fallout from this violence caused him to live in exile, and he died under controversial circumstances. This book delineates all these events in spirited and cinematic fashion, which is fitting as the script for this book came from an unproduced screenplay. I think it works well as a graphic novel, capturing the flare and intrigue of Caravaggio's life as well as the spirit of his artistic achievements.

This book is a collaboration between author and screenwriter Ken Mora and artist Cyrus Mesarcia. Mora is best known for a number of animation projects from his company Bella Fe Media. Mesarcia has drawn the comic book series Carson of Venus and a number of horror comics. Mora speaks about his work on this book in this interview.

All of the reviews I was able to locate of this book have been positive. Publishers Weekly called it "a spirited introduction to Caravaggio’s life and times that should appeal to readers of classic graphic illustrated style comics." Jean M. Roberts wrote, "I enjoyed this graphic novel and highly recommend it to readers of historical fiction who enjoy adult graphic novels and a unique reading experience." As of this review, it has a 4.43 (out of 5) star rating on Goodreads.

Caravaggio: A Light Before The Darkness was published by Markosia Enterprises Ltd. It was originally published as a six individual issues, partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign.  It is also available as webcomic on WEBTOON.

Clutter: A Scatterbrained Sexual Assault Memoir

 

I recently received this book as a reward for backing its Kickstarter campaign. Clutter is a frank and enlightening look at one person's coping mechanisms for dealing with sexual assault. It is a thoughtful and moving account of how trauma affected her life, as she went through a few ordeals as a young girl, and all her attempts to tamp them down were for naught. 

I appreciated the honesty and candor put on the pages here, and it is hopeful to see how she eventually learned to deal with trauma through a combination of methods, including therapy and mindfulness exercises. I know that the statistics on sexual assault for females are pretty horrific, and having a text like this that can be a beacon to those who might not want to broach what is largely a taboo topic. It could be a great resource for someone who is suffering in silence, and I feel it could also be helpful to those who might know someone who experiences sexual violence, as it provides insights into relationships and how one might try to be an ally. 

Given the subject matter, there is much in this book that can be difficult to read, but I feel that the colorful, attractive artwork makes the text more approachable. That, combined with the format, which is broken up into shorter episodes and comic strip-like formatting in places, creates an inviting structure that puts a sense of order on the "scatter-brained" reflections. This book might not be for everyone, but I feel that it is an important one for its audience.

Clutter is the creation of Ariel Bordeaux, and an earlier version of it served as her senior thesis at the Center For Cartoon Studies. This version is expanded and contains an epilogue and copious footnotes. Bordeaux is known for her auto-biographical comics especially, the mini-comics series Deep Girl, as well as other works such as the comics series Raisin Pie. She speaks about her art and career in this interview.

I was not able to find any reviews of this book online, which is a shame because I feel it deserves much more attention. It currently has a 4.33 (out of 5) star rating on Goodreads.

Clutter was published by Fieldmouse Press, and they offer a preview and more info about it here.

Fungirl

I have not read a book as enjoyable, funny, and profane as Fungirl in a long time. The title first came to my attention because of a kerfuffle about its mature readers label (an depictions of sex toys) for a book on Free Comic Book Day. I picked up that issue from my local comic shop, and it set me up well for the whole book. 

This book reads like a wonderfully deranged situational comedy, in the best kid of way. It stars the titular Fungirl (her actual name is not given), a young woman who I have seen described aptly as a "hot mess." She has no job, a long line of dysfunctional sexual relationships, and few prospects for the future. She lives with her roommate (an ex-girlfriend) Becky, a hard working relatively normal person, and they often deal with Peter, Becky's polite-to-a-fault boyfriend. Much of the humor of the book comes from watching these three bounce off each other, but there are also lots of strange, unique situations.

Early in the book, Fungirl finds a job as a mortician's assistant, a position where she creates all sorts of mayhem. She takes naps in coffins, sets multiple accidental fires, gets extreme in making up the corpses, and has some really strange interactions at a professional convention that features unusual rivalries between undertakers. In addition, there are lots of other embarrassing, uncomfortable, and hilarious situations she finds herself in, including visits to llama farms, drunken revelries, bus rides, shopping expeditions, and a memorable self help seminar.

Whenever there is a crossroads, Fungirl can be counted on to make a misinformed decision that ends in calamity and hilarity (for the reader). Still, she does try her best and occasionally there are moments of fleeting clarity and insight. These are few and far between, however, and most of the book is chock full of jokes and humor. I laughed out loud while reading this book quite a few times, and I could not stop reading it, even though I planned on taking my time. If you like compelling graphic novels and laughing at others' misfortune, this is the book for you.

Fungirl was written and drawn by the German artist Elizabeth Pich. She is best known as co-creator of the popular webcomic War and Peas.

All of the reviews I have read about this book have been positive. Calvin Reid called it "awkward, biting, shameless, wildly improper, aroused, maybe even dangerous." Publishers Weekly described it as "an outlandish romp past the boundaries of good taste and into dangerously revealing—and truly funny—psychic territory." There are more reviews at Goodreads where it has a 4.1 (out of 5) star rating as of this writing.

Fungirl was published by Silver Sprocket, and they offer a preview and more information here. As should be clear by now, this is not a book for kids.

I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

I Never Promised You A Rose Garden is a sprawling memoir/historical essay that almost defies categorization. It starts off as a personal history/appreciation of actor River Phoenix, particularly his work on the film My Own Private Idaho with director Gus Van Sant. Then it delves into Phoenix's and Van Sant's interactions with the local Portland, Oregon gay community and various street hustlers. The chapters that follow change direction and begin more of a focus on the history of Oregon, its roots in white supremacy, its popular culture, how police violence and social institutions help reinforce inequity, as well as a deep dive into one memorable episode of the talk show Geraldo.

The artwork is unique, each page a sheet of old-time elementary school composition paper with a black and white water color image and handwritten text (as you can see above). I think use of this primer-like format points toward an educational aspect of the book, but it does not come off as preachy or didactic. The illustrations are moody, atmospheric, and highly expressive.

The personal connections give the book heart but it is also very well-researched and compelling. It contextualizes so many contemporary social issues and is a clarion call for awareness and action. I appreciate how well it humanizes and makes concrete historical and social happenings in a way that explains how we have arrived at our current moment, when things seem far off center and veering toward totalitarianism. Once I started reading it, I found it difficult to put down.

Mannie Murphy first published this book as a series of zines. They are a graduate of The Center for Cartoon Studies, and this is their first graphic novel. They speak more about it in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. Ryan Carey wrote that there is "a strong case for this being the most affecting, inspired, and important comics release of 2021 to date." Publishers Weekly called it a "piercing debut" and concluded, "Murphy’s elegaic treatment grants a sobering reflection on the depth and deadliness of American intolerance." Oliver Sava opined, "A key aspect of that is making sure people know their history so they don’t keep making the same mistakes, and I Never Promised You A Rose Garden makes that past feel real with its accessible, emotionally driven storytelling."

I Never Promised You A Rose Garden was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer a preview and more information about it here.

Lore Olympus Volume One

Lore Olympus is a wildly popular webcomic, one of the most viewed ones on the WEBTOON platform. It is a modern retelling of the myth of Persephone and Hades, with the gods and goddesses possessing cell phones and social media while also engaging in all the sorts of soap opera antics associated with classic Greek mythology. It presents realistic situations that are not always pleasant, and it does so in ways that are compelling and compassionate. It is also frequently funny.

Reading this story, I felt that I knew who these characters were, almost immediately, and they act in surprisingly vibrant ways. The twists on classical storytelling are expert and intriguing. All of the various personalities and relationships are cast in a way that heightens the drama and emotion of the goings-on of this book. It is one of my favorite comics of the past decade, and I am glad to see it in a physical format that will gain it new readers.

The narrative kicks off one day at a posh party at Mount Olympus Hades (who does not even want to be there) makes a remark that this new young goddess (Persephone) puts Aphrodite to shame in terms of beauty. That is a big mistake, because the vain, spiteful goddess of love sics her son Eros on poor Persephone, and she ends up with a spiked drink that knocks her out for the evening. Somehow, she ends up under Hades's care and ends up in his kingdom, where she wakes up and endears herself to his many dogs. There is some flirting, but nothing serious happens. What follows, however, is a lot of rumors, gossip, and wondering by various mythological beings.

What makes this book, which is retelling a tale that is thousands of years old and has been retold countless times, so exceptional is how it depicts its characters. The artwork is full of life and personality. Each god/goddess has their own color scheme and unique designs. They pop off the page in an almost alchemical way. They seem very alive and animated. I was curious to see how effects that worked with vertical scrolling webcomics would work in book form, and they translate extremely well. The story does not flow in the same manner, but the glossy pages and layouts make this a very attractive reading experience.

In addition to the artwork, the personalities are all defined in bold, distinct ways in the narrative as well. Persephone herself is young and sheltered, a bit naive but smart. She wants to get out of her mother's broad shadow and make something of herself. She does not want to be a simple conquest for a lecherous elder god. Her life gets further complicated by her relationship with Artemis, her roommate who is the goddess of chastity, among other things, and who is very protective of her.

However, Artemis is too distracted to see her brother Apollo making unwelcome advances towards  Persephone. One night he takes advantage of her, and she feels too ashamed and conflicted to deal with the violence afterward. She questions her role in this event, and she fears what others will think. I feel that an important aspect of this book is its telling this sort of story, which is too painfully common though not often shared.

Lore Olympus is the debut comics work of Rachel Smythe. She has won a Harvey Award for her work on it, and has also been nominated for an Eisner. She speaks about her work on the webcomic and adapting it into a print version in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read about this book have been glowing. Etelka Lehoczky wrote that "anyone who's drawn into Smythe's world will appreciate its beauty and wit, and few will escape its seductive ambiguity." Publishers Weekly summed it up, "As rich as baklava but snacky as a bag of potato chips, this romance is hard to resist."

Lore Olympus Volume One was published by Del Rey, and they offer more info about it here. The webcomic appears at WEBTOON, and is currently on Episode 184. This book contains episodes 1-25.

This Is How I Disappear

This Is How I Disappear is a powerful, moving, and important book about dealing with depression. Its protagonist is Clara, an over-worked 30-year-old woman who is still dealing with the fallout of a sexual assault that happened in her 20s. Her work as a marketing assistant for a publisher is not very rewarding, especially with her boss David's thoughtless and passive-aggressive behavior. Clara also is trying to write a draft of a verse novel, but she is dealing with writer's block and crises of confidence in her abilities. I could really relate to that last part, and her dread of missing deadlines was as palpable as the rest of the trauma and stressors she faces.

Things appear to look up when she meets a friend named Alexa, who is dealing with her own issues with a man she dated, and it seems like she might be someone to confide in and trust. But, Clara really is not up to helping anyone, as she is not dealing with her own pain and suffering, and it is harrowing to watch her sink further into isolation and despair.

This book excels at capturing the feelings and behaviors associated with depression, and the artwork really conveys emotion and tone in a variety of ways. I was impressed by its wordless passages, the way that showing faces and gestures can say so much and communicate intensity.

Much also gets communicated via depictions of social networking, and I thought that the contemporary look at life and mental health is incredibly well detailed. Clara's friends really don't know how to relate to her, and she starts avoiding them and really causing some concerns. I do not want to spoil the resolution of this book, but I will say that it ends on a hopeful note, though it does not pretend that what Clara is dealing with is easily solved. Although it contains a number of painful and difficult behaviors as well as discomforting events, I really appreciated this book. It is beautiful and moving, and the artistry used to show personal interactions and sorrow is masterful.

This book was created by Mirion Malle. She has published a number of graphic novels, and the only other one available in English right now is League of Super Feminists. This book was translated into English by Aleshia Jensen and Bronwyn Haslam. Malle talks about her work on This Is How I Disappear in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read about it have been positive. Publishers Weekly wrote that "this low-key look at life in recovery has a disarming simplicity and bracing sincerity." Madeleine Chan called it "a frank look at modern millennial survival and may pull you into an existential dread — in a good way." Jeff Provine opined that it "discusses burnout and coping in a way that is rarely seen in literature."

This Is How I Disappear was published by Drawn & Quarterly, and they offer a preview and more information about it here.

Crash Site

I was intrigued when I saw this title solicited, and reading it was a beguiling and bewildering experience. Crash Site is a strange and provocative book that definitely makes an impression. It is ostensibly a survival tale starring three protagonists: Rosie, a young, white, British woman who is vapid and self-centered; her devoted dog Denton, whom she uses as a drug mule, and Pants Dude, the most sinister anthropomorphic pair of underwear ever. 

After plane crash left the trio as the sole survivors stranded in the Amazon, they have to deal with the elements as well as a each other. A self-centered woman, emotionally needy dog, and murderous pair of panties that wants to pocket the entire score for itself make for a whole lot of drama.

This survival plot is intriguing and captured my imagination, but there are many aspects in this book that make for curious juxtapositions. The main narrative is a harrowing tale where one character is literally a cute pair of panties wielding a knife. There is an ongoing exploration of colonialism, from the practice of smuggling drugs to racist stereotypes in video games to the artwork of the book, which borrows heavily from the conventions of horror manga. It is also somewhat cartoonish and kawaii, which belies so many of its situations and commentaries. There are also several scenes that look at the intersections of sexuality and violence, such as when Rosie and her friends practically murder a lifeguard who tells them they cannot sunbathe in the nude and when Denton gets caught masturbating to a magazine called Woke Girls.

This is a book that lets readers have their cake, but the cake is a tough one to swallow, a mixture of disparate and clashing flavors. Instances of fan service are combined with horror imagery. Almost every joke accompanies scenes of violence and murder. Social commentary appears and is overwhelmed by absurdity. I think this is a surprisingly complex book, one I appreciated and enjoyed, though I imagine it is not to everyone's taste. So much about this book made me feel uncomfortable and off-balance, but in such compelling ways.

I could not locate much information about this book's author Nathan Cowdry, but I plan to check out whatever he publishes. He has put out a few other zines and comics, including Shiner and Western Voyeur.

The reviews I have read about this book wrestle with its complexity. Publishers Weekly concluded, "Cowdry’s mix of rock-solid gags, horrifying imagery, and surreal satire makes for an unsettling and indelible experience." Nicholas Burman wrote, "Crash Site is a comic that tickles your ribs and also strikes them a few times with a hot poker." Hillary Brown opined, "I kept teetering between annoyance at Crash Site and liking it, which could be what Cowdry is striving for."

Crash Site was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer a preview and more information about it here. If you have even skimmed this review, you should glean that it is suggested for mature readers.

Magician A

 

Magician A is not a book for children. It is a collection of short stories that highlight feminine sexuality and competition in different milieus, providing a range of insights into how contemporary women strive to take control of their own destinies. In some stories the women act in entrepreneurial ways, for instance a sex worker who provides her one client with a loyalty punch card, a magician who gets paid to pray for people's wishes to come true, and a young woman who provides manual relaxation for customers in a park. 

Almost all involve women who are struggling to find their confidence or way in the world, including one who has a random encounter with a really cool woman she aspires to be like in a bookstore, a fledgling magician trying to make sense of magic school, and an artist trying to find her voice and style in art school.

I found all of these stories of revelation and personal growth compelling. The author has a way of immediately portraying her characters' personalities in striking, empathetic fashion, and I found it easy to get involved with their personal dramas. Additionally, each story is unique and intricately plotted to deliver both an emotional wallop plus a good deal of suspense. These stories are not for the faint of heart or the squeamish. They are erotically charged, emotionally wrenching, and eminently memorable.

This impressive debut was created by Natsuko Ishitsuyo. I learned a lot about her from the journal entries and Q &A that appear at the back of the book.

The reviews I have read of this book were very positive. Morgana Santilli opined about the prevalence of masculine sexuality in manga and wrote, "Magician A is a striking counterpoint where instead of wallowing in self-pity and fantasizing about harming others, Ishitsuyo’s protagonists use their sexual awakenings as personal reflection and a catalyst for empowerment that men, born into power, take for granted." Katie Skelly concluded, "These are very accomplished visions from a determinedly independent creator, and we’re so lucky to have them." This book's translator Jocelyne Allen commented about the original Japanese version, "It’s so assured and unlike anything I’ve come across in the world of manga before."

Magician A was published by BDP, and they offer more info about it here. There are previews available here at the Kickstarter page where this project was originally funded. If you have gotten this far into my review, you probably know that this book is suggested for mature readers.

Desperate Pleasures

I read Desperate Pleasures because I have heard great things about the author's debut book, Tinderella. This book is the direct follow-up, and it has a more serious tone and features excellent cartooning that depict powerful scenes of loss and desperation. I feel it is a brave work of autobiography, where the author reveals much of herself as she ponders her life choices and trajectory. She spends her time attending college, dealing pot, and "sugar dating," which entails her dating older, rich men for sex and money. 

She also dabbles in online dating and has a few casual relationships with guys she deals to/meets at her local gym. 

When one of these relationships gets more complicated, M.S. begins taking a look at her life and past, which brings her to revisit her childhood in Oklahoma, where her mother was an isolated wife with two small children and her father would only be seen during his shore leave. This flashback period is told in a slightly more realistic, softer art style and almost without dialogue, which heightens the drama. Some details are established, such as that her father sexually abused her, but others are left vague. In the present, M.S. has a healthy relationship with her little brother, regularly seeing him and coaching his workout routine at the gym. She has not spoken to her mother in years, and nothing is revealed about her father other than he was found guilty of sexual assault and imprisoned. 

The resulting portrait is of a person reeling and in pain, trying to somehow medicate herself and learn how to feel. I admire her trying to find something healthy in her relationships, even when she makes some questionable choices. Still, over the course of the book she does make some changes and begins to find more of positive direction. Having such access to her private life makes for a compelling, uncomfortable, and visceral reading experience, perfectly complemented by expert storytelling. I really want to go read Tinderella now.

M.S. Harkness is best known for the aforementioned Tinderella, and she has also created a number of mini-comics. She speaks about her career and work on Desperate Pleasures in this interview.

Desperate Pleasures  was recently short-listed for the 2021 Cartoonist Studio Prize, and the reviews I have read about this book have been largely positive. Ryan Carey wrote that it is "a 'heavy' read on the whole, sure, particularly when contrasted with earlier works in Harkness’ oeuvre, but it’s never less than an absolute joy to look at." Publishers Weekly called it a "fresh anti-romance."

Desperate Pleasures was published by Uncivilized Books, and they offer a preview and more info about it here. Because of scenes of drug use, sex, and adult themes, I recommend this book for more mature readers.