Cartoons Books

So says R. Crumb (p. 163) from a 1989 interview included in this intriguing collection of conversations with him (including one joint conversation with Crumb and his wife-occasional collaborator Aline Kominsky). Part of the University of Mississippi's Conversations with Comic Artists series, the collection contains 18 interviews with Crumb. They first was conducted when he was 24, the last in his 59th year (Crumb turns 65 this year, hard as it is to believe!).

The interviews shed a lot of light on what makes Crumb tick. In them, he discusses his miserable childhood, growing up as the son of a career Marine and a diet-pill popping mom. The family moved a lot (following the dad's career), the parents fought constantly, the three brothers (there were also two sisters, about which almost nothing is said except that one once broke a banjo over Crumb's head) were all unbelievably dysfunctional although also arguably geniuses. Crumb finally escapes the family, gets a job at the American Greeting Card Corporation, marries, moves to San Francisco, drops LSD, and almost overnight, his creative juices flowing, becomes the "father of underground comics."

Crumb's journey from hippie hero to serious social satirist, confessional comics artist, and family man (sort of) is chronicled interview-by- interview. Always a deliberate outsider, a despiser of corporate America and the "artsy" crowd, Crumb has even separated himself from his own work whenever he's sensed that it was becoming mainstream: Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural (although he's recently put out a Mr. Natural Mystic Comic), the obnoxious "Keep on Truckin'" slogan.

In many ways, Crumb has been one of the most perceptive--and surely one of the most honest--voices of my lifetime. He chronicles the weirdness of human existence, a weirdness that he alternately finds fascinating, hilarious, hideous, enraging, fearsome, and celebratory. Perceptive readers of Crumb's fans will discover information in the interviews collected in R. Crumb: Conversations that enhance appreciation of his "sweaty, nervous, uneasy" work.

I've only one caveat: the collection contains numerous typos, many more than one would expect from a university press publication. Almost all of them are mere annoyances, but one (p. 163) changes the meaning of an entire sentence. The sentence reads "I'm not so alienated from the culture that my work doesn't reflect the collective consciousness of the period, and many people find the work I'm doing now extremely dark." The "not" should be "now."

Fans of underground comix art who wish for insights into the counterculture artist and innovator R. Crumb, whose illustrations have received wide distribution both in his own collections and on the faces of records, newspapers, and t-shirts, will find R. Crumb Conversations an excellent gathering of interviews and profiles covering various periods of Crumb's life and works. Comic art jokes, interactions with publishers and the public, and Crumb's influence on the underground comic art world are all revealed in the course of some excellent surveys.

Poor ol' Robert Crumb, reluctantly labeled father of the underground comic movement has moved to France with his lovely, comely and protectant wife.
These conversations help the reader get into Crumb's head. They give an autobiographical and historical perspective of Crumb, from his harsh family atmosphere to when he escaped from a greeting card company to find the summer of love in California.
Many have been offended by what he has produced. He is an artist and as an artist he does what he is supposed to do; make you look at the (our) world in a different way.
These conversations give the reader the opportunity to be an auteur into the artistic psyche. Whether you believe Crumb is an artist or not, he was there; he saw, he came (in more ways than one) and he went away. It's a fascinating read and brings you closer to him. (It is impossible to meet him. Don't bother him in France and he no longer does any tours/talks-too busy drawing!)
It is worth it to have reviewed or be familiar with some of his comic work if you have not done so already. (Where have you been?) There are many sources on the Internet as well as published to accomplish this.
These conversations begin in the 60's and break into the 21st Century. I look forward to the next conversations, if he allows them.

Freudians should read this book. Crumb has a very modern set of aversions. Instead of doing a pamphlet for Planned Parenthood, he says, "But it's political. I don't know how I feel about all that. It's all so complicated." (p. 68). The topics discussed in this book cover the psychic interior, and the corporate entities have subtle names, as in, "Nevertheless, Last Gasp has gone on to become the second largest underground publisher in the country." [back in 1974, when eight hundred dollars covered printing costs for an underground title] (p. 93). R. CRUMB CONVERSATIONS (2004) has an index (which only has boldface listings for 6 pages showing cartoon characters, and it should've had boldface for Lenore Goldberg on p. 193 and Crumb as character on p. 198) on pages 233-244, and the Chronology on pages xiii-xxii includes such great years as 1993:

"Crumb illustrates INTRODUCING KAFKA. Summer: The last issue of WEIRDO (No. 28) is edited by Aline. June: THE COMPLETE DIRTY LAUNDRY COMICS is published. R. CRUMB SKETCHBOOK, May 1987 to April 1991 is published. Fall: A Crumb wall calendar for 1994 is published. November: R. Crumb Retrospective is shown at Alexander Gallery, New York City. Kitchen Sink issues a Mr. Natural squeeze doll."

Four pages in the index are devoted to Crumb's views and works. For example, on page 235 you can find:

on Fritz the Cat, 120, 212-13; on Fritz the Cat (movie), 12-13, 28, 57-61, 174;

But anyone who is in the part of the index devoted to Crumb's works will notice that Works on page 236 begins with THE ADVENTURES OF FRITZ THE CAT (Cavalier), xvi; and includes eight lines of listings of other Fritz the Cat characters in the second column on page 237, up to "Fritz the Cat Superstar," 174, 213.

Crumb has problems he feels because of his being a celebrity as a result of the documentary movie that was made about his life. `When people asked me if I liked it, I said, "It's a good movie. It completely ruined my life, but it's a good movie!" (Laughs).' (p. 218). I usually feel that Crumb is being most honest when he says things that correspond to my feelings, but my situation has more concerns about sexual harassment in the workplace. Comics is work that takes a tremendous amount of time and energy. I used to subscribe to "Funny Times Magazine" (if you get a subscription and die laughing, it might be my fault, but it's not likely) and see what the more politically observant cartoonists were producing, but I was usually too tired to read each issue. R. CRUMB CONVERSATIONS is more like reading a book. With 18 major selections, mostly interviews, originally published in 1968, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, and 2003 (with an illustration from 1971 on page 11, from 1970 on p. 19, from 1967 "I wish somebody would tell me what `Diddy-Wah-Diddy' means..." on p. 22, from 1968 on p. 25, from 1959 on p. 30, from 1961 on p. 31, from 1972 on p. 32, from 1965 on p. 43, from 1963 on p. 45, a greeting card "I got a German shepherd" from 1967 on p. 46, "Keep on Truckin'..." from 1967 (the hit song "Truckin" by the Grateful Dead was years later, but the idea came from an old blues song) on p. 70, from 1967 on p.86, Whiteman on p. 89, from 1970 on p. 110, from 1985 on p. 124 and p. 139, from 1987 on p. 145, from 1971 on p. 153, from 1967 on p. 173, from 1970 on p. 192, from 1969 on p. 193, from 1982 on p. 198, from 1981 "Excerpts from Boswell's London Journal, 1762-1763," on p. 207, and from 2002 on p. 228), the book does not explain that "Diddie Wah Diddie" was an old song until the final interview conducted by mail in April, 2002.

`I don't spend nearly as much time dwelling on items that I "must have" for my collection as I used to. That said, I recently found an old collector willing to sell me an old bunch of fabulous and rare old 1920s blues records, stuff I've been trying to find for decades, such as Blind Blake's "Diddie Wah Diddie" and Memphis Minnie's "Cherry Ball Blues." They're not cheap, but not top dollar either.' (p. 226).

It is easy to find Academy Awards twice in the index, but only because of the Chronology for 1991 "April: Crumb's account of his attendance at the previous year's Oscar ceremony is published in `Premiere' magazine." And for 1994 "September: CRUMB, Terry Zwigoff's documentary about his longtime friend, premieres at the Toronto Film Festival and goes on to become a hit. Controversially, it is not nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary." About his participation in the movie starring his character, Fritz the Cat, he said, "Me and him [Ralph Bakshi] and my wife went out to lunch. After that I said: I'm going to do something, I'll see you later. And I just skipped and didn't come back for a week. I left him with my wife--it was really a bad mistake. He talked her into signing the contract. I never signed anything. I can't blame her, she had my power of attorney." (pp. 105-06). Crumb is not as rich as he deserves to be.

Robert: They gave me ten thousand dollars.
Al: You haven't got any royalty checks or anything?
Robert: Nah. Ten thousand dollars is what I've gotten from them. You know, I ain't poor. I'm probably upper middle class compared to most people I know.
Al: All these products that have been coming out with Mr. Natural on them and Keep on Truckin', that's really pirate stuff.
Robert: Most of it is. (pp. 69-71).

Back in 1972, it was the most famous cartoonist who was getting the most money. "Charles Schulz has the highest salary of anybody in the world." (p. 71).

This comeeck was recommended by someone who compared it to Pekar's _American Splendor_ series. They're both autobiographical, both about oddballs, both illustrated by a large roster of noted comic artists.

I'm about half-way though, and from what I've seen it's even better than _Splendor_. The stories are widely varied. Some are from Eichhorn's childhood and school daze, others from his time as a fire-fighter in Alaska.

We get to know the brooding, introspective Pekar better through his comics, but Eichhorn's are funnier and more fantastic. Others are horrifyingly violent. Some I can believe happening, others are incredibly way-out. Like the story of Strange Love between a German shepherd puppy and an orphan fawn, or the time Eichhorn makes a quick twenty bucks with a pair of swim flippers while down and out in San Francisco. We're not in Baron Munchausen territory, mind you, but if they're real then Eichhorn is a real weirdness magnet.

The artwork varies, but it's all effective and in some cases really great.

In any case, it's highly recommended. Like a lot of graphic novels you won't want to leave it around where the kids or grandma will get at it.

Stefan

I love Dennis Eichhorn's (and, more importantly, his *artists'*) work. His life, real and exaggerated (and don't tell me there are no parts that are exaggerated) is full of sex, drugs, violence, nudity, and is just a darned entertaining yarn. Dennis and me are from the same barbarian tribe that dates back somewhere to Northern Europe, around Roman times. Speaks to the barbarian in all white men. DAMN GOOD STUFF. Recommended.

You may not care for this radikal underground druggie intellectual anarchist communist outlaw humor if you a.) take your religion waaaay too seriously like so many fundies or b.) are a really serious dude that leaps to judgement and not able to see the slanted, twisted side of life, or c.) are exclusively homosexual and can't sympathize with the single, horny, active heteosexuals out there nor find any sexiness in the female body (a misfortune as it is 50% of the human race), or d.) are some kind of feminist that thinks porno is evil, and hates mankind. Porn ain't evil, it's beauty, like the human body. Beautiful and wonderful and a miracle; rejoice in it.

If Harvey Pekar originated the genre, Dennis Eichhorn surely mastered it. Dennis is a great storyteller, and he's hooked up with some of the best comicbook artists in the land, so you can't miss with this collection. Just about every story would make a good movie. If you can imagine Charles Bukowski morphed into Hunter s. Thompson and a football player for the Fightin' Missionaries then you have an idea of whats in store for you. This is probably the best anthology of comics published all year. Highly reccomended.

Underground comic fans rejoice, Dennis Eichorn's "Real Stuff" is back in a great trade paperback. Swifty Morales Press has assembled a "greatest hits" of Eichorn's autobiographical stories from his "Real Stuff" and "Real Smut" comics.

While Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor" focuses on the mundaneness of life, "Real Stuff" portrays the dark side. Sex, drugs, violence...they're all here. To put it mildly, Dennis Eichorn has led one interesting life.

Eichorn's hilarious tales are illustrated by some of the best artists in alternative comix including, Peter Bagge (who illustrates one of the most shockingly hilarious comic stories ever), David Collier, Peter Kuper, Triangle-Slash, and more. Without a doubt, this is one of the best comix collection released in a LONG time. Swifty Morales Press has put together an attractive, high-quality product.

"Real Stuff" is truly great stuff....can't wait for volume 2!!!

This book is a delightfully fun and comic romp that combines two of my favorite subject matters: animals and bad boys! Rick Keene is wickedly
playful in his right-on depiction of Willy Weasely, a lovable characterization of the cunning yet hapless guy who pulls out all of the stops to get the girl...only to ultimately, and riotously, fall flat on his face.

I just happened to pick up a copy of Rick Keene's Willy Weasely one day while browsing a book store, and I found myself laughing hysterically, unable to put it down. I was immediately charmed with Willy's character. He reminds me of any guy in a bar offering to buy a lady a drink. He can be witty and charming, but his irritating ego and cheesy pick-up lines, frustratingly keeps him from getting the girl. I almost find myself feeling sorry for him.
Willy has won my heart! I recommend this to anyone who thinks they've met a Willy Weasely in their life. I hope Rick continues to keep Willy alive. I'm anxiously waiting for more escapades of Willy Weasely!!!

I met and got a signed copy of Willy weasely from the creator himself, Rick Keene's
an all around nice guy. My feeling after reading the book was that this felt like a cross between
Omaha the Cat Dancer and a Tex Avery cartoon. The character "Willy Weasely" is a "love em or hate em"
kind of guy who tends to get in all kinds of weird predicaments. I like the art style and the
the short story formats like an animated show oin television. The only downside is that it's not
all done in color, which I understand is a costly thing to do in comic books.
I hope Rick continued success and can't wait for more adventures of Willy Weasely.

I received a copy of Rick Keene's Willy Weasely as a Christmas gift...a Christmas gift that arrived just shy of Ground Hog Day. You guessed it: man gift. Sweet but late. Almost so far gone it's hopeless and at the same time the kind of thing that makes a girl smile in spite of herself. The guys out there are smirking and truth be told so are the women and that's because you know exactly what I'm talking about. Rick Keene's Willy Weasely captures every cheesy guy you've ever tried to describe by somehow putting a finger on the pulse of "you know what I'm talking about."

Willy Weasely is "that guy", you know the one, the dude two cubicles over who always thinks he has a chance with the ladies. No turndown, no circumstance, no rejection is so frank that it can upset the oblivious womanizing Willy as he tries over and over to get the girl. With the flaccid pick up line and the cheap suit, Willy's positive he's smokin' hot. You almost despise Willy's egoism but his naiveté about everything, especially himself, becomes a redemptive charm. He's repulsively irresistible!

Keene's clever take and skillful art combine social commentary and tongue-in-cheek stereotypes in fresh but familiar ways that make you laugh out loud. It pushes the envelope without tearing the paper echoing the risqué content of Robert Crumb but deftly couched with the kind of double entendre and miscues of hallmark Bugs Bunny. Keene even mocks the genre by creating faux fun-pages where the do-it yourself drawing exercise is priceless as is the centerfold.

So I got the "Christmas" present on February 1. Somehow that's a near perfect tribute to Willy Weasely. Definitely worth the wait. It's a ten-spot you'll be glad you spent because one of two things is absolutely true: you either ARE a Willy Weasely or you know one. And that's what makes this comic a rare piece of adult fun.

This comic strip was a absolute favorite with my boyfriend at the time and me. We actually subscribed to the newspaper so that we could read it! When said boyfriend became my husband, The Road to Bliss was my wedding present, and he couldn't have done better. The humour of the strip has been so appropriate for us, and we refer to the strips that we long ago memorized all the time. The comic takes very realistic situations and gives them a funny, sarcastic and loving spin. I highly recommend it for anyone, but it would make an especially lovely present for a couple. And take it from me, it makes a great wedding present!

I am rather a connoisseur of comic strips. This one shows awesome humor, such warm and gentle teasing, a truly spectacular series about a couple with a loving relationship full of accepting but pointed humor. I wish I had this kind of marriage! Five stars, yes indeed. The strips published AFTER this book became more bitter, probably because Hirsh was *trying* to be funny, and the couple lost the warm closeness. But this collection is perfect, very homey and welcoming humor. The couple truly loves each other, and their bickering/nattering is so infused with appreciation and self-awareness that it warms the heart. NOT smarmy.

A comic strip about couples? It's been done before - but rarely has the couple been so natural, so human, and so witty. Dana and Steven come alive by the end of the book; you feel like you know them, like you invite them over for drinks and gently poke fun of each other with them! It's a real shame this comic never made it big; the author retired it at the millennium in a touching strip - I would dearly love to own a second collection of Bliss, but the first is a rare gem that any newlywed couple, or anyone who likes to watch "Friends", would enjoy owning. Snatch it up if you see a copy for sale - they make great presents at weddings!

Bliss has already come and gone, but hopefully the sequel to this book will also be forthcoming.

The strip was an absolute riot; Stephen has a sharp incisive wit. Almost every strip is phrased just so precisely, yet so familiar to those going through the wedded ups and downs of middle class.

A definite must buy if you like comic strips such as Adam, Stone Soup, or For Better or For Worse.

I have seen the original (Japanese) series and I think that the book is a great added feature to anime fans all over. I have seen the English TV series, but especially prefer the Japanese version. The manga (volumes) are a bit more closer to the Japanese version, but are more vivid and definitely more graphic than the TV versions all together. I really enjoy Kenshin and I really appreciated the work put into this anime!

Right off, I absoulutly LOVE the character Shinomori Aoshi! He's cool, he can fight and he looks very handsome ^_-. Ao it goes without saying that I also love Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 4, where we get to find out what this Okashira, that's been talked so much about, is really like. I'm so very glad that Watsuki-sensai fixed Aoshi's bangs. The hair in book 3 was not gonna work.

The story line in book 4 is very good as well. Kenshin, Sano and Yahiko come face to face with the dreaded Oniwaban group. This is the battle that leads to Aoshi becoming a psycho, for a reason that I believe we all know (but, just in case you don't I won't ruin the surprise). The fight scenes are well drawn and of course, Watsuki's sense of humor is evident as well.

I just got the manga today, and it was great to read. Well we all know Kenshin and company went to Kanryu's mansion to save Megumi, then they have to fight Aoshi's men, then the fight with Aoshi and Kenshin come along and,theres a whole bunch of blood and it was sad how Aoshi's men died for him. Get this manga.

This is the best Volume of the fist story arc (vols 1-6). It is incredibly done and the characters are great. You will learn to love a villian....and learn to despise another...

Agreat read and with much much more books a head, it may not be th absolute best.

I liked a lot this manga,I loved the charachters and the setting above all. It is a gripping story, very good in fact.

This is a great story and the art is fantastic. I only wish they would release volume 2 faster.

I'm a fan of the bishounen genre in general. I enjoyed this romance; on the first reading, turning each page made me smile anew, mainly because of the eye candy art. Laures is so over-the-top effeminate and pretty (although he occasionally manages to look a bit like Michael Jackson, but you can judge that for yourself). You Higuri pulled out all the stops when she invented him, not bothering to make him plausible; it's fantasy fun, pure and simple. That said, the rather simplistic plotline so far doesn't give the book much re-read value but I'm waiting for the following volumes to see print in English to find out how the story continues. I've been hoping for this series to get translated ever since I began admiring You Higuri's art back in high school. I even had a picture of Laures taped to the inside of my locker.

I first fell in love with this manga because of the artwork, and fell in love with the story through fan translations that I found. Imagine how excited I was to hear that this would finally be available in english! The first volume really doesn't tell much, just some basic background. Laures is a demon king in love with Hilda, a dancer, but there is also someone else in love with Hilda, and that is where much of the drama comes in. This is one story that is pure fantasy which actually makes it more fun because you can just allow yourself to get lost in the fantastical. There are beautiful demons, demons that look like angels, and a man that is obviously a little crazy (but he's hot!), and not to give anything away but there is some really twisted displays of affection to come! Highly recommended because even though this first volume doesn't give away much, the story gets so much better and the art is really top-notch! (and for those of you into yaoi, there are some lovely boy/boy bits to come)

The space adventures and worlds envisioned by a classic DC Comics series edited by Julius Schwartz and written by Gardner Fox and John Broome is revealed in SILVER AGE SCI-FI COMPANION, a consider of the series stories of Strange Adventures and Mystery in Space which includes reviews of complete series and behind-the-scenes insights on writers and artists alike. Any Silver Age comics collector, library catering to them, or science fiction fan will relish the plot synopses and insights.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The Silver Age Sci-Fi Companion is up to the standards of most TwoMorrows fare - expert coverage with interviews of the living comic book creators who were there when this stuff was all created. A lot of these comics were before my time so it was a great exposure to concepts that I had never known of (such as Space Museum or the Atomic Knights). There's even a look at which books were reprinted and when. This book provided me with days of reading enjoyment.

If you ever wondered where the inspiration came for these superheros and a bit of comic history, buy this book.

All of the comic history-related books TwoMorrows Publishing puts out are worthwhile, but this is the best one yet. Author Mike W. Barr really goes the extra mile here and it shows. Not just a dry recitation of facts, Barr weaves together interesting factoids and makes connections where you least expect it. Wonderfully illustrated with vintage art, there are plot synopses of the biggies like Adam Strange and the Atomic Knights but also obscure DC sci-fi creations like the Faceless Creatures (!) and Super-Chief. More fun than a visit to the Space Museum. Go out of your way to get this one. A+.

This was the twelfth Simpsons Comics book I've read and, while it's not the best of the dozen, it is still a very funny book and a must for the Simpsons comics connoisseur (you got to love the cover art). Here's what you get:

"Rhymes and Misdemeanors": Martin Prince is in love with Lisa and, when his love is unrequited, they both do battle in the form of poetry readings at a nightclub dissing each other.

"The Great Springfield Frink-Out": A giant mishap occurs at the Frink labs (actually someone put tin foil in the microwave). This event causes everything to be topsy-turvy in
Springfield, for example, Marge is the mayor, Homer is a mobster, Cecil is the celebrity clown, and Bart has ambitions to be as cool as Milhouse.

"Tiger Teen": Fun mock mini mag in the style of those old 16 and Tiger Beat teen magazines of our youth. Of course, this one features Homer's barber shop group Be Sharps ("Homer Answers 40 Intimate Questions"-is that a perfect copy of those teen magazines or what?). There are also a few familiar names of 80s pop stars on the cover ("Cory Hart Takes off his Sunglasses-Exclusive photos!")

"Burnsie on Board": Mr. Burns tries to live out his boyhood dream of being an Olympic skiing gold medalist by enlisting the help of Bart.

"To Live and Diaper in Springfield": To pay for an expensive toilet paper dispenser Homer desires from an extravagant shopping network, Marge starts a daycare center. Her attention to other babies (particularly the one with the single eyebrow) causes Maggie to run away.

"Fan-Tasty Island": Mr. Burns needs a rare toxin to get by the Coalition to Reduce Air Pollution. This toxin can only be found inside a wood carving on a remote island. The perfect cover-up is to send a family to find the treasure-the Simpsons, of course. Very funny comic, but the ending is a little far-fetched.

This was a wonderful book that I enjoyed reading. It contains some hillarious comics that made my stomach hurt from laughing. It is another wonder of the Bongo Comics Group. It is an assential for any true simpsons fan.

If you have read "The Simpsons: A complete guide of our favorite family", And "The Simpsons Forever", you're gonna find this book an exellent one, it answer a lot of questions about all the customes. An if do you like The Simpsons comic, it contains s lot of the best titles of this editions. Definitly you must have it.

For more than ten years "The Simpsons" animated television comedy has been a staple of the American television diet and popular with audiences around the world. Their antics and outrageous tales are also available in full color, comic book formats, the latest being the Titan Books anthology, Simpsons Comics A Go-Go. Here are to be found Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and all their friends, neighbors and fellow Springfield denizens in original, ribald, mind-bending, mad-science, alternate world stories that continue to demonstrate Matt Groening's genius for political and social satire, and flair for spoofing the sacred cows of polite society and contemporary culture. Simpsons Comics A Go-Go is "must" reading for all dedicated Simpson fans.

Rob's portrayal of characters and the trials and tribulations they encounter is hilarious and insightful. Those of us that work with Rob always look forward to his cartoons and caricatures; The Single File: The Complete Collection is no different. Rob has really nailed what it is to be thirty-something and newly-divorced. I bought extra copies for my family and friends.

Howells happy hour experience shines through in a book full of strips about a happless and divorced bunch of barflys who follow lead character Rob (actually based on Howell)through one misadventure after another. I read the strip when it was in a local weekly paper faithfully. Now, all of them are available in one volume. I haven't been through a divorce, but I've had my shair of breakups. Enough to know that The Single Files echoes real life situations. Sit at your local bar long enough and you'll know. Great book. Get one, you'll love it.

I am honored to have a copy of The Single File. I was/am part of "The Edge Group" and have seen Robbie draw many cartoons on napkins or anything writeable. I've kept a few of myself that he has drawn. Eventhough "Hal" is portrayed as single, I snagged him a couple of years ago. I love having my husband in a comic strip that Robbie, a dear friend of mine, has drawn. Even if you don't know the characters in the book personally, it's worth reading because so many single people can relate to it. BUY AND READ THIS BOOK!

If you like sitting around with your buds having a beer and griping about your ex wives and girlfriends, if youve ever been dumped, divorced, if you ever dialed a 900 number or answered a personal ad or went to therapy, this strip will be right up your alley. I had seen a few of Howells strips in a local paper and always thought they were funny, but when you sit down and read them all as one continuing storyline, they are really great. Howell is a budding talent and his personal experiences transfer to the comic well. His somewhat dry style at times is reminiscent of Doonsebury and some people will get it, others won't. The ones who do will love it. No doubt that most everyone has had friends like these characters. I highly enjoy Howells humor and I think other readers will as well.

So I havent done a review for any of the books I have bought but I firgure "why not?" I have all the volumes out so far in the states and I can't wait for the rest! Kyoko is by far the most determined character I've seen since sailor moon, and she doesnt even have super-powers! the best thing about kyoko, is that she is very believable. where sailor moon is fighting for love and justice and totally determined to save her friends and use the power of love to vanquish evil (a very respectable job by the way) Kyoko, on the other hand...lets just say that if she were in a magical school girl manga, she would probably try to take on the "final boss" in the first chapter, not to mention she'd probably be a princess (of course) if not that, then she would be the diablolicle "bad guy gone good" am I making any sense?

anyway, these books are fantastic and I love seeing Kyoko's and Rens relationship developing slowly, and I love the fact that she has convinced herself that no matter what she does, Ren will always be mad at her. plus, call me wierd if you will, I love the fact that Sho is becoming obsessed with Kyoko and Ren's relations ship...I just love it!! I'd say Kyoko is already hitting pretty hard on the revenge mark without even knowing it! its like the saying goes "you dont know what you have until you lose it" and I want Sho to suffer worse!

I love Skip Beat! and this volume is just as great as all the others. You get to see Ren trying to figure his feelings for Kyoko. But it ends right before you get to see what he is really thinking. I can't wait until the next volume comes out.

Itsumi Momose is a character actress playing the heroine in Dark Moon (a remake of Tsukigomori). The more she can tune in to the emotions of the person she's playing against, the better she can act. The more raw the emotion, the better.

No problem.

Kyoko's character, the dark and dangerous Mio Hongo, scares the HECK out of her. Actually, Mio is starting to scare the cast and crew too!

So Itsumi's acting is VERY realistic.

However, there's a problem -- and for once it's not Kyoko's fault! Ren Tsuruga has never truly been in love before, never known a forbidden temptation, never had to try to be normal when he's holding back his heart, so he doesn't know how to act that way. Retake after retake with him as the supposed "no retake king" has made him lost and locked up. It's as if he can't play the role anymore.

Itsumi just can't react to him properly. It's all very confusing and disappointing to her. Compared to super-famous super-actor superstar Ren Tsuruga, little novice Kyoko is doing a MUCH better job!

HA! As if Kyoko's going to take THAT compliment lying down! Itsumi just doesn't understand the power and ability of Ren Tsuruga! That's why Kyoko is going to do whatever it takes to bring Ren (aka "Satan" aka "Demon Lord") back to the stage... Hopefully without him eating her alive.

If only... Just maybe... There was a girl he liked... Who also just happened to be 16 (just like Itsumi's character) and in high school (just like Itsumi's character)... Yeah, someone like that would be perfect for him to learn about love... But who?

In this volume, Kyoko and Ren continue to work on this year's biggest drama, "Tsukigomori." Things are going smoothly until Ren has to portray his character's romantic feelings for a girl. The problem is, Ren has never been in love and does't know how to act it out. He is deeply bothered by this, and eventually has to stop working until he can figure out his character. Kyoko deeply respects Ren as an actor and wants to help him, but as his junior, she doesn't know how she can...

I thought this volume did an excellent job of portraying Ren's character. He's usually so calm and collected, but here, he's very confused. It's also funny that someone so mature and professional could be so clueless about love. I think these things make his character more realistic. I also liked that Kyoko's desire to help Ren was out of respect and not romantic interest. Don't get me wrong, I like the two as a couple, and I hope they get together eventually. But I feel that romances that develop slowly are the best in the end. Friendship and respect are most important, with romance following. Ren, though, seems to be beginning to realize his romantic interest in Kyoko. I liked the fact that Nakamura did not do this by having them play romantic opposites in the drama. Rather, the character Ren is playing forces him to think about his own life. And, by the way, the characters Ren and Kyoko play are well suited to their own personalities and situations.

Volume 11 has some of the best character development and interaction so far. Not the funniest in the series, but there are humorous moments here and there. Definitely worth it if you've been reading the series.