Checkerboard Nightmare
Now here's something of which I should have thought: self-aware comic characters that are maniacally
concerned with their own comic's popularity. Of course, I probably wouldn't want someone like Checkerboard
Nightmare, who will promote his site in any shameless way possible (his lawyer, Lyle, needs to be a regular
character in order to keep him out of trouble).
There are two big reasons I respect this comic. One is the choking robot, Vaporware, and the other is the fact
that Straub had the guts to do a quantum
mechanics strip with no explanations and no apologies.
This strip is edgy, but not really offensive, and the updates are good. I like the art.
Chopping Block
This is a comic about a serial killer. No, I'm not kidding.
Butch R. Mann does some really horrible things, and we get to laugh about them. They're actually quite funny,
if you like that sort of thing. The art is great (Herold uses a sponge!) and the style is readable. I recommend this
to anyone with a strong stomach.
Chopping Block is a Keenspotter.
Cigarro and Cerveja
This very sophisticated strip is black and white, and comes
in various sizes. The art is great and the dialogue is fantastic. Cigarro, one
of two main characters, is a female snowshoe hare. Cerveja is a beer-swilling Canada goose.
The two-way relationship is great, but I think we can all agree that Dr. Intelligência deserves a little more of
the spotlight.
Cigarro and Cerveja deals with gender and depression issues. There’s no story, per se, it
just seems to be a way for Tony Esteves to discuss whatever’s on his mind with
us. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Esteves, unfortunately, follows the WHYFLI schedule,
("Whenever the Heck You Feel Like It"). Sometimes, we get a new ‘toon every week.
Other times, we won’t see hide nor hair of the strip for
months. Not that there’s anything wrong
with that.
Yeah.
Clan of the Cats
This is the continuing story of Chelsea, an average Wiccan, who, after only two years of instruction, has mastered
telekinesis, saved the
universe from certain destruction,
come to terms with a shape-shifting
curse, and mastered the ancient art of spelling
"magic" with a "K". You may recall my guys had a peek at her in
mid-shapeshift a while back.
Clan of the Cats, a Keenspotter, features some fabulous (if
squiggly) art and tense drama. Every day, we get a colour strip. That’s impressive, in and of itself.
I think this strip is a great example of the Wiccan lifestyle, and I applaud Jamie Robertson for being so
forthcoming. None of my witch friends seem to like it, though. Maybe they’re
concerned it gives away too many of their closely guarded ancient
secrets.
I have it on reasonably good authority that Jamie is, in fact, a man.
The Class Menagerie
This daily Keenspotter is the continuing story of a group
of students at DeMontfort University. They deal with killer robots, old rivalries, hordes of ants, and, every
once in a while, actual schoolwork. Did I mention that they’re all anthropomorphic animals? I probably should.
The thing that impresses me most
about Vince Suzukawa’s work is the realism of his human(like) forms.The art always surpasses my
expectations. Much of the humour is
based on the characters’ personalities and pasts, so be sure to read the
archives in order.
Suzukawa takes frequent… er...breaks. But, with material like this, I
think he’s entitled. I think he may be a little sexualist, but it's not really a problem.
College Roomies From Hell!!!
This title, at CRFH’s inception, was
tongue-in-cheek. As things have
progressed, however, it has come to be fairly accurate.
Mike, Dave, Roger, April, Marsha and
Margaret are six friends who, in theory, attend some sort of educational
institution together. They seem to be more concerned, however, with demons,
moths, zombies, their respective mutations, and various other paranormal
phenomena that permeate their lives. Roger's approach to the
chaos, I feel, makes the most sense.
CRFH, like Clan of the Cats (above)
has gone from B&W to a daily colour strip. I’m really impressed by the quality and volume of the art (not to
mention the humour). Maritza Campos has
my respect for her ability to weave meaningful storylines from hilarious point
gags.
CRFH is a Keenspotter.
