Dudez’n'dudettes! Check out the “indie spinner rack” (literally) right next to me at “Guapocomicsncoffeedotcom”:
First there’s freaking “FOOTHILL #4″ by the inestimable JARED KATZ from sunny California (where it’s not here). Foothill is a yellow-covered mini of the 1/4 size variety. The cover of Foothill #4 features a massive half-pipe of sky-scraper proportion. Inside are tales of skate-rat dudes and Jared or “Bobo” doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is on the mean streets of Santa Cruz, er “Foothill.” One look at his meticulous art work immediately reminds one of the almighty KAZ but there are no monster characters here, only scrappy, messed-up humans like you and me. Oh, and speaking of me, there’s a really funny drawing of me and Geoff on the back cover! You should get this because Jared is such a perfectionist that he throws away most of his work. ONE DOLLAR!
Next up is “PANCAKES SOLVE NOTHING” by JOSH FRANKEL. you’ve probably read my ranting and raving about how great Josh’s nature comics are, but did you know he is an avid reader of the DUNGEON series by JOANN SFAR and LEWIS TRONDHEIM? The dastardly jokes of Pancakes Solve Nothing are like an American version of French witticism. I know Josh is not trying to be like Trondheim, but even the simple line drawings recall Trondheim’s economical style. Frankel differs from Trondheim in his use of shading, “yer momma” jokes, and existential angst in a 3-panel gag format. ONE DOLLAR!
RETAIL BREAK #4 by BRIANA MILLER brings respite to any annoyed retail worker who deigns to face the unscrupulous public. Briana draws the customer as a thick empty outline onto which the readers can project their least-favorite customer memory. The protagonist (old man at the counter) and background are drawn in beautiful detail. The comic consists of conversations between the old man and the cartoonish customers and their absurd requests. ONE DOLLAR!
BEE FINGER by GARIET COWIN shows Gariet’s stellar abilities as an animator. Yes, this is a comic, but it could easily be the key frames of a short cartoon. Gariet’s inking is tight, and he maintains the proportions of his characters like a pro… portionist! Like a true animator he also exploits the elasticity of the medium by enlarging and distorting the character’s body like a con… tortionist! No seriously, Bee Finger is rad, you should check it out while you’re buying comics at Guapo! ONE DOLLAR!