Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Chip Zdarsky
Published by Image Comics
Who would’ve ever thought a book about sex could deliver such a different brand of fun? After issue #2 we’ve basically got our origin stories for Susie and Jon that tell us how their really bizarre powers were discovered. (And sometimes in excruciating, hilarious detail!) While they both approached the situation differently as teenagers, fate has brought them together and this totally inappropriate tale has become something of a love story. Things aren’t all metaphorical sunshine and rainbows for our lovers though, as these mysterious people have entered The Quiet and look to hurt them both!
How brilliant is Matt Fraction’s writing in this series?! The book is told with absolutely no 4th wall and I’m totally ok with it. Every page I turn I feel like I’m being TOLD a story instead of READING it; I’ve never seen anything like it in literature before. That alone would be sufficient to keep me entertained, but Fraction’s brand of humor is something of legend amongst all of comics. The whole series is hysterical and this issue is no different. All the elements I loved about the first two issues are very much in attendance, but there are a couple of pages of Susie singing Queen’s ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ that had my laughing out loud to the point I had to stop reading for a few moments. (And also have me wanting to check out the first trade!) I’m convinced at this point that it’s impossible for him to not make a dialogue-driven story absolutely wonderful. (If you’re looking for a good laugh, follow him on twitter!)
Chip Zdarsky and his art team have created a beautiful book. While Fraction’s story ultimately reigns supreme in the minds of most readers; these guys have managed to take a book that could be (and has been, I’m looking at you Apple!) considered too risqué the comic store/digital shelf and made it something that is beautiful to look at. It’s definitely for mature readers (it even says so on the cover, duh!) but it’s not something that hits the subject bluntly on the nose; often choosing to use bright lights and colors to cover up the super-inappropriate parts. This is definitely a title that could’ve gone down a road much more vulgar than what we’re being given, but these guys have found the perfect balance of vulgar, but fun!
This is a title worth reading! (For anyone that’s age appropriate that is!) Anyone that’s a fan of dialogue packed to the brim with fun, witty dialogue and a totally original story won’t be even remotely disappointed with this book. If that weren’t enough, the art is absolutely gorgeous to look at. While there are indeed some risqué parts of it, at no time did I feel like I was looking at or reading something other than a great, fun-filled, and totally original story. Fraction drew me in with Hawkeye, but he’s made me a reader for life with Sex Criminals!
5 out of 5 nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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