As a compilation of comics and drawings done by the author, this zine is more like random hiccups based off of modern society than the comic book you think it is. While the presentation is prettier than most, the red paper makes it hard to read, and I found myself squinting most of the time.
I wonder what exactly JB is trying to say. The comics that are included really don’t say anything at all, and more often than not, I found myself tilting my head to one side and thinking, “huh?”
The problem with publishing a sketchbook is that, for the most part, a sketchbook is a personal tome that is written and made for yourself, like a personal record book. To make it public is a difficult thing, because not everyone can get the jokes or nuances that are plain as day to you. I sure didn’t.
However, some of the stand-alone drawings are truly interesting and make the zine worthwhile. If the author stuck to single panels, I think the zine would have been far more enjoyable.
This zine does offer at least one thing for everyone, so it’s definitely worth perusing. Just don’t expect to get all of the jokes. (Tara Blackmore)
Sketchbook, JB, [email protected]