Underworld (Fantagraphics)

(Fantagraphics)
™ and © Kaz

Another alternative cartoonist collects two years of his weekly newspaper strips. Kaz’ nether realm is Disneyland gone sour. This noxious Neverland is populated by twisted and hairy renditions of such commonly cute characters as Snuff (Popeye), Creep Rat (Mickey Mouse), and Cecil (à la Mayberry’s Opie).

Each installment sets up a punch line by preying upon the sexual degeneracy and antisocial proclivities of an assortment of geeks, freaks, and lowlifes. This misbehavior is amplified by the way in which Kaz visually exploits the simple style popularized by such goody two–shoes as Dick Tracy and Felix the Cat.

These off–color romps will undoubtedly offend the silent majority. But for cynical comics readers who enjoy arrested development, this stream–of–consciousness, self–loathing, and brown humor (as related to bodily functions) will demonstrate that there are further depths of comedy to be found.

— Oliver Chin

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