Stupid Comics

(Oni, 2000)
™ and © Oni Press

Though no doubt more influenced by Evan Dorkins’ Dork than a desire to return to the roots of the Golden Age of Comics, we’re seeing a plethora of new anthology titles from modern creators. They’re one-man bands, putting on the comic-book equivalent of a one-man show — for example, there’s Jim Mahfood’s Stupid Comics.

Unfortunately, the interior doesn’t live up to the sweet, simple cover whose intentionally crude color scheme just screams homemade comic book. Mahfood’s cartooning has never been stronger, but his one- and two-page opinion strips are as flat as they are predictable: Work sucks, Hollywood sucks, corporate America sucks, etc. All valid points, but none of them are delivered with anything like passion, let alone a decent punch line. (A two-pager about growing up Catholic seems more like first-date chat than a discourse on religion.) But the disappointing thing about Stupid Comics is that Mahfood’s adorable Smoke Dog only makes a cameo appearance.

— S.A. Bennett

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Writer

Artist

#1

July, 2000
Cover Price: $2.95
2 copies available from $5.00

Jim Mahfood