Toupydoops (Vol. 2)

(Lobrau, 2006–2007)
™ and © Lobrau Productions

In a world in which Hollywood produces live-action comic books instead of movies, a pair of 20-something newcomers decide to try their luck with results alternatively hilarious and pathetic. There’s the titular Toupydoops, a good-natured, blue-skinned being with antennae, who goes on his first audition (he’s up for a villain part in Superman), while his roommate Teetereater, a perpetually adolescent man-bear, attempts to expel a six-foot tall cockroach named Tim from their rundown apartment.

The lively cast is rounded out by Mr. Bananas, a silent fez-wearing chimp, the aforementioned Tim, and the boys’ landlord, “Auntie” Nathan, who’s under the impression that being gay is still outrageous. Together, they inhabit a domestic comedy that is equal parts Seinfeld and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

This easily could’ve been just another faux comic strip/ comic book where creators adhere to the static four-panel grid for no apparent reason. Instead, Toupydoops is an expertly crafted confection that’s both profoundly original and startlingly funny. It’s been a long time since I’ve found something this unexpectedly different and good.

— S.A. Bennett

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