Happy (Top Shelf)

(Top Shelf, 2001-2004)
™ and © 2002 Josh Simmons

Happy contains three separate stories that present three wildly different potential definitions of — what else? — happiness. In the first, Planet Soft is an idyllic, plushly coated world free of war and crime populated by perpetually euphoric and carefree little pink bunnies. What could be happier than that?

Well, plenty, actually. Josh Simmons’ living definition of happiness is so sugary sweet and over-the-top that readers will want to check their blood-sugar levels afterward. The story is about as cheerful as a cranky bank teller with a glued-on smile. That appears to be Simmons’ intent, but one has to question the story’s purpose. It’s like scarfing down three dozen doughnuts in a matter of minutes: What’s the point?

The middle story is a belabored and mean-spirited rambling in which happiness is equated with conformity at the expense of those who don’t fit in. And the final story postulates that happiness can be achieved through undying love and nothing else.

Simmons’ deconstruction of this undefinable emotion is like dissecting one of his little pink bunnies. What’s found inside isn’t nearly as cute as how it appears from the outside. And maybe that’s his point, but Simmons just makes this too unpleasant and in-your-face to care.

— Jim Johnson

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Notes

Writer

Artist

Happy (Top Shelf) #1

January, 2001
Cover Price: $3.50
1 copy available for $39.95

Josh Simmons

Happy (Top Shelf) #2

January, 2002
Cover Price: $3.50
1 copy available for $12.95

Josh Simmons

Happy (Top Shelf) #3

April, 2003
Cover Price: $3.50
1 copy available for $14.95

Josh Simmons