So I finally went and bought MBQ yesterday while we were out at the mall. (Since I practically never go to the mall as it is, I figured it'd be good to get out for once in my life...) I had heard so many amazing things about it that I was mad-curious and wanted to read it for myself. So I splurged through it in one sitting, having a little background on what happens because of others' reviews.

Did I enjoy it? No, not particularly...or rather, not in the normal way I enjoy stories. For one thing, it's simply not the kind of story I like. I'm not into gritty, "scary" stories of urban life, even though I live so close to LA. I'm a very sheltered person. ;P I'm more into tales of whimsy, adventure, fantasy and sci-fi that Felipe rants and raves on so beautifully. Also, I'm not a fan of dialogue with so much constant cussing that all the words begin to blur together and I can barely tell who said what. Even the art style kind of grated on my nerves.

That said, I still thought MBQ was a *great* book. It's weird saying that since, again, it's not the type of story I typically enjoy. But regardless, it's a VERY well-told story. I got a sense for the characters instantly, and could see layers of depth not necessarily revealed in this first book. I quickly fell in love with Jeff (which I think was the whole point of his character) and O'Malley was just fascinating. The art style, while grating, fit perfectly with what was happening, and I loved the fact that all of his characters were so *distinct.* There was no confusing them with anybody else, which I think is a trap a lot of comic artists fall into (myself included...)

While this isn't my cup of tea, I think this story will appeal to a very wide, virtually untapped audience, and for that I am glad that it's out there. I'd recommend it to everyone that would be interested...and I'll still be buying volume two. Curse those cliffhangers! XO

Reading it's made me think about my own comic stories...a large part of me wishes that I *could* write stuff like that. I feel like I'm just rehashing what's been done before by wanting to write fantasy and new worlds and such. Even stories with present-day, real-life characters and settings I HAVE to add an element of the fantastic for me to be interested in telling the story. I *wish* I could do slice-of-life, sitcoms and other stuff that's grounded in life as we know it...but I just can't.

Part of that bothers me, but then I have to stop and think...shouldn't I try and emphasize my strengths instead of bemoaning that I can't do what others are obviously better at? So what if I draw stories cartoony, fantastical, humorous and kiddish? I may as well do it with pride. ;P

Operator status: Nothing, but I have to get up for work tomorrow. Blehh. XP So long, happy weekend...

Drawing: Finished one random quick picture. Need to start character designs for the short comic thingie. It's been awhile since I've had a big project I've been immersed in working on, but that'll probably change quickly...

Writing: Short one-shot KH fic that I thought'd be a fun character study. Also, will start beta-ing another fic.