Up and Out

I was part of the same online community as Julia back when she was first starting out her webcomics. I immediately loved them, and backed this book when she put it up on Kickstarter. However, this is my first time actually sitting down and reading it cover to cover.

Of course, it rules. Julia has a very natural sense of humor that reminds me of the 2000s era of webcomics. The comedy comes from puns, subverted (often doubly so) expectations, and absurdist twists. No gag ever outstays its welcome, and most every idea feels fresh.

My only knock against it is that there were a few clunkers where I groaned at the punchline, and a few cases where I actually did not understand it. It was a bit like going to the performance of a journeyman comedian who is testing out some jokes that don't land right.

But they were few and far between, and as comic collections go this one is overall excellent. It'll forever remain on my shelves as a reminder of life, the universe, and everything.