A little something about me that y’all on the Internet might not know- I’m a pretty big comic book fan. I mostly read the superhero stuff but I’ve enjoyed plenty of other genres from the more comedic Calvin and Hobbes, to the serious graphic novels that have become more popular. I am always willing to argue that comic books add an important value to the wide literary make up of our society, a catalyst where art and writing can meet and broaden a story.
Funny enough, the above mentioned interest is not how I came upon Jane’s World. I was on a family trip to P-town and a younger boy accompanying us had picked the comic up at a used book store and his father bought it for him. After my sisters noticed that the book wasn’t age appropriate, it ended up in my possession. I brought it home, put it on a shelf, and forgot about its existence until a few days ago when looking for my copy of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, Fun Home. I had yet to read Jane’s World and thought it best to give it a try.
Though there is a consecutive storyline that follows throughout the volume, many of the strips have the classic short punchline. I believe this started out as a web comic in the late 90s. Being over 20 years old, I didn’t find the humor to be outdated. The conflict of not being able to use the phone because of simultaneous internet use may not be currently relevant, but it was pretty funny to read and reminisce of those dark-aged days. The story follows Jane who just can’t seem to make the right choices. Whether it’s because she’s being lazy or because of her clumsy aptitude, Jane is constantly caught in embarrassing situations. When super-cool, dark-sunglass-wearing Chelle starts working at the same paper as Jane, conflict brews as the two women grow to hate each other, or do they? Sometimes general dislike and annoyance is just enough to ignite a few sparks of attraction- weird equation, but nothing in Jane’s life is simple. Not when one can be abducted by aliens at any moment or be accused of flirting with the hot ex-Hooters working massage therapist. There are plenty of outrageous, and also relatable situations- who hasn’t been caught bearing their soul to a deer made out of concrete?
In terms of comics, Jane’s World is pretty funny and so very gay. Kind of like a lesbian Peanuts- Jane does share the same aptitude for misfortune that good ol’ Charlie Brown can’t seem to shake. I’d recommend this book to anyone in need of something humorous. https://www.amazon.com/Janes-World
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