A Monty (link here to buy)
Is it really 13 years since I’ve reviewing one of Zak’s comics? That’s way too long. On his website he’s posted the whole thing for free (which I’ve linked here, along with a way to buy the physical copy, because it feels like one of those rare “drop what you’re doing and read this” comics), and before that he says that he’s been thinking about it for 15-20 years and that it’s not for the weak of heart. Accurate, but it’s also something that should be read far and wide. I thought it was going to be a comic about bullying from Zak’s childhood, and that’s technically accurate, but I was not expecting Zak to be one of the bullies. It’s a story about trying to fit in but also being content to stay away from the aggressors; Zak got tossed around a bit during their games but never seemed to be in serious physical danger. This is also a story of childhoods long ago, so for the younger readers when there were three channels and maybe that many radio stations, kids had to make up their own fun. This one is set in 1978, so well before, as Zak put it, we “cured boredom.” Anyway, Zak no longer had to worry about being picked on once Monty came onto the scene, as he was an older kid that rode a large tricycle, sang to himself as he rode and was most likely developmentally disabled. But that’s not the word people used in the 70’s, and in a really terrible history repeating itself way, not the word that the ruling party wants to use today. There’s nothing horrific, if you’re worried about this triggering anything from your own past, but Zak refuses to let himself off the hook for any of the taunting either, going as far to admit that people can convince themselves of just about anything in their own memory, especially when they were the one at fault. The end of the book, which is what elevated this from a very good to an excellent comic, deals with Zak growing up and discovering that the “adults in charge” were just nowhere to be found and that we’re all on our own. Terrifyingly timely, if you follow the news at all (or work for any part of the government and can’t help but follow current events because they involve your job/life). It’s a sobering, haunting read, and you should really either read it or buy it right now. Or both, if you can afford it. $8
Posted by Kevin 
