No Dead Time

Rating:
Summary: Dead Jammin'
Review: Moment to moment the book was pretty good. I think altogether the book would of held up better had the writer more time to flesh things out. Read like a rough draft of something great. Collaborations are tough and I tend to favor the single creator's like Daniel Clowes. Largely I'm giving it four stars for the art and the humor. Williams did a stellar job.

Rating:
Summary: Work in an office? Repressed? This is for you!
Review: This was a very entertaining and thought provoking read. No beef heads in red tights here... just unsung heroes!

The plot is focused on two repressed souls who are sick to death with mindless people and intrusive advertising, which both ills happen to be everywhere. The story is a-day-in-the-life tale of each character, as we're taken on a ride to witness the individuals and situations they come in contact with.

I could relate to Nazomi just fine, but it was Seth that was a dead ringer for me. I, like Seth, work in an office environment and though not as corporate, the politics are the same. There's a classic example of this early in the book; Seth is obviously an info cruncher and has to deal with a salesman (that isn't his boss) who trys to make his problem Seth's problem. The way Seth handles it is hilarious and totally justified. I only wish I could get away with what he said! Seth is later reprimanded by his boss who, all too predictably, sides with the slime ball salesman.

That's just an excerpt, but the story goes many places. I especially enjoyed Seth and Nazomi's disdain for advertising. I couldn't agree more with the points they made.

I think it's safe to say this book is directed at American culture. With that in mind, it's basically a first person look into the lives of two different individuals who refuse to be satisfied with the established way of things and find a common "wavelength" when their paths converge towards the end. All too familiar yet so satisfying.

It ends nicely, with out the cheese.

Those who have a clue will enjoy it, those who don't...well...hope you're offended thoroughly.

On a personal side note, I wanted to give this comic four stars.
The message conveyed is strong but the pervasive use of profanity dumbed it down a bit.