A review by jona3d
Bark Bark Girl by Michael Furler

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Michael Furler's art style is a total standout, and every page is full of fun ideas. The uranium green accent color gets utilized a lot in drawing the eye to important details; it's just an overall quality comic.

The main character Jola is extremely down to earth and relatable as a flawed, frustrated, and aimless teenager — she's constantly angry at herself and weighed down by guilt; when she continues to selfishly put off important events, that guilt only worsens, and she ends up spending her extra time wallowing.
I saw so much of my younger self in Jola; it's a testament to Furler's writing that her "redemption" felt natural: It's more of a baby step, a conscious decision to listen to other's advice and work on herself.

[Does the Dog Die note: You don't have to worry about the dog dying in this book, but Jola does fearfully imagine him getting hit by a car. It's not a graphic or overly upsetting — they're just lying on the street — but it's worth noting for all the sensitive dog-lovers out there.]