A review by kjboldon
Bucko by Jeff Parker
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I would round the art up to 3, but I wouldn't want anyone to think they should read this book. Erika Moen's art is great, as are the little creator banter at the bottom of each page. Those plus the character of Dell reminded me fondly of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.
Sadly, this over-a-decade old collected webcomic has not aged well. The main character's name is Gyp, short for Gypsy. She was named for the Fleetwood Mac song, and says at one point it's not complaining about a raw deal, so I guess no one involved in this book knew that was racist in 2012? There's a super uncomfortable and unfunny jail scene and male-rape "joke." The characters make fun of addicts and the unsheltered, and none have any depth of characterization.
There are some delightful moments, like when Dell sobers up and realizes she's dressed in a batwoman bikini and cape and announces she feels awesome, numerous appearances by a robot and someone is a cosplay dragon suit.
But when Bucko runs off and Gyp and friends chase him because they're worried that he'll kill himself, it's not as funny or compelling as the writer thought it was. The creators note that much of the creative process was Jeff thinking up things for Erika to draw, as on a dare. This vibe doesn't work well over a whole book.
Sadly, this over-a-decade old collected webcomic has not aged well. The main character's name is Gyp, short for Gypsy. She was named for the Fleetwood Mac song, and says at one point it's not complaining about a raw deal, so I guess no one involved in this book knew that was racist in 2012? There's a super uncomfortable and unfunny jail scene and male-rape "joke." The characters make fun of addicts and the unsheltered, and none have any depth of characterization.
There are some delightful moments, like when Dell sobers up and realizes she's dressed in a batwoman bikini and cape and announces she feels awesome, numerous appearances by a robot and someone is a cosplay dragon suit.
But when Bucko runs off and Gyp and friends chase him because they're worried that he'll kill himself, it's not as funny or compelling as the writer thought it was. The creators note that much of the creative process was Jeff thinking up things for Erika to draw, as on a dare. This vibe doesn't work well over a whole book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
The main character's name is Gyp, short for Gypsy, there is an extended prison rape joke, and the characters refer dismissively to hobos and meth heads.