No, no no… this comic book isn’t pornography or anything. Get your filthy monkey mind out of the gutter. MvsR is too classy a site to review porn (unless any porn companies are willing to shill out some big bucks to Hollywood, then maybe). This is the life story of Dan Pussey, fictitious comic writer/artist superstar and perennial loser. I like it, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

Initially, Dan Clowes comics might be a bit hard to enjoy. He’s obviously a bitter, angry man (like me!) and his comics have a spiteful sense of humor. He often crosses the line between funny and mean to just plain mean. Mean like that schoolyard bully that used to throw firecrackers at me. His art might also turn people off as it can only be described as “seedy”. Even flipping through his work might make you a little uncomfortable. All of his characters are ugly, scummy, creepy or some other unflattering adjective. That said if you like biting humor, this might be worth a read for you.

Short synopsis: The legendary epic of Dan Pussey is recounted throughout the book. We see his disturbing childhood, his rise and fall in the comic industry, and his eventual death. Dan Pussey is kind of like Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons, nerdy, virginal, tubby and annoying. I don’t think he’s really a sympathetic character, but you might pity him. Imagine the biggest loser in your high school, and then take away any slightly redeeming qualities they may have had and you have Dan Pussey.

Dan grows up getting bullied, laughed at by girls and eats lots of greasy food. He dreams of being a comic artist, and one day his dream comes true. He becomes a superstar in the super-hero comic industry, which still doesn’t make him much less of a loser. I mean, someone who wins a pie-eating contest is successful, but that doesn’t make him or her well liked or happy. Dan forays into the world of artsy comics (the ones I read, because I’m cultured… and a snob) and a brief stint in the “real” art world. He ends up getting a big ego, and becomes a big prick to the legions of dweebs that admire him and his work. Trent Gaswell, a smashmouth young geek, eventually usurps him and eventually the world forgets about Dan. He spends his last years coming to terms with being a has-been. He dies, and no one remembers him. That’s a nice happy ending, huh?

As I said, it’s hard to feel sorry for Dan Pussey, because he doesn’t do anything to make himself a better person. Instead he retreats into comic fantasies when he can’t handle situations such as dealing with bullies or talking to girls. He responds to abuse by cowering or shutting up, and once he’s a comic book star he looks down on anyone he thinks won’t fight back. Oh, yeah, he’s delusional too. Dan believes his work will live on long after he dies, assuring him immortality. Not likely sunshine! He makes me laugh at times, but mostly his character will just make you cringe. Ay-yi-yi!

Pussey! rips the comic industry to shreds as it pokes fun at mindless super-hero comics, obsessive fanboys, and money grubbing businessmen. Some of this stuff might be a tad too “inside” for the general reader. The short pieces “The Artist’s Life” and “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Pussey” lampoon the art world in general. Understand that Dan Clowes went to art school and has a bone to pick with pretentious artists, outré artists, cutthroat artists etc. These two stories are particularly vicious, showing the argument that Art = Making Money and little else. Ouch! Harsh views of American family life, Pussey’s parents think he’s useless and accuse him of being gay because he can’t get dates are commonplace throughout this book. A lack of identifiable characters exists, as everyone’s clueless and self-absorbed. People feed off each other; everyone’s some sort of parasite. Bleak world view there Mr. Clowes! I wish somebody would give him a hug because he needs one.

Bottom line: If you’re a comic dork like me, you’ll probably appreciate the deep biting satire in Pussey!, but the average reader will probably have a hard time appreciating it. You may want to avoid this book if you wish to retain any faith in humanity you may have. If you get a kick out of laughing at dorks, then this IS the book for you. ‘Nuf said… I’m gonna watch a Care Bears marathon to cheer myself up now.

-Future

What Other Members Think
Croc Hunter: I wanted to make a Croc Hunter coloring book once, but everyone told me I scare little children. Crikey! I’m lovable!? Right?! What tyke wouldn’t get a thrill out of coloring in my croc-inflicted lacerations or the reproductive organs of a Galapagos turtle? Anti-Aussie American dinguses!

Warhol: The art industry a sham? Who would have thought? Not me, I’m an honest and reputable artist. Now would you please drop your trousers young man, I’m doing a diamond dust silkscreen series of uncircumcised penises.

Other Resources For Pussey er.. umm.. Dan Clowes:

Buy this comic from Amazon.com
Buy this comic from Barnes & Noble
Dan Clowes Bio
An interview with Dan Clowes
Salon articles about Dan Clowes

hey there.
ive seen the movie trailer for the david boring movie . when will it be broadcasted? or is it in the usa?