The Li’l Depressed Boy #9 – Review
Written by: S. Steven Struble
Art by: Sina Grace
Colours by: S. Steven Struble
Letters by: S. Steven Struble
Cover by: Sina Grace
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $2.99 (USD)
It’s been a while since I read or reviewed an issue of The Li’l Depressed Boy and for that I should apologise to you and myself. I still love this comic, because it is perfect. I am far more like LDB than Batman or Superman or Wolverine or even Spider-Man and though I love those characters too, LDB is truly relatable.
In this issue LDB is having money troubles and therefore has to look for a job. His simple day to day interactions, from having to put stuff back at the shops, applying for jobs and playing video games with Drew Blood are more captivating than they have the right to be.
Something this simple shouldn’t be this good, but maybe that simplicity and honesty is exactly what sets LDB apart and makes it what it is.
The extra details and content also help to make this comic great. Sina Grace’s art is always excellent and he fills the pages with cool posters and t-shirts and other bonus details for those that care to look. The letters page and fan content is also very welcome at the back, as are the details of who LDB is listening to during the story. Whenever the musical notes appear on the page I have to go and listen along with LDB and this instalment’s Andrew Jackson Jihad and Paul Baribeau were both good choices.
I can’t really find a way to fault this comic and why would I want to? It offers so much with every single issue and is always a joy to experience.
9/10
The Li’l Depressed Boy #10 – Review
Written by: S. Steven Struble
Art by: Sina Grace
Colours by: S. Steven Struble
Letters by: S. Steven Struble
Cover by: Sina Grace
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $2.99 (USD)
So, LDB has a new job as a movie theatre usher and straight away things do not go as planned. The speech from head usher Jimmy is very funny, but doesn’t help LDB’s nerves and when he sees Jazz leave the theatre with a guy LDB is probably about ready to quit.
Nothing ever goes completely right for LDB and that is part of what makes it such a good comic. The music is also a big part of this series and this issue sees a guest appearance from Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover. I am a fan of Community and recently bought the second season on DVD, so I like Donald Glover, but I had never listened to his music.
I was surprised by it, sure Donald raps in Community, but it’s nothing like Childish Gambino. The songs that feature in the story are really appropriate to LDB, as the song selections always are and once again the music enhances the overall experience.
I like the way LDB’s adventures are going, as Donald and Childish Gambino seem to pick up his spirits somewhat and with a new job and new people to meet future issues should be just as much fun, but also just as depressing.
Sina Grace’s art is as good as it always is. I particularly liked the concert sequence, but the handling of the loneliness, humour, depression and happiness that fill the issue is also excellent.
Thanks to The Li’l Depressed Boy I have another album to buy, but that’s fine by me. I always enjoy reading this series for its great combination of touching, relatable storytelling and high quality art and long may it continue.
9/10
