CARL IS THE AWESOME Vol. 1

(Marcos Perez, www.clifffacecomics.com)

Reviewed by Heath Row

This DIY slip-case collection includes four eight-page phototcopied minis featuring Carl, "the Awesome," who appears to be a Godzilla-like cross between a beaver and a turtle. After introducing the character ("I sex like science fiction before its time!"), Perez takes a look at Carl's band the Supersicks, outlines the five opening moves for Sexual Chess, and becomes mayor. The comics are largely throwaway expositions lacking in gags, and while I am quite impressed by how Perez draws women – in a much more mature style – I'm not enamored with Carl as a character. I might check out Perez's other work, but I will probably not return to Carl, regardless of how awesome he might be.