In the Blog
Big Ol’ Slice of Octopus Pie
I’ve been reading an inordinate amount of web comics lately. Probably because I’m broke and it’s too cold to go to the library, but I need new comics in the way that ladies on TV need chocolate and shoes.
Web comics are great because you can say you’re “working” when you’re really just catching up on Cat and Girl. These cartoonists work tirelessly (or probably often, tiredly) to put their stuff online for free. So read it! That’s what it’s there for.
My latest web comic addiction is Meredith Gran’s Octopus Pie.
Set in New York, the story follows a young woman, Eve Ning, her stoner roommate, Hanna, and a cast of characters including various boyfriends, co-workers and a loyal cat. It’s pretty hip, indie, and perfect for the early twenties crowd, which is not usually the kind of stuff I go for. But like Scott Pilgrim, Octopus Pie is one the few comics that supersedes its hipness, and is just a charming, funny, and great-looking comic.
Gran’s art is beautifully uncomplicated, with perfect facial expressions.
I really enjoy the relationship between the Eve and Hanna, who are a classic odd-couple. Eve is grumpy and kind of anal, a pessimist in that understandable way, because, yeah, the world is full of jerks. Hanna is permanently high, which gives her that hazy optimism where she she doesn’t worry about the dishes, or paying rent. Eve and Hanna clash, but they also bring out the best in each other.
Eve works at an organic grocery store and much hilarity comes from Eve’s eco-friendly but bottom-line minded boss.
Eve also has a crappy ex-boyfriend who she runs into from time to time.
Read the whole darn thing, starting here, or order the printed collection and support Gran so she can keep making comics.
