Graphic Novel: Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

I love reviewing comic collections, mostly because they are the easiest thing for me to read and review, but also because they are so much fun. After reading Sarah Andersen's Adulthood is a Myth earlier this year, I could not wait until the second collection, Big Mushy Happy Lump, hit the bookstores. 

Genre, Themes, History: Just like its predecessor, I placed this collection under the heading of graphic novel, though there is no one storyline to follow. However, unlike Adulthood is a Myth, near the end of the book, Andersen does include three short essays, providing illustration for them along the way. Once again, the book covers a variety of issues and scenarios that the introverted and creative among us would be able to relate to. My personal favorite from this category is "How to Become Good at Drawing," which is essentially a cycle of drawing, followed by self-loathing. I would say that oftentimes the same is true for becoming better at writing. Of course, the book also has many comics that deal with women's issues, such as being on vacation or traveling during that time of the month, and the ability (or inability rather) many men have of completing missing any and every social cue that lets them know a woman is completely, and utterly not interested in whatever they are offering. Andersen's rabbit sidekick friend does not make as many appearances in this one as he (she?) did in the previous one, but they are still there on occasion to make the snarky side comment or point out the obvious. And the three essays at the end deal with Andersen's inability to socialize, her adventures to becoming a cat lover, and her confession of being a sweater thief. None of them are terribly long, but they do give more insight into the woman behind the drawings.

My Verdict: Again, my one contention with this collection is that it is so short, though longer than the first one. I want to keep turning the pages, possibly for forever, and continue finding more comics to laugh at, laugh with, and generally relate to as a fellow introverted creative type. This is a fantastic follow-up to Adulthood is a Myth and continues the story, even without there being an actual narrative. Even if a comic touches on a topic Andersen has covered many times before, it is always done in a new way, from a new angle, or even with a different approach. If anything, it is a good collection to have for anyone who feels socially awkward, or tends to drown themselves in self-doubt or over thinking, as it is an excellent reminder that you are not alone, and there are many others like you.

Favorite Comic: "How I Spend Money" speaks to me on levels I am not entirely proud of, but are hilarious in comic form. It shows Andersen being quite frugal when it comes to groceries, clothes, and household items. But when it comes to buying books, she walks up to the counter in the bookstore wearing a fur coat and sunglasses, and proceeds to take the cash from her pockets and throw it in the air. Yep, accurate.

Recommended Reading: Naturally, you don't need to read Adulthood is a Myth before picking up Big Mushy Happy Lump, but why wouldn't you want to?