Graphic Novel: Oddball by Sarah Andersen

It has been far too long since a collection of Sarah's Scribbles has been published. But we can at least now say that 2021 has given us Oddball by Sarah Andersen, and it is another delightful collection of some of her funniest sketches and observations about life as a millennial in these weird times.

Genre, Themes, History: This is Andersen's fourth publication in her Sarah Scribbles collection, with the previous one having been published in 2018. Andersen once again offers up observations that are true (sometimes painfully so) and hilarious, mostly focusing on her own quirks and habits. When Andersen is not poking fun at herself, she pokes light fun at others, with some of the comics looking at the differences between the generations; the comparisons between introverts and extroverts; the reasons why dogs go to heaven and cats...go somewhere else; and then there is the odd comic thrown in about why a medusa would agree to adopt a blind cat. Many who follow Andersen on social media will recognize some of the comics, but being able to pull the collection from their own bookshelves or coffee table will be more than enough motivation to buy it.

My Verdict: I always have the same complaint about graphic novels or collections like these, and that is they are too short and go by too quickly. Granted, with something like this, the point is for it to be enjoyed over and over again. Even so, I always want more. Andersen has a way of poking fun at herself and the world around her that is always delightful. Even the comics that may hit a little too close to home can leave a reader feeling joyful and hopeful. And while the observations about Gen Z, and the truth that memories we millennials are currently creating may not exactly age well when we are our grandparents age, are incredibly funny and enjoyable, I personally love the appearance of the medusa character and would like to see more of her. It is the kind of randomness that will always keep me coming back to these collections.

Favorite Comic: There is one comic in which an obviously scared and cautious Andersen is taking baby steps in an uncertain direction. But after three or four panels of baby step after baby step, she is pleased to realize just how far she has come.

Recommended Reading: I of course recommend the entire Sarah Scribbles collection, but also Kate Beaton's Hark! A Vagrant, and Step Aside, Pops.