It is very important that you read this comic by Emily Flake (you can already see the initial attraction) right now. Don't worry, most of them are PG-13. Here are the archives from the Baltimore City Paper. And here's a handy Best of Lulu Eightball, compiled by crown prince of hippo painters El Rey Del Art, who tipped me off to the wonders of the Flake and calls Eightball "my new favorite comic." Which, for him, is really saying something. I am so pleased about this. The above comic is a good companion to John Colapinto's recent leech story, too.

Update: I've read nearly all the archives now and need art methadone. Since Flake reminds me a little of classic Lynda Barry, I think it's time for Girls and Boys and Big Ideas. Ah. That's better. Now more Flake, please. Wait—there's a book. I can already feel the shakes subsiding. You'd buy it, too, if you knew what was good for you.

Update update: I just noticed this interview with E.F. in the City Paper. So:

CP: So why do you draw yourself like the Pillsbury Doughboy’s indie-rock girlfriend?

EF: What? Oh, God, maybe I kind of am the Pillsbury Doughboy’s indie-rock girlfriend. That’s kind of fucked-up, that might be true. Well, the drawing style doesn’t really lend itself to making anyone look attractive. And I think it’s funnier—well, somebody wrote in once saying more or less that he hated my cartoons because everything was kind of sad, that it wasn’t a real go-getter’s cartoon. And the only thing I could think was, How would it be funny if it was?

Categories: Cartoons, Books, Art