Box Office Poison

ALEX ROBINSON/ANTARCTIC PRESS

     The trials and tribulations of navigating the post college netherworld to safe haven are given their just due in Alex Robinson’s superb BOX OFFICE POISON. 

     Sherman, a struggling writer, feels trapped in his dead-end book store job.  Dorothy, his girlfriend, is sweet and understanding one moment, and a caustic, self-absorbed drunk the next.  Sherman’s best pal Ed hasn’t been laid since the Paleolithic, still lives with his parents, is a total fanboy, and would love to make a career in comics (and he’s the most likeable member of the cast).  Stephen, a friendly, big ‘ol bear of a history teacher, and Jane, an opinionated artist, live together in seeming romantic bliss, sublet to Sherman, and Jane despises Dorothy for apparently being the former roommate from hell (but there are two sides to every story).

     This book, throughout the course of its run (it concluded in October), does not disappoint. The humor ranges from knockdown, drag-out hilarious (issue 8 is a scream) to bittersweet, and the subtle nuances and dynamics of relationships are explored skillfully.  The vicissitudes of Sherman and Dorothy’s relationship is especially well portrayed.  Robinson keeps you on your toes and plays with your head, just as Dorothy seems to be doing with Sherman at times.  And Sherman is somebody we all know or have been ourselves:  the guy who dreams of better things for himself, bitches about his job incessantly, but doesn’t seem to have the courage to take that leap.  He is a vulnerable, insecure, decent man, and one of the most well written characters in comics.

     I should also mention that Alex Robinson and his girlfriend, Kristen, who were gracious enough to do a signing here, are two of the nicest people one could meet, and a pleasure to be around.  Don’t hesitate to meet them at conventions, and please shower them with money.

     BOX OFFICE POISON  has been reprinted in one massive volume by Top Shelf Productions. Alex Robinson is also coming out with his long awaited follow-up "Tricked" this Fall.

For more Alex Robinson, check out:

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