Things just suck for Suzie and Jon right now. Their relationship is extremely strained while stuff with Kegelface is continuing to go down. Issue #19 of Sex Criminals also checks in with several characters we haven’t seen in a while, making for a refreshing read. A few different plot threads seem to be moving toward converging.
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Chip Zdarsky
Publisher: Image Comics
Most importantly, though, Sex Criminals continues to be a startlingly accurate depiction of life in a relationship, and all the ups and downs that go with it. It’s consistently mind blowing how down to earth and relatable this comic can be while at the same time also being about people who can stop time and create magical beings every time they bust a nut. We’ve all been in the situation Suzie and Jon are in at one point or another–someone made a big mistake, and even after all the fighting, things just don’t feel right. That funk clouds not only the relationship, but every aspect of your life. It’s heartbreaking to see this play out between the two, and the stress it’s putting on both characters manifests itself in different storylines.
This issue isn’t all about Suzie and Jon’s melodrama, however–as mentioned, we check in with several other characters, including the asexual girl who we haven’t seen since her introduction. Of course, we also see the therapist and Jazmine St. Cocaine on their first date. It’s nice to see the series spread its wings and further establish a deeper cast of characters than just the heavy hitters.
Like a few issues recently, this one isn’t particularly funny, which may disappoint some readers. The intro scene, however, may be funny enough to carry the rest of the issue in the humor department. Between the messed up song coming from the hot dog man’s cart and the children’s meltdown to his sudden departure, there were quite a few laughs packed into the first few panels.
Chip Zdarsky’s artwork is of course still delightful. The aforementioned first date scene is easily the most memorable of the issue thanks to some of that infectious meta charm the series has become known for. The therapist’s monologue is so long-winded it actually comes to physically affect other patrons of the restaurant, and the whole full page spread is a joy to take in. There are several background gags and puns to find throughout the panels in the series as well, as is custom.
And be sure to stick around until the very end. Sex Criminals has been taking a page out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s playbook by featuring important plot threads after the credits–or in this case, after the letters section (which you should be checking out regardless, as it’s often the funniest part of the book).
Is It Good?
Of course it’s good. It’s Sex Criminals. It’s got humor, topical concepts, grossness and some of the most relatable, heavy exploration of relationships comic books as a medium has to offer. What’s not to love?
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