CHILLAX

A hybrid graphic-and-prose novel starring Jeremy Duncan from the author and illustrator's comic strip Zits covers well-trodden ground with charm and humor.

Jeremy and his good friend Hector have scored tickets to see rock gods Gingivitis in concert. Just one problem: Neither one has permission from his parents. And one more problem: Jeremy and Hector’s band mate Tim’s mom (aka T-Mom) has been diagnosed with cancer, and Tim will be spending the night of the concert donating bone marrow. Can Jeremy and Hector make it to the concert and bring back something meaningful for their pal Tim? Black-and-white cartoon-style drawings are interwoven seamlessly with the text. Sometimes the drawings illustrate events described in the prose, and other times action and dialogue unfold within comics panels. There’s nothing groundbreaking in the narrative’s frequent comic observations: Rock stars are eccentric; guys don’t talk about their feelings (though maybe they should). Nevertheless, the laid-back, stand-up-comedy–esque tone is good for plenty of chuckles (“Here’s a free tip: Hollering ‘Dude!’ at a rock concert is about as specific as hollering ‘Mom!’ at a water aerobics class”), and the resolution is warm while retaining a humorous edge.

Well-executed, clean fun with a heart.