House of Java, Vol 2by Wolfen MoonsgetReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 A delightful collection of "slice of life" tales, rendered in Mr. Murphy's charming inking style, which is remeniscent of Dan Clowes, but warmer; more approachable. His characters could be any of us, in all our sometimes humorous, sometimes bittersweet, often awkward glory.In May 27th, we watch as Connie, a hard-working college student tries to help Ray, a drug-addict who's about to go on trial for possesion, turn his life around — at least theoretically. It's her job, after all. But she seems to find it difficult to be sympathetic when has her own life to deal with, finding that being on the straight and narrow isn't without it's own pitfalls. Meanwhile, can Ray really get his act together? Even if he finds the right incentive, will anyone ever really give him the chance? In Tide Pools, Jodi wants nothing more to leave her dead-end town, and when a young man studying to be a marine biologist comes to visit, she think's she's found her way out. The question is, is it the town, or her that's the problem? Steven tells the story of a man who doesn't let society dictate who he whould be ... or is it? Maybe that weird guy you find hanging out in every comic store isn't so unusual as he'd like us to think. This tale also explores the line between friendship and lovers — and the awkwardness that ensues when a person wants to cross that line while the friend in question doesn't. The Burial weaves an intriguing mystery while proving the old adages "you can't go home again" and "some things are better off unsaid." Spattered intermittently throughout the collection are the ongoing series Paper Route, about the foibles of a paper boy chasing after boyish desires, and the book's namesake, House of Java, depicting vignettes in the life of the cafe-loving crowd. I really enjoyed this book, but I did have one problem with it, as I do with most "slice of life" tales: I'm the type who always wants to know what happens next. So if you're like me, be prepared for a bit of frustration, but try to enjoy the rest — it's worth the effort! Written: January 24, 2004
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