The Li'l Depressed Boy #5

Written by S. Steven Struble
Art by Sina Grace

The Li'l Depressed Boy is back after a one-month hiatus, and is finally living up to his name.  After the shocking news of the last issue, LDB has retreated into his home, and is completely avoiding Jazz, not answering any of her calls.

Luckily his friend Drew is back in town, bringing the gift of candy cigarettes, and taking him out for pho (where would you ever find a Vietnamese restaurant that serves veggie pho when it's not on the menu?  That's pure beef stock, buddy).  He also decides that an impromptu road trip is called for, although that is not without complications.

So basically, it's another issue of this series where very little takes place - I think the whole issue took me about 6 minutes to read - but the book's underlying charm saves it from feeling too trite or immaterial.  The scene where Drew has to explain 'punch buggies' was cringe-worthy though...

LDB is a good book, although I wish the pacing could be a little tighter.  I've noticed this happens a lot with webcomics when they make the transition to print - there is greater need for economy of story-telling and density.

Great Rob Guillory cover - I like the idea of having various Image artists provide covers for this book, and I hope that it brings it more attention.