Angry Youth Comix #1
Fantagraphics Books
Over the past several years, one of the most pervasive and popular trends in the world of cartooning (in both the static and animated camps) has been the depiction of the graphic end of human existence. Whether the kitsch cool of "Ren and Stimpy" or the implied obscenity of "Red Meat," this style of writing has worked its way into the very fabric of contemporary pop culture. Johnny Ryan's "Angry Youth Comix" aims to keep this means of entertainment alive and well.
The saying goes that one should not judge a book by its cover, but in the case of "Angry Youth Comix," this cliché really ought to be discarded. The angry youth himself, covered in sweat, acne and unidentifiable red goo and clutching a stack of porn magazines while puffing on a cigarette, is seen fleeing a burning house that features a torn banner reading "Whore House Grand Opening." The obvious indications that the politically correct crowd should steer clear of this book are most definitely well-founded as one flips through its offensive pages.
The story is mainly about an obviously angry youth who gets kicked out of his girlfriend's house and goes to crash with his successful friend. The title character engages in sexual abuse, battery and mass destruction of property while simultaneously attracting to himself incredibly graphic displays of violence. As might be expected, "Angry Youth Comix" is designed with the single goal of unparalleled shock in mind.
However, following the initial pages, the book simply fails to deliver. Sure, the violence is full-on and decidedly disgusting, but that is precisely why it fails to effect its purpose. The book is simply too predictable, and therefore is only shocking insofar as it was published.
Granted, any given frame offers enough material with which parents' groups could base a spirited push for censorship; yet, when taken together, this material is far from revolting.
"Angry Youth Comix" may very well herald the end of graphic violence and explicit sexual material as a form of cartoon content. Slavishly adherent to a movement that was bankrupt almost prior to its inception, "Angry Youth Comix" is, while somewhat entertaining, a failure in nearly every respect. It's too bad, really. The subject matter of this book ought to shock people, but it does not. By declaring shock value to be the works single aim, Johnny Ryan forgets about any device that transcends the obvious and, therefore, is completely incapable of achieving his goal.
--Brian Gettler