Bridging Comic Eras with Humor & Art
The comic series ‘Wendy’ may drag us into the gritty maze of the ’90s alt-scene, complete with rundown apartments and rivers of booze. Its devil-may-care vibe harkens back to a time when comics showcased flawed characters, propelling us into unflinching schadenfreude.
More than a ’90s Throwback
But ‘Wendy’ isn’t just a throwback to ’90s lovable yet flawed characters. Amid the fuzzy narrative and low-res aesthetic, lies Wendy’s ascent in the art world. The band of flawed but endearing misfits surrounding Wendy echoes recent webcomic iterations, replacing grimy with quirky.
We’ve seen comics like ‘Art School Confidential,’ with its bitter perspective on the art world. However, ‘Wendy’ stands apart. It isn’t about pretentious posers using art as a capitalist tool. Wendy and her friends genuinely love their art. Like it or loathe it, their passion is real.
The Standout Humor
The standout feature of ‘Wendy’ is its humor. It’s unabashed, bold, corny, and hilariously real. Wendy’s life is a cocktail of binge drinking, waking up in strange places, and uttering grandiose statements the universe contradicts. It’s laugh-out-loud farcical, and it hits home.
A Nonchalant Dose of Delight
Wendy’s motley crew includes Screamo, oblivious to shame and anxiety. Screamo’s simple characterization and joviality bring a dynamic touch to Scott’s artwork. Scott’s cartooning catalyzes the humor, emboldening the narrative structure.
‘Wendy’ delves into Wendy’s realization that her youthful mishaps are reaching their expiry date. Younger art students view her with curious optimism and veiled judgment. She can no longer hide behind academic structure.
Unraveling Millennial Anxieties
The comic takes an interesting turn when Wendy meets younger contemporaries. This unsettles her but helps navigate anxieties about growing old and facing adulthood expectations. This adds depth to the plot, layering humor with heartfelt emotional anxieties.
A Poignant Realization
Wendy’s hedonism transitions from comedic escapade to a poignant realization of her aging reality. As we reach the climax, Wendy attempts to break free from her older self but barely manages. The ending promises better days, yet leaves us yearning for more of Wendy’s lovable chaos.
Independent comics like ‘Wendy’ are crucial, offering unique voices and perspectives. They push boundaries and bring diversity to the comic world.
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Image credit: www.tcj.com
