Start Halloween with Vile and Miserable!

By August Tales

Set to hit the big screen in 2025, ‘Vile and Miserable’ is primed for a new edition. The courtesy of publisher Pow Pow Press is ringing the Halloween bells a little early this year. However, the book comes with its own set of cautionary tales. Its mature content, resembling an absurdist dark comedy, might provoke some eyebrows.

At the helm of this creation is Montreal-based cartoonist, Samuel Cantin. Notably, following a successful Kickstarter campaign, the first edition graced the market in 2015. However, it didn’t make waves in the American direct market.

It’s fair to say that ‘Vile and Miserable’ shares some comedic traits with Simon Hanselmann’s work. Nonetheless, it maintains its distinct character and flair. Indeed, it’s less about plot progression and more about showcasing an array of absurd and downright hilarious dialogs.

An Unpredictable Riot of Humor and Tension

The book floats in a continuum of preposterous setups. Whether it’s about a car dealership owner making a foray into the used bookstore market, or a demon pursuing one-night-stands on Groundhog’s Day, the true essence lies in the interactions among less-than-likable characters. The conversations are as bizarre as the characters, making one thing clear—it’s all for the laughs.

You’ll discover a treasure trove of unpredictable phrases. Keep your eyes peeled for lines like “the unknown soldier … of cats” or “I’m not prejudiced…I listen to like, a ton of satanic music!” This constant tension and hilarity creates a unique blend of mundanity, literary aspiration and delusion.

A Conversational Car Wreck Worth Following

Sure, the book might lack a defined structure and might not appeal to fans of coherent storytelling. However, it’s exactly this chaos that makes ‘Vile and Miserable’ such a riot. Picture a comedic conversational car wreck, which leaves you laughing uncontrollably at the absurdity of it all.

In short, ‘Vile and Miserable’ is an excellent addition to your Halloween reading list. Particularly if you’re a fan of tales that tread the unconventional path. It promises to be a captivating, absurdist joyride that will leave a mischievous grin on your face.