While there are critics far more renowned than me who absolutely adore this slight (at best!) graphic novel, purportedly dissecting and lampooning the artistic process, I stridently disagree.

The vaguely Dilbert-esque art of Graham Annable's Stickleback is flat and joyless, and the text is no better. Frankly, the only redeemable aspects of this work are the pitifully charming cat, Patty, and the artist's equally sad -- but oddly touching in their pathos -- creations, the twisted toilet paper people.

There are many fine, literate, artistic and artful comics and graphic novels out there waiting to be read; this is not one of them, so do not waste your time.

by Stephen Richmond
Rambles.NET
31 December 2005