Review: Ugly Mug #8
If you're on the hunt for a comic that blends humour with a touch of the bizarre, then Ugly Mug #8 is your next must-read. This latest instalment from the creative minds at The House of Harley delivers a quirky, offbeat narrative with a whole host of stories that will leave you both chuckling and pondering the absurdities of life and what you're reading.
This Industrial Strength Comics Compendium highlights top talents from the British small press and global guests. It features diverse stories like Denny Derbyshire's Bearskin, the adventures of Windy Wilberforce in the Saga of the Scroll, and a tribute to Mark E Smith with tales of eccentric education. A collection of comics from creators that would put out comic strips if the world was ending or their lives were in danger - nothing can or will stop them from unleashing their own brand of crazy on the world. And we're totally here for it!
This year's edition features incredible front and back covers by John Bagnall, which plays nicely into the idea of this being an INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH comics compendium. I honestly spent far too long just admiring the front cover before reading!
The compendium begins with a lively exploration in "Sound of the Underground," followed by Jack of all Trades offering advice on wasp nests.
Then there's possibly my favourite story, where Ed Pinsent runs us through the repercussions of time travel as R.S.D. Laing, Record Collector, zips back and forth in order to get a rare LP to sell and make a ton of money. It's wonderfully drawn and highly entertaining as he unwittingly creates a paradox.
Comedic moments arise in "Mark E. Smith: Music Teacher," as he mentors a young violinist, while "Life with Freda Nipple" brings nudist antics back repeatedly for hilarious situations where everyone acts normally to nudity. There's also Denny Derbyshire's surreal historical tale, "Bearskin," followed by the chaos of Julian Geeks' "Jungle Ruck."
Pinsent also continues his intriguing "Windy Wilberforce" serial with "The Saga of the Scroll," which also might be my favourite. The comic then wraps up with more snippets featuring Mark E. and Freda before a humorous exit with "Big Backsides," illustrated by Brazilian artist Alberto Monteiro.
Basically, what I've learned is that Ed Pinset is my jam, and I need more of his work in my life. But that takes nothing away from the rest, where there's fantastic art on show throughout. There's nothing I didn't enjoy. There's real uniqueness and variety on offer, and if you're a fan of black and white art like I am, then this Ugly Mug continues to be the showcase styles that can be done with it. Sure, things can get a little mad and sometimes leave you thinking "what have I just read?" but it's that eccentricity and flair that means you can't stop reading and admiring whats been put together.
Ugly Mug #8 is a testament to the boundless creativity and sheer entertainment that comics can offer. Each page bursts with inventive storytelling and unique artistic flair, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art form. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this issue promises to crack you up and delight you with its eclectic mix of humour, adventure, and thought-provoking strips.
If you want to grab yourself a copy, head over to The House of Harley's Square shop, where it costs just £8.95 - an absolute bargain for the pure entertainment on offer.
Rating: 4.5/5
