Diary comics, by virtue of their form, offer a particularly intimate view into the ongoing life of their author. The daily struggles at their day-job, their relationship and family, the small but notable incidents of everyday life - no matter how absurd or trivial. If it was a memorable part of their day, it goes on the page.
The cover for Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People: Diary Comics by Bryce Galloway perfectly communicates its contents: his daily life and thoughts expressed on paper, as if you were leafing though his memory one page at a time. Galloway is one of New Zealand's leading Zine makers, with 63 issues (and counting) of Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People produced over the last 15 years, with selections from 9 years worth of diary comics appearing in this collection.
Within these entries you'll witness Bryce's ongoing sprint to catch the morning bus, see his children grow, watch Bryce deal with back pain and diarrhoea, meet his 'DW' (de facto wife) who halfway through this book becomes his wife. Actually, if you read closely you'll find lots of personal growth taking place on the page, from getting a cellphone to a promotion to Senior Lecturer at Massey University.
Unlike James Kochalka (American Elf) or John Porcellino's (Diary of a Mosquito Abatement Man) more conventionally styled diary comics, Galloway does away with panel boarders and (most) speech balloons to capture the notable moments of each day in an organic free-flowing style, in roughly six drawing a page (give or take). The line-work is confidant and loose, capturing the energy and feeling of his memory of events rather than a more detailed rendering. Although this comes with its own unintended side effects: hilariously, at one point DW calls him out on his depictions of her (which at times looks like a maniacal zombie), fair call - in the second half of the book more care is taken in her visual representation.
Above: artwork from Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People: Diary Comics, cover by Bryce Galloway.
And that's one of many enjoyable layers of this book, watching Galloway share his utterly fearless depiction of his daily life through his diary comics, while also having to consider his family's involvement and participation. Should he focus more on the 'sweeter moments'? He could, but as any reader will tell you, suffering makes for far more interesting art. Warts and all, this is a hugely enjoyable read. You'll come away feeling like you know a great deal about Galloway's day-to-day life, and perhaps be inspired to create a diary of you're own...if only we could all be this brave.
Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People: Diary Comics by Bryce Galloway is published by Pikitia Press, and available now from selected booksellers. For more information, you can also visit Bryce Galloway's website HERE.
Product information:
Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People: Diary Comics
Bryce Galloway
RRP: $20.00
ISBN:978092594688
- AK!
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