Dork Volume 2: Circling the Drain

Dork Volume 2: Circling The Drain (2003, Slave Labor Graphics) ****

A/W: Evan Dorkin.

More of the same from humorist Dorkin, whose art has gotten better in the two years since the first volume, and writing seems sharper (and more biting) than ever.  Highlights of volume are the return of the Devil Puppet and a longish autobiographical story that packs an unexpected emotional wallop. As with first volume this can be a hit and miss affair, but the hit rate is high, and Dorkin is peerless at what he does. Recommended.

Dork: Who’s Laughing Now?

Dork: Who’s Laughing Now? (2001, Slave Labor Graphics)  ***1/2

W/A: Evan Dorkin.

Collection of short (sometimes very short) humour strips from the first issues of Dork.

Scattershot approach to comedy inevitably results in a few mis-fires, but the quality remains high.  In particular the “Fun” pages and the stories of The Devil Puppet please.  Art is variable, with newer pages showing an inventiveness not present in the earlier work.  Rewards re-reading.