The Playboy

Drawn & Quarterly

As ever, the most interesting work in comics is taking place in the independent sector. This book is a rewritten and expended version of a three part story from Chester Brown's regular comic Yummy Fur (R.I.P. alas). It is perhaps one of the most nakedly honest and autobiographical pieces of work I have seen, concerning his abiding interest in soft porn. Few artists would wish to have books featuring scenes of themselves masturbating on the shelves of comic shops; lest the accuracy of his story be doubted, Brown provides exact dates for each scene. And yet there isn't anything remotely salacious about `The Playboy' - just Chester explaining the history of his interest in pictures of nude women and his attempts to come to terms with it. He appears as narrator, conscience and agent, urging and debating with his younger self and his wry deadpan commentary offers more humour than a mere laugh of recognition. The book is beautifully produced - 176 A5 pages on good quality paper, emphasising the simple stylishness of Brown's black and white line drawings. Although the artwork seems basic, the layout is eye-catching nonetheless, and the book is ultimately engrossing. Real comics about real people don't come much better than this.