Comic Book Review: Uptown Girl Imitation of Life by Bob Lipski
This is another collection of the Uptown Girl comic book stories, filled in with short newer pieces. The main stories feature Rocketman’s never before mentioned career as a pinball champion (and the forgotten rival who wants revenge), and a zoo-related saga that combines an artistic monkey, a talking car, and a robotic dinosaur. Smaller pieces talk about comics and gaming fandom, and Uptown Girl’s sometimes difficult relationship with modern technology. And downer appearances by Sulky Girl.
This is very much a local product of Minneapolis and the surrounding area–see if you can spot all the references! The art is simple but effective, and most of the jokes hit. Uptown Girl tries to do her job as a reporter, Ruby Tuesday tries to do her job as an artist, and Rocketman tries very hard not to do his job as an office drone.
The last story in the volume is “Learning How to Smile” , which is a more somber piece that also provides the book title. Ruby’s uncle has had a stroke, and struggles with the smallest things. This reminds him and her of his mortality, and it’s time for Ruby Tuesday to inherit part of her legacy….
Recommended to small press comics fans, especially in Minnesota.
