I’m glad I spent 150 words talking about the gay boyfriend last issue because this issue we find out he’s not really gay, he’s just an omni-sexual egomaniac.

It’s so much less interesting… because all Day does now is revert the relationship back to the first issue. Third issue, but the keyword is reversion.

This issue also features the most computer game visuals and stories and so on. It gets boring as the issue’s primary story becomes the protagonist and her gaming friends trying for a tournament (on the game). I have terrible visions of when the sports film genre disappears and it’s all about people on a tough “World of Warcraft” quest.

While I enjoyed The Guild–especially Rugg’s “reality” panels–it’s a story about a woman who won’t take responsibility for herself, by a writer who won’t take responsibility for her writing.

It’s pretending to be thoughtful.

CREDITS

Writer, Felicia Day; artist, Jim Rugg; colorist, Dan Jackson; letterer, Nate Piekos; editors, Sierra Hahn, Freddye Lins, Brendan Wright and Scott Allie; publisher, Dark Horse Comics.

This issue ends… I don’t know if poorly is the right word.

Let me explain.

So our hero, Cyd–I find it interesting female comic book writers feel the same need to give their female protagonists “cool” names as the male ones do–is dating a closeted gay guy. He’s been lying to her while sleeping with someone they both work with. This other guy thinks he’s in a relationship with Cyd’s boyfriend… but I’m sure there will be some resolution next issue.

My problem is with Felecia Day.

The boyfriend is a complete jerk to the protagonist the entire issue. Once again, it’s completely unbelievable she’d date such a person… because Day doesn’t, not for one panel, make him a believable character. The video game characters are more real than this guy.

And if unreality being more real than reality is the point… Day’s doing a terrible job here.

CREDITS

Writer, Felicia Day; artist, Jim Rugg; colorist, Dan Jackson; letterer, Nate Piekos; editors, Sierra Hahn, Freddye Lins, Brendan Wright and Scott Allie; publisher, Dark Horse Comics.

I have a hard time believing the set-up. I like the book, but the main character doesn’t seem particularly realistic. She’s incredibly self-aware, self-aware and engaging enough to basically carry the book as a passive protagonist (she does buy a video game), so it’s inexplicable she’s with her lame boyfriend.

Yes, he is a would be rock star, but she’s known him since he wasn’t and she’s a trained musician of some quality. I don’t actually have any problem with her being with a jackass, but I do have a problem with her being seemingly unaware of that condition. Especially taking into account her family support system is strong enough she, a woman in her early to mid twenties, goes to therapy at her father’s request.

That long-winded complaint aside, I do like the book quite a bit.

The writing is witty and sensitive and willing to mock for emphasis.

CREDITS

Writer, Felicia Day; artist, Jim Rugg; colorist, Dan Jackson; letterer, Nate Piekos; editors, Sierra Hahn, Freddye Lins, Brendan Wright and Scott Allie; publisher, Dark Horse Comics.