Customer Reviews

Buddy Does Jersey (Hate)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Buddy Does Jersey" tells the continuing story of Buddy Bradley, something of a grunge icon, who leaves his beloved Seattle squalor for the comforting familiarity of New Jersey and family. There, with his girlfriend Lisa(somewhat grudgingly so on both counts), they make their stake in an emotional landfill, packed tight with dilapidated fathers, alcoholic mothers, psychotic brothers and general ennui found exclusively in every single small town ever.

Peter Bagge writes and draws "Buddy Does Jersey", compiled from the comic book "Hate". The first half of the Buddy stories is told in "Buddy Does Seattle", and in that work, Bagge found his footing telling stories of the single life and young American dreams, all with a sardonic edge that ran like a poison through his pen. Indeed, the abundance of cross hatching told in that black and white run spelled dark tales while the dialog remained simply sarcastic and bitter.

Bagge really ups his game in "Buddy Does Jersey", on both the art and emotional level for the characters. The insane amount of cross hatching is gone with a new inker (when originally published, these tales were told in color, though I personally feel little is lost) to make way for internal cross wirings which ring truer and more neurosis-y. Lisa shows increasing complexity as she begins to care for Buddy's sick father to almost obsessive degrees, and by the end of the book, it is arguable whether she's grown or devolved. Buddy too, finds himself doing something he never thought he'd do; working full time at a collector shop with his friend from way back, Jay. Buddy shows a dedication to that shop that's impressive for his character, but ultimately, it is questionable if he's matured from growth or necessity. In fact, it is a hard question whether anyone grows from the experiences here-in; much like life indeed.

In terms of why I rate this book good instead of great, I feel like the story (both Seattle and Jersey) could be told tighter. Bagge doesn't repeat himself often over these thirty or so issues, but there is a bit of wandering without many sights to be seen. It's an excellent character study in the end, so I do recommend the book for fans of darkly humored stories that take place in New Jersey, like "Happiness," "Clerks" or "Garden State". OK, the last one was a joke, but fans of that movie might like this book too.

what can you say about bagge's humour is that it reminds me of my own past expirences. he takes regular life happening and lets you look at the awful funny side of it. the best part is the way it's drawn. if you want a good funny time this is it read all the way thru or read it over and over. sits in the bathroom so i can read multiple times. the best ever!!!!

As the title reveals, this book collects the conclusive "Jersey-era" of the original Hate series. It's really nice to have it all in a single book, and readers unknown to Buddy Bradley's universe might find this more convienent (and economic) than the four smaller collections previously released by Fantagraphics.

However, while the stories are as excellent as always, I can't help but being bothered about the absence of the colours! Peter Bagge's choice of coloring the funnies has been debated over and over. He explains in the introduction that it really only was an appealing oppurtunity rather than any artistic ambition that motivated him. What he really cared for was the inking by Jim Blanchard.

That's what he says, and I can buy it. But it just feels like this artwork was made for coloring, and in b/w it just looks a little pale at times. Buddy's trademark shirt is gone of all things!

Another issue is some shorter stories that is missing. Especially one with Stinky and one with the old man. They weren't any real part of the chronology but would still be nice to have!

It's still small complaints and new readers should definately get it. But those who got the comics already in previous releases have no reason for a replacement either.

None of the previous reviewers seem to have a problem with the lack of color. However, Bagge simplified his drawing style specifically for coloring. That Fantagraphics, the self-proclaimed champions of artists rights and the cartooning form, would take the " DC showcase/Marvel essentials" route (cheap B&W flimsy paperback) with this great material speaks poorly for the company. Had this book been in color, I would have bought it in a minute, despite owning not only the issues but the 3 previous paperback reprints... for shame, Groth!!

I was in NYC visiting from Houston. I was with an annoying person I did not want to be around. I got away from them, wandered around and found myself in the East Village on St. Marks Street. They have this great comic bookstore and I found this book. I used to read Hate when I was a teenager and I don't know where they all went. It was great to have this book though. I love Buddy and Lisa..they remind me of people I knew in college. This book kept me company so I didn't have to talk to the annoying person I was unfortunately traveling with.

for thoes who have all the color hate comic book and dont want repurchase them in black and white stay away from this book how ever if you have gotten the end of Hate this a great book.

Hate is series of humoris stories about a slacker named Buddy Bradley.
Buddy Does Jersey os the second half of that series but it also let people cry like you would in real life. I think one way to describe it is R Crumb meets Married With children and Peyton Place with a generis helping of My Name is Earl.

good day