Week of 1/8/2024 (Sunday Edition)

Zap Comix #7 Review (NSFW)

I found this was just average. In comparison to the gut-busting shock value of Zap’s early issues and mature tone in the later run, #4 is very middle-of-the-road in a transitional state. It attempts to aim higher but is still confined to its provocative roots.

To start this issue, we have a splash page by S. Clay Wilson who, as always, kills it with crazily detailed pieces where every minutiae tells its own story. A recurrent theme in this illustration is a fondness for tentacles mostly as a chaotic force with some erotic undertones which has me wondering whether he was reading any ero-geika manga.

The first comic proper is “Sangrella” by Spain Rodriguez, a science fiction tale of a futuristic society dominated by women where reproduction is performed via ectogenesis. However, one day, the means used for that process disappears and the titular protagonist has to search for it. Rodriguez does put forth some interesting feminist themes commenting on objectification, autonomy, etc. Alas, when you strip down these elements, all you get plot-wise is a haphazardly paced pulp that's no different from your generic comic from Heavy Metal Magazine.

Next is a two-pager starring Fat Freddy Cat from The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers who unwittingly finds himself entwined in a police chase after the brothers get busted again for drug possession. It’s what you’d expect of Gilbert Shelton, a fast-moving story with playful gags and stoner’s comedy moderately entertaining.