HOGBOOK AND LAZER EYES - Serio Comics 40
HOGBOOK AND LAZER EYES by Maria Bamford and Scott Marvel Cassidy, published by Fantagraphics
Attending Maria Bamford and Scott Marvel Cassidy’s Book Panel at The Los Angeles Times Book Festival
I was fortunate to attend Maria Bamford and Scott Marvel Cassidy’s book panel on autobio graphic books at The Los Angeles Times Book Festival back in April.
Maria and Scott were as sweet as they were hilarious.
I specifically remember Maria making us laugh about how, as part of her book contract for her memoir SURE, I’LL JOIN YOUR CULT she wasn’t allowed to publish another book for a period of time after, which delayed this graphic novel by months.
It was a perfect example of their humor, blending the revealing with the relatable.
After the event, when they were signing their book, I mentioned to Maria and Scott that, like them, I also live with bipolar disorder.
While I can’t recall their exact reply, the sentiment was both funny and empathetic, something along the lines of “There sure can be some tough days, huh?”
Their book HOGBOOK AND LAZER EYES is a perfect balm for those days.
What’s It About?
Fans of Maria Bamford’s acclaimed quasi-autobiographical Lady Dynamite Netflix series already know of her romance with LA painter Scott Marvel Cassidy, as well as her droll pug sidekicks Blueberry and Bert.
Now the story has been recounted in the graphic novella Hogbook and Lazer Eyes, written by Bamford/Cassidy, drawn by Cassidy, and all told by the rescue dogs they’ve adopted.
For those unfamiliar with the story, newly single fortysomethings Maria Bamford and Scott Cassidy each signed up on the dating site O.K. Cupid, under the respective usernames “Hogbook” and “Lazer Eyes.” They went on a date, and then another, and soon, despite a history of Bipolar II disorder and unhealthy relationships for each of them.
They fall in love and are married in 2015.
We view all of this through the prism of their pug housemates, including Blueberry and Bert (who has an unnatural obsession with Michael Flatley of “Riverdance” fame), and the elderly bonded pair Betty and Arnold (who recount their star turn as interplanetary canine scientists in the second season of Lady Dynamite).
Cassidy’s fine art training translates with ease into graphic storytelling, with a naturalistic illustrative style that is a pitch-perfect match Bamford’s comic timing, making Hogbook and Lazer Eyes a beautifully illustrated love story, told by some incredibly charming pugs.
A Laid-Back Read for a Laid-Back Love
One of the book’s strengths is its easy-going, conflict-light storytelling.
While there are moments of tension in their relationship, the narrative takes a step back from scene-by-scene re-enactments, allowing readers to experience the story without the intensity often found in autobiographical works.
It’s almost as if to say, “The easier you make your love, the more satisfying it is.”
Pug Jokes and Metaphors
The Pugs are central to the book’s narration and humor.
They are full of jokes:
And serve as both intentional and unintentional metaphors for what it’s like to live with, care for, and love someone with a somewhat disabled experience.
Honest Yet Respectful Mental Health Depiction
Maria and Scott’s connection over their shared mental health struggles is a key part of the story.
The book shows how these challenges affect their lives.
But with less details, it could be said this approach respects the boundaries of their personal experiences, honors their relationship, and also protects readers from potential retraumatization.
Semiautobiographical Mental Health Depiction in SHOULD WE BUY A GUN?
This reminds me of a significant semiautobiographical mental health storyline in my own graphic novel, SHOULD WE BUY A GUN?
A few people who’ve read the manuscript have asked how one of the characters is semiautobiographical, given that many details of his life differ from mine.
I believed it was important to show what my experience could have been like if my life circumstances were similar yet different, without as much love and support, and to not disown the capacities in others that are present in ourselves as well.
Thanks!
A big thank you to Maria and Scott for creating such an enjoyable and easy-to-read graphic novel and the fun in-person moment.
And thanks to all of you for reading this week’s enthusiasm :)