Mary's Review: Lenore by Roman Dirge

The purpose of this review, it must be said outright, is to asuage the reviewer's taste in horrifying, macabre humor. Lenore boasts none of the deep thought of Sandman or even JTHM, nor is its art of the caliber of manga. It offers its own quirks and style, and the best option left to such comics; making the reader laugh. Lenore's stories aren't interconnected, and the series is comprised of three short volumes, Noogies, Wedgies, and Cooties. The average plot ranges from one to six pages and usually involves Lenore, the "Cute Little Dead Girl" bringing about adorable mayhem. Other comics sprinkled throughout (usually one page) feature the strip's creator Roman Dirge. These are often the best: one comic involves Roman downing a drink at the bar for an absent friend... however, he forgets to stop drinking for this friend, and unwittingly sends him into the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Funnier in execution. Still, if it's the kind of thing that inspires raised eyebrows instead of laughter (guilty or maniacal is accepted), then Lenore is not for you. It certainly isn't a great classic, but it will please fans of horror comics (particularly Jhonen Vasquez fans). What more can one expect from a comic originally designed to fill space?
Final Verdict: 3Q, 2P