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- Verified Buyer
I first found this book while perusing a Barnes and Nobel about 17 years ago while my mom was getting her hair done. I was a big fan of the Simpsons, and was surprised to learn that Matt Groening had done things prior to the show. At the time, I could tell I really enjoyed the comics, but I couldn't put my finger on why. They were funny, but not that funny, the art was passable, but not phenomenal. Now, on the doorstep of thirty, with ten years of Sartre, Nietzsche, Hesse, etc under my belt and I finally understand what led me to spent my hard-earned allowance on a book full of black and white comics...If you're a progressive parent that wants your teenager to start thinking about things a bit outside of the norm, something beyond say Hollister vs American Apparel, or Uniqlo vs Supreme, get them this comic. It deals with sex, sexuality, drugs, depression, suicide, parenthood, childhood, work, fulfillment (or lack thereof), the big Why, and a litany of others. Some of the comics haven't aged very well (though you might argue that any stereotypes might just be meta commentary), but by and large I think it's a good book to get kids started with the struggle of existence.If you're a Republican, I wouldn't get this book, there are a lot of jokes at your ideology's expense (most of the comics were produced during the Reagan 80's).I purchased this when it came out (85ish?) and it had me in hysterics then. Wife sold it in garage sale, I found out about it 20 years later and bought it again. In fact I bought all the "Rabbit from hell" books lol.If you are a fan of the creator of the Simpson’s, you’ll like this book. This book was written before the Simpson’s was created and led to the ideas to create the Simpson’s.giftIt's so much more involved and deep than the Simpsons. Just prepare for a generous peppering of curse words. There was one gag that made me burst out laughing for a couple of minutes. My co-workers at the lunch table did not appreciate my performance. You know where they can go...Matt Groenings' mind worked in strange ways, but he captured the essence and complexities of Human behavior! From Birth to Death we experience many, many, life changing, and thought changing events which influence our lives! This book is not a "Fast Read" type of "Comic" book, but a reflection of the Human condition! Great Reading!Please understand that I am writing what I think about this book.I liked Life in Hell back when I was in college reading the University newspaper. I thought it very funny. However, now I find, 25 years later the subject matter and topics discussed and the way they are discussed extremely depressing and cynical. I find that The Far Side has held up much better than this comic has.I read it through in one night and now wish I had not bought it but cannot bring myself to throw it away yet.Maybe I just don't get it. I thought it'd be kinda cool to pick up some of Groening's pre-Simpsons work, but this collection is kind of just bizarre. In the first dozen or so pages, there's a big emphasis on a sexually frustrated bunny and his attempts to creep on the girl bunny. I'd give this one a big ol' shrug. I haven't really managed to pick it back up once I put it down.As described and delivered promptly. Content not as good as the review I'd read had suggested.I bought this from a review which said it was funny and insightful on any page you turned to. I got a couple of wry smiles from it but that's about all. Pehaps you need to be a die-hard fan.great coffee table book. A hint of my university days.Great series.
