Every once in a while you’re asked to review a web comic that is cutting edge, full of new ideas and imaginative plots, and great stories.

This one definitely wasn’t it.

I originally had a long review written, rife with witty ripostes, slightly sarcastic humor and numerous examples showing why I simply didn’t like this web comic at all. Then I read a review of a recent movie and realized that all of that wasn’t necessary to get my point across. So here you have the new and improved review and I hope you’re happy.

I gave KBG 1 star, for a lot of reasons. One was the art itself. I felt that it lacked not only imagination, but indeed seemed to have very little thought put into it, period. The scenes, little more than doodles, really, varied only in occasional pose and by inclusion of some prop piece needed for the cartoon itself. I realize that not everyone has to draw like a Picasso, but come on. The main reason why I gave the comic 1 star, though, was because of the storylines, or lack of them. Instead of breaking new ground, the artist instead chose to take two tried and true lines; (1) rehash the same tired old plots and jokes seen on just about any sitcom and (2) stick only with the socially acceptable digs and jibes, instead of being daring and going into some potentially dangerous territory. Some examples are:

- Religious jokes aplenty, (though none about Muslims or things like the ongoing Rev. Wright saga - it’s cool to bash Christians and the Church and joke about being proud for winging a Jehovah’s Witness, but make fun of black churches or Muslims? Can’t have that.)

- Jokes about gun owners being nuts and deriving their “manliness” from owning a gun (what would have been REALLY imaginative would have been portraying them as NOT crazy, but I guess that would have been too out of step with the accepted norm - knowing many gun owners (including myself) who don’t fit the stereotype as I do, the jokes came off as mundane, witless and dull.)

- Hints not only dropped but thrown right AT you that the artist is gay and proud, and you should be proud of them being so open.

Slight digression here - no doubt some of you are snorting and saying “Hmph. He’s obviously homophobic.” Well, to you I say “Try again!” because I surely am not. I mentioned that last point because I find it ridiculous to parade and shove a person’s sexual orientation - gay OR straight - in people’s faces as though it defines them and somehow makes their work or opinion more worthy of attention or better as a whole. Poor artwork and stories are poor, good are good, no matter WHO you are or who you choose to give your affections to. Are we clear? Good.

- Jokes about the Bush administration (yawn)

- A tag at the end of one comic stating that the artist supposedly had been banned from Australia for 3 years (nothing in the news though) and being worried about the CIA watching them. Nothing says “I’m unstable and paranoid” more than that, let me tell you. Truly detracted from the enjoyment of the comic, as I wondered where else that instability had been sneaked in.

I could go on, but I won’t. Suffice to say that if these kinds of “jokes” appeal to you, then you won’t agree with me and you’ll love it. They don’t, to me, and I didn’t .

And that’s my review. If anyone chooses (and that’s the operative word, here, people - CHOOSES) to be offended, then I guess that’s how it will have to be. Rating:

The Doctor

Kidnapped By Gnomes

by Kathy Peterson

http://www.kidnappedbygnomes.com

(8 votes, average: 3.5 out of 5)

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