| Notable
Quotes about “Jayson” "'Jayson Goes to Hollywood' reunites all of the favorites from the 25 years of Jayson cartoons... They end up in Hollywood on a 'research expedition' where their ulterior motives lead to all kinds of trouble. As always, Krell is unafraid to play with genre conventions, effortlessly maneuvering the characters between scenarios involving sex, politics, comedy, and even science fiction... As with the previous 'Best of' collections, this volume contains a number of short comic episodes, although this time the stories add up to one long story; one might go so far as to call it a "mini-epic." However, despite the episodic divisions, Krell ends almost every page with either a good joke or a turn of events that makes you want to read just one more page, until suddenly you’ve read the whole thing..." – Jay Laird, Edge
[COMPLETE REVIEW]
“The
innocence of the cartoons [in ‘Jayson: Best of the 80s’]
reflects the unflappable optimism of its central duo, Jayson
and his roommate Arena. No matter how many fights they have,
how many boyfriends they lose, or how many struggles with
parental disapproval they have to overcome, they manage to
keep putting themselves in ever-wackier situations, even as
they learn from their past experiences. It’s a tough
balance to maintain, but Krell succeeds brilliantly, letting
the characters grow over the years while still keeping true
to their sit-comic roots… If you’re old enough
to remember gay comics from the 1980s, ‘Jayson’
is among the best of them.” – Jay Laird,
Edge
[COMPLETE REVIEW]
“Krell spends less time [in ‘Jayson: Best of the
90s’] dealing with the darker issues of gay life that
appeared in the first volume, instead taking the characters
on ever-wilder romps. With this freedom, Krell is able to
produce stories that seem even more parallel to the ‘Archie
Comics’ world than his work from the 1980s…
Even the more overtly political stories … still manage
to not take themselves too seriously while depicting genuine
issues of gender oppression and conflict along the way…
The only thing that would improve this collection would be
more of the same." – Jay Laird, Edge
[COMPLETE
REVIEW]
“The strip’s artistry
has the look of ‘Archie’ meets ‘Blondie.’
Though appearing in ‘Meatmen,’ they looked like
they were plucked out of a Midwestern newspaper, which helps
to create a visual irony for the racy subject matter, sexy
plot twists and sometimes-foul language that comes up in the
stories… Krell’s ability to take the current
culture and reflect it though comedy and satire in the lives
of the characters leaves you wondering how the hero would
survive in today’s gay climate.” –
Greg Marzullo, Washington Blade
[COMPLETE REVIEW]
“An artful mix of social commentary
and cultural critique make the comics as relevant today as
when they were first introduced in 1982, a feat perhaps best
displayed in the sci-fi adventure ‘Jayson Visits Planet
69.’” – Shawn Revelle, Q Media Reviews
“I had a great time with Jayson,
his roommate Arena Stage, pornographer/ entrepreneur Robyn
Ricketts, and the other characters who pass through Jayson’s
life... With the right cast and in a better world, ‘Jayson’
would be a beloved television sitcom.” –
Tony Isabella, World Famous Comics
“The strength of the series is in
its deft writing, stylish and evocative characterization and
superbly bitchy dialogue. Related with all the dexterity and
skill of a superior situation comedy, the cutting putdowns
and snide asides are so funny you find yourself saving them
up to use yourself at a later date... And while [Krell’s]
forte is comedy, the occasional downbeat episode manages to
be moving and poignant while still possessed of a mordant
humour... An enjoyable, upbeat read.” –
Howard Stangroom, Comics Forum
“Jughead and Veronica came out of
the closet after graduating from Riverdale High, changed their
names to Jayson and Arena and moved in next door. Their wacky
adventures are almost believable, and their dialogue is hilarious.
Jeff Krell’s subtle homage to Archie Comics only served
to heighten the atmosphere of sly subversion.” –
Trina Robbins, The Great Women Cartoonists
“Jayson caused me to laugh out loud...
The cat-fights between Jayson’s fag-hag roommate Arena
Stage and his cross-dressing pornographer/neighbor Robyn Ricketts
are priceless. And when you read them you’ll be laughing
out loud and telling your friends that you’d react the
same way.” – Rodd Steale, Impact Magazine
“Jeff Krell has the nerve to hold
up the mirror to a gay community which often can’t bear
the reflection of its own two-dimensionality. How many bitchy
queens have I seen stamp their feet and huff, ‘What
a hateful stereotype!’ before going off to gossip about
it with their girlfriends? Hey, folks, caricature is what
cartooning is all about! We’ve all known people like
Jayson and Arena and Robyn and the others. I love how Krell
reduces their whole school of attitude to a few simply-drawn
lines and choice insults.” – Robert Triptow,
Gay Comix
“Jayson and Arena are fully rounded
creations, funny (when they’re not merely pathetic),
and real.” – Michael Willhoite, Lambda
Book Report
“Jayson is just darn funny.
The world of gay cartoons and cartoonists wouldn’t quite
be the same without Mr. Krell and his creation, that much
is for sure.” – Tim Barela, Leonard &
Larry
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