The first thing that strikes one about Spooner is its size. This is a slightly oversized comic book with a thick, cardstock cover. It's not a big deal, but I get the feeling that Spooner is meant to be more than a comic book. It seems designed to be a conversation. It's far from a coffee table book, but it's certainly more resilient than the typical comic book. It's meant to be read by many, not by one and tucked away in a plastic sleeve in an acid-free cardboard box. This issue -- a collection of published and unpublished newspaper strips, as well as an opening story that's more in the comic-book vein -- is quite accessible thanks to its universal focus: that men are lovable clods who will never understand women. It's familiar fare, but it's comfortable and cute as well.
Spooner and Roxanne are relatively newlyweds who are moving into their first house together. The walls are painted a weird color and the place needs a little bit of work. Also needing work is Spooner's couth and sensitivity. The couple is very much in love, but Spooner has a proclivity for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. And it usually involves an unknowing implication that Rox's ass is big.
Dawson's cartooning style is a simple one but an effective one. I'm reminded of the art of Terry (Paradise Too!) Moore, Tom (True Story Swear to God) Beland, Bill (Calvin & Hobbes) Watterson and... oh, whoever does that Arlo & Janis strip. Though simple, Dawson's art incorporates a strong eye for anatomy, which brings these characters to life. A nice added visual treat is the silent story that unfolds in single panels at the bottom of every page.
I mentioned Beland's True Story already, and comparisons between the two books are unavoidable. Beland's book boasts a lot more depth than Dawson's, though. The characters here aren't nearly as individual and well developed as Tom and Lily are in TSSTG. Nor should they be, to be honest. This book is about recognizing oneself in the everyday, universal quirks of romance and married life. The jokes are predictable, for the most part, but they're nevertheless enjoyable.
I'm not at a point in my life yet where these characters are, but I'm on my way there. It was easy to relate to Spooner and Rox's ordinary escapades in each other's lives. Love is a wonderful thing, but it's silly and fun and awkward as well. Even the fights. Ultimately, I think Dawson's point is that a relationship can depend a lot on one's point of view, and one can't help but give in to the sweetness of his message.
