Homestuck Book 2: Act 3 & Intermission comics review

Homestuck Book 2: Act 3 & Intermission cover image

Homestuck was a webcomic created, written, illustrated, and animated by Andrew Hussie.  It was published online from 2009 to 2016 for the equivalent of 8000 pages.  Considered minimalist and innovative, Homestuck followed a format of a classic role-playing game.  In general, Homestuck had an evolving and expanding story line that defied and still defies conventional descriptions.

Homestuck was apparently a pop-culture phenomenon with a “legion” of devoted fans from around the world.  Hussie reportedly even raised over seven-hundred thousand dollars in a crowdfunding campaign.  Homestuck apparently takes its inspiration from old-school, role-playing video games.  The characters (which are drawn without arms except when they need to use arms) are guided by actual readers' suggestions.  Hussie moves the story forward through a hybrid of webcomics graphics, chat logs, “Flash” animation, GIFs, instant messaging, music and narration that mimics video games.

VIZ Media is currently collecting Homestuck in a series of deluxe, full-color hardcover editions and is publishing it on a quarterly basis.  Each hardcover features new cover art and also commentary by series creator Andrew Hussie.  Each book is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and carries a print manufacturer's suggest retail price (MSRP) of $24.99 U.S. / $33.99 CAN.  The book also debuts digitally via viz.com and the VIZ Manga App will also be available via the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play stores.

What is going on in Homestuck?  There is a young man, perhaps named “John Egbert.”  The first volume finds him standing in his bedroom.  It is his 13th birthday, and he is about to embark on an adventure involving birthday cakes, magic chests, hammers, arms (detachable and otherwise), harlequins, imps, eccentric architecture, movable home furnishings, bunnies, and especially a video game.  But new players also found themselves in predicaments.

Homestuck Book 2: Act 3 & Intermission opens with Jade Harley maybe a.k.a. “Farmstink Buttlass.”  She is involved with horticulture, a flute, and “Fetch Modus,” whatever that is.  The Midnight Crew uses cards as their weapon of choice, and Dave will fight with “Bro.”  Then, he spars with his old puppet, that is sparring with his buddy “Li'l Cal.”

Don't forget about Jade's journey to the “Grand Foyer,” which will take her past “Big Game Trophies,” “Valiant Knights,” and “Decrepit Mummies.”  This is juxtaposed against Rose who is playing on a hubgrid.  Dave is still fighting, and where is John?  PM and the “Sentry Worm.” What?!?

THE LOWDOWN:  My VIZ Media rep has sent me a copy each of the first two volumes of Homestuck.  I am still trying to unravel this webcomic, and visiting the original web version of it helps.

Homestuck Book 2: Act 3 & Intermission repeats the wittiness and craziness of the first volume.  For me, the humor seems droll and surreal.  It is imaginative and maddening, but I can't help but try to experience it, even as I am perplexed.  Perhaps, Homestuck is meant for the ones who already love it, but some of us newbies can be stubborn about it and can keep trying to get it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Homestuck the webcomic and of unique webcomics will want to try the hardcover Homestuck collections.

B+
7 out of 10

homestuck.com