Page 45 Review by Jonathan
"So we ran like hell and didn't look back.
"We stopped having sex and robbing banks.
"We stopped worrying about the Sex Police after a while."
Hmm... almost certainly a bad idea, that.
SEX CRIMINALS VOL 1 is still available if this is your first time.
Volume two opens up with Suzie and Jon having just got away from Kegelface and the Sex Police. Given they've worked out they're not the only ones who can manipulate time through the power of orgasm, you might think they'd be a little more paranoid about their criminally charitable funding of the local library, ensuring a stay of execution on its foreclosure through the cash they appropriated from financial institutions. Once Jon has a not-so-chance encounter in real time with Kegelface however, which he keeps to himself, his paranoia kicks in with a vengeance, rapidly turning in him into a dribbling mess, necessitating some serious medication which in turn doesn't do much for his libido. Oh dear.
Suzie on the other hand is just feeling relieved that they've seemingly got away with it, and reconnecting with best friend Rachel. She's clearly concerned for Jon and what he's going through but perhaps also a touch relieved to get away from the madness their lives had become. Jon meanwhile in his deranged state decides it would be a good idea to indulge in a little breaking and entering of Kegelface's house. Given Kegelface's response is to arrange the demolition of the library they'd worked so hard to save, it's not surprising Suzie is a teensy-weensie bit upset. So, as you do, they decide to enlist the help of a former porn star turned professor who also shares their peculiar ability, to try and take the fight to the enemy. I'm not entirely sure if they could get away with it, but I am half expecting volume three to be subtitled Fuck The Sex Police.
That brief synopsis barely scratches the surface of the contents of this second volume, by the way. Every issue is just non-stop conversations and inner monologues recounting the most bizarre scenarios, frequently sexual, of a hilarious nature from our various characters to drive the plot along. It is just so, so much fun to read. For a title based on such a ridiculous single premise it's amazing what comedy gold Fraction is managing to craft. For example, the sequence where Ana (the porn professor) is recounting her first time-stopping orgasm just so happens to be on the set of a porn shoot... a WICKED + THE DIVINE-themed porn shoot... Really.
Chip Zdarsky, meanwhile, continues to draw, colour and letter this title to climax-inducing perfection. Beautiful panel and page composition, tremendous design work, amazing delicate and detailed lines, brilliant colouring. This title is actually my current monthly favourite both in terms of storytelling and the artwork at the moment. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for Zdarsky to visualise and render such an unusual story. He really does contribute just as much as Fraction to the success of this unique title. Indeed as Matt comments in his heartfelt and touching dedication...
"To Chip's mom and dad
Thank you for fucking
And making my Chipper
He is my everything."
