This is subtitled “Autobiographical Musings”, presumably on purpose, but don’t let that put you off - this fine slice of comics cake is much better than the author’s own description would indicate.

What we have here is a record of the first few stumbles of heartbreak, as detailed by someone who doesn’t ever feel as though they will understand what love is. Well, everyone can empathise with that. While the whole tone of autobiography is one that can veer towards self pity (I think we’ve all seen comics like that), here it manages to escape this trap by cheerfully acknowledging this tendency. It’s a neat trick, and undercuts what could otherwise become very annoying. What is left is a winsome, funny little book that provides a few swift laughs and some moments of recognition.

The comics contained within date from 2002 to 2005, and an evolution can easily be traced if one follows the easy to follow dates on the contents page. Certainly Waugh’s art has become more relaxed and comfortable as time has gone on.
His art has grow stronger and is now more iconic than his earlier efforts. It has a crisp, clean quality to it that echoes the work of John Bagnell, or even fellow Scot John Miller.

Oddly, the stand out strip in the issue is the page long preface, in which Waugh welcomes his readers. It has an assurance of pace and dialogue that sets high standards for the rest of the issue, which the admittedly slight pieces sometimes cannot match.

The back cover proclaims that this is Glaikit Comics, which is a great title for anything, and I hope to see it in use again soon. I especially look forward to seeing Waugh attempt something with a bit more length to it. This has comic has set the stage for something with a little more meat on its bones.

Melanchomic is available for £1.50 plus an SAE from the author. You can contact him at andrewjameswaugh@yahoo.co.uk to ask for more information.