Coffee is for Grown Ups comes to you courtesy of Lucy and her inner voice Ebil, as the artist (the ink on paper version) tries to collect her thoughts in sequential story form.
The story begins as an allegory between a loveshy boy 'n' girl and the "monsters of weakness that plague us all". You know the monsters, apathy, indifference , no confidence and all their scaly friends. It's not exactly an original premise, and the comic itself, personified by Ebil, knows it and demands a better story from Lucy.
This incident sets the tone for the comic and this emerging voice is what keeps me interested. The fine line between knowingness and modesty tapers through the pages and the result is an odd, strangely pleasing comic. It also seems a little familiar and I think the external influence of Craig Thompson and the TopShelf school of comix-making is as strong as the coffee spurring the artist on from within.
Coffee is for Grown Ups, with it's cast of scrawly-eyed monsters, simply drawn yet expressive people, slobbering dogs, stray leaves and cola cans is very likeable and though as a read, there's not a great deal to keep me occupied, it's got me hankering for a refill.
And you get a free cute badge on the cover.
Price: 50p +P&P?
Lucy, 22 Royal Park Grove, Hyde Park, Leeds, LS6 1HQ