Jump Start

by Robb Armstrong

""He does wonderful work. A strip needs good characters-and that's what Jump Start has.""-Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts Joe and Marcy Cobb are the quintessential young married couple complete with a baby, two busy careers, and eccentric parents. An eminently likable pair, Joe and Marcy juggle their relationship, their jobs-he's a police officer, she's a nurse-and raising their daughter, Sunny. Robb Armstrong's characters are so popular that many readers of Jump Start tell him that they identify with the Cobbs. In fact, Jump Start features issues familiar to readers of all colors. From buying a home to volunteer work to handling the demands of parents and baby, Joe and Marcy manage life's challenges with aplomb. ""Don't say that word, Sunny!"" Joe intones, correcting their daughter's newly discovered use of foul language. ""Bad, bad, bad, bad,"" corrects Marcy in agreement. In the next frame, however, Sunny's trash-talking up a storm in church. ""Next time we won't react so strongly,"" Joe says, embarrassed. ""It's too late for next time,"" says Marcy, cringing in the pew. Still, Armstrong approaches many African-American-specific issues and does so in a decidedly humorous way, and he bases the strip on his own life. While discussing a movie they've heard everyone likes, Marcy tells Joe, ""It's a shoo-in to get overlooked for an Oscar!"" To which Joe responds, ""That good, huh?"" Robb Armstrong offers a unique perspective that strikes a chord with audiences hungry for a positive, authentic portrayal of middle-class African-Americans. Jump Start 's humor crosses all lines because it's just appealing, realistic, and downright funny!

Genres: Comics, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Robb Armstrong is an American cartoonist, best known for creating the comic strip Jump Start, as well some of his motivational speeches. He was on March 4, 1962 born in Philadelphia and now lives near the city in Conshohocken with his wife and two children. He graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.

On May 19, 2012, Robb Armstrong received an honorary “Doctor of Humane Letters”, Honoris causa degree from Holy Family University in Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 bk 53. I loved this collection that showcases the starting strips of this cartoon series. Joe, Marcy, and their daughter, Sunny are a delight to follow as Armstrong shares the joys of moving, home ownership, a new baby, and learning to live with a family. This book brings smiles!

[Krystie Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved comic books, and discovering a comic strip that's new to me, that's sweet and funny, is a Christmas present in July.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that had me laughing to tears. If you are looking for a break from everything 2020 and you want to have a lot of great laughs, "JumpStart A Love Story" is the perfect stay-cation! The writing is clever, honest, heartwarming and hilarious. I highly recommend you get a copy!

[E]

Maybe best for people that relate to parenting jokes