Cometbus 47: Lanky

Cometbus #47

by Aaron Cometbus

Aaron's description of his travels, life, houses, and culture. #47, the first perfect bound issue, is a story about an 18 character and his love interest at the time, "Lanky". Aaron claims its not "memoir", perhaps creative non-fiction? Aaron has an amazing ability to explain and glamorize things in punk that most of forget or begin to take for granted. He makes sex in a dumpster sound like something to seek out. He makes me want to kiss in the rain. He makes a horrible tour sound like a great experience. He turns broken bones and horrible injuries into a great metaphor for appreciating life. Each issue is limited to only 8,000 copies so they become collectible.

90 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Aaron Elliott, better known as Aaron Cometbus, is a drummer, lyricist, self-described "punk anthropologist" and author of Cometbus, a seminal punk rock zine.

Reviews

[Ryan Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me first start by saying I know Cometbus is a zine, and this is but one issue of it, but while the others generally have a smattering of short stories, interviews, reviews, and others, this is a straight novella, with chapters, a normal book binding, and everything.

I loved this when I first read it back when it came out (date on the page is wrong- I found somewhere online it is from '99 which sounds about right- it may have been 2000 by the time I got it), but I loved it even more when I read it recently, as an adult. Aaron has a wonderful way with words and makes each memory important and special.

It's bittersweet, melancholic, and just a little gritty. The only complaint I have about this book is that more people can't read it.

[Arielle Burgdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been revisiting old issues of Cometbus lately, and I'm pleased to say that my teenage self wasn't wrong to love it. Sure, Cometbus verges into cliche and corny, but only because he's discussing timeless punk truths and universal feelings. Honestly, although the snark in me wants to call bullshit, I think the writing is solid, and I'm consistently impressed by his humanity, his curiosity about the world and love of people. I didn't feel like I learned much about the eponymous Lanky, this is more about Aaron's alienation and friendships, but it's great for what it is.

[10thumbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great anthropological study from Aaron Cometbus — this time in the guise of detailing the relationship with his first girlfriend. I'm super bummed I didn't get into Cometbus in the mid-90s, but love pouring through them now.

[EC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a punk rock girlfriend in h.s. named "Tall & Slanky." Very similar.