Depression is Fun!

by Nina Paley

Genres: Humor

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1992

Reviews

[Robu-sensei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, Depression Is Fun mostly represents the "bitter ex" facet of Nina Paley's artwork; she is much better known for her incisive and acidly sarcastic commentary on overpopulation and American commercialism. However, given that the latter topics would utterly destroy the sales potential of any comic collection, I should try to keep my expectations under control, and instead praise this rare find for its hilarious parody of 1990s American culture. There is plenty of material there, ripe for the poking fun at, and Paley--who drew heavily from her brief life in Santa Cruz in this collection--gives it the skewering it deserves. The final page alone, a not-so-subtle swipe at Cathy Guisewite's undeserved fame, makes the entire book worthwhile for fans of Paley's humor.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became aware of Paley through her childfree comics, a breath of fresh air in the often baby-crazed world of memoir strips.

In this collection, she tackles a variety of issues inspired by her own life, but it's the sardonic cover and title that really hooked me. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is laugh.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to re-read this collection of Urbana born and raised Nina Paley. My cartoonist daughter credits Paley as an early influence. My comic books-actual books by Trudeau, Paley, Nicolle Hollander, and others were all on two lower bookshelves in a large upper hallway where Emi often played.