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Matchmaker
The complete collection of cartoonist Cam Marshall's joyful queer slice-of-life webcomic!
Best friends Mason and Kimmy live through their early twenties in the early ‘20s, navigating a global pandemic and terrifying job market alongside making friends, dating, and playing way too many video games. But when shy and nervous Mason can’t find a boyfriend, it’s up to Kimmy to play matchmaker!
Who will it be? The cute boy down the hall with the Sailor Moon mask? A mysterious stranger from the dating profile that Kimmy masterminded? Or maybe the angsty barista from the neighborhood coffee shop?
A stubbornly hopeful and funny comic about the bonds between queer and trans friends, the families we make, and the happiness we find in each other.
Best friends Mason and Kimmy live through their early twenties in the early ‘20s, navigating a global pandemic and terrifying job market alongside making friends, dating, and playing way too many video games. But when shy and nervous Mason can’t find a boyfriend, it’s up to Kimmy to play matchmaker!
Who will it be? The cute boy down the hall with the Sailor Moon mask? A mysterious stranger from the dating profile that Kimmy masterminded? Or maybe the angsty barista from the neighborhood coffee shop?
A stubbornly hopeful and funny comic about the bonds between queer and trans friends, the families we make, and the happiness we find in each other.
280 pages, ebook
4 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 21, 2023
Who'da thunk you could make an amusing romantic comedy set during the COVID-19 pandemic? A bunch of LGBTQ+ people in their twenties do the dating thing while grouching about their jobs and people who don't wear masks.
Fun. Also surprisingly long, but never boring.
I was surprised in the midst of all the froth to see an extended sequence with one character going off their current antidepressant in order to switch to a new one. It's a realistic situation I haven't seen addressed before.
Fun. Also surprisingly long, but never boring.
I was surprised in the midst of all the froth to see an extended sequence with one character going off their current antidepressant in order to switch to a new one. It's a realistic situation I haven't seen addressed before.
December 30, 2023
This was a surprise, last-minute entry in my list of favourite reads of 2023! I requested it from the library knowing pretty much nothing else about it except that it was queer and looked cute. I ended up devouring it in a couple days, and I'm now mourning that it's over.
We follow Kimmy and Mason through dating, breakups, and accumulating a growing group of queer friends. I loved these characters so much, and I was laughing out loud at several pages. It's just such a cute, funny, and relatable read.
Kimmy is an unforgettable character. They're over-the-top bubbly and silly, and they radiate confidence. I really appreciated reading about a fat transfem character who is so secure in themselves.
This community of queer friends was the strength of this story. Not only have Mason and Kimmy been best friends since high school, but they also make connections with other queer people, quickly growing a supportive friend group. Despite the struggles they're dealing with in terms of employment, the pandemic, dating, capitalism, and more, that rock solid foundation made this a comforting and cozy read.
I do have one complaint, though, and I hope it's changed in later editions, because it doesn't fit with the range of queer identities represented positively in this story: Kimmy refers to their lack of libido from being off their medication as being asexual, including triumphantly declaring, "I'm not ace anymore!" when their sex drive returned, which isn't great, especially because I believe that's the only mention of asexuality in the book.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
We follow Kimmy and Mason through dating, breakups, and accumulating a growing group of queer friends. I loved these characters so much, and I was laughing out loud at several pages. It's just such a cute, funny, and relatable read.
Kimmy is an unforgettable character. They're over-the-top bubbly and silly, and they radiate confidence. I really appreciated reading about a fat transfem character who is so secure in themselves.
This community of queer friends was the strength of this story. Not only have Mason and Kimmy been best friends since high school, but they also make connections with other queer people, quickly growing a supportive friend group. Despite the struggles they're dealing with in terms of employment, the pandemic, dating, capitalism, and more, that rock solid foundation made this a comforting and cozy read.
I do have one complaint, though, and I hope it's changed in later editions, because it doesn't fit with the range of queer identities represented positively in this story: Kimmy refers to their lack of libido from being off their medication as being asexual, including triumphantly declaring, "I'm not ace anymore!" when their sex drive returned, which isn't great, especially because I believe that's the only mention of asexuality in the book.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
September 14, 2023
The best comic I’ve ever read!! It honestly kept me going throughout 2021.
It’s lighthearted and funny but tackles a lot of relatable subjects like unemployment, family relationships, and being in your 20s while trying to figure yourself out. For a while the daily strips posted on Twitter were the best part of my days and I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed Marshall’s work. Fans of Matchmaker should also look for Flying Saucer Disc, a short comic that came out not long after Matchmaker, available on their Patreon.
Can’t wait to receive my physical copy in the mail! So excited by this debut comic and I can’t wait to see more from this author.
It’s lighthearted and funny but tackles a lot of relatable subjects like unemployment, family relationships, and being in your 20s while trying to figure yourself out. For a while the daily strips posted on Twitter were the best part of my days and I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed Marshall’s work. Fans of Matchmaker should also look for Flying Saucer Disc, a short comic that came out not long after Matchmaker, available on their Patreon.
Can’t wait to receive my physical copy in the mail! So excited by this debut comic and I can’t wait to see more from this author.
March 1, 2024
I read Matchmaker as it was coming out on Twitter and then again when the epub versions came out and then again when the physical version came out in a single sitting and let me tell ya, Matchmaker *good*.
January 30, 2025
I hope everyone experiences friendships like this. 🥹
October 3, 2023
Matchmaker is one of those books that feels like it was made just for me. It’s a sweet, hilarious slice-of-life series following the friendships and romances of three queer kids trying to make it through the pandemic, and their early twenties, together. Story wise, I found a lot to relate to, from the peaks and valleys of their job searches and mental health treatments to their taste in manga (Urusei Yatsura and Chainsaw Man get shout outs in BACK TO BACK PANELS!!). I especially appreciated the way the arc of the story touches on the queer experience from many different perspectives, all with a gentle and supportive touch. There are scenes about characters coming out to their family, friends, and neighbors as queer or trans that I found very healing to read. Even in these more charged moments, this book is all about the joy of finding your people.
The art is pitch perfect for warm and laid-back story telling. Every slice-of-life comedy needs varied and dramatic reaction faces, and this book is Full Of Them. I sent a million screenshots of funny panels around while reading this, giggling all the while. The character design is super endearing and does a great job capturing a more manga-influenced style while remaining distinct from comparison points like Scott Pilgrim. It was also a joy to watch Cam’s style change over the course of the comic, becoming tighter, more clean, and more detailed, especially between each chapter.
I wish I could be pals with Kimmy, Mason, and Marlowe, but reading this is the next best thing! If you love a cute ‘lil romance story, and especially if you love a queer one, you will adore this book. For me it’s an instant favorite and a book I know I’ll return to many times over.
The art is pitch perfect for warm and laid-back story telling. Every slice-of-life comedy needs varied and dramatic reaction faces, and this book is Full Of Them. I sent a million screenshots of funny panels around while reading this, giggling all the while. The character design is super endearing and does a great job capturing a more manga-influenced style while remaining distinct from comparison points like Scott Pilgrim. It was also a joy to watch Cam’s style change over the course of the comic, becoming tighter, more clean, and more detailed, especially between each chapter.
I wish I could be pals with Kimmy, Mason, and Marlowe, but reading this is the next best thing! If you love a cute ‘lil romance story, and especially if you love a queer one, you will adore this book. For me it’s an instant favorite and a book I know I’ll return to many times over.
January 8, 2024
Eeeeee this was so cute for so many reasons!
1. I'm a sucker for a square shaped graphic novel
2. As a late blooming queer I loveee reading stories about young queers stumbling through adulthood and being generally chaotic and sweet and messy together
3. Slice of life shenanigans
4. PINK HAIRED PROTAG
1. I'm a sucker for a square shaped graphic novel
2. As a late blooming queer I loveee reading stories about young queers stumbling through adulthood and being generally chaotic and sweet and messy together
3. Slice of life shenanigans
4. PINK HAIRED PROTAG
September 26, 2023
Laugh out loud funny, thoughtful at times, responsible in the way it handled the pandemic, great friendship and communication.
December 20, 2023
sometimes being gay IS cool
February 5, 2024
so sweet and wonderful! I love gay people
December 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
So the style is really cute but the jokes just didn't stick for me. It's nice to have an LGBTQ+ slice of life story though.
So the style is really cute but the jokes just didn't stick for me. It's nice to have an LGBTQ+ slice of life story though.
May 13, 2024
Super cute!! Loved it. The word cringe was used a lot more than I'd usually recommend but it didnt detract from my enjoyment really.
January 10, 2024
super cute queer pandemic comic, only complaint is the mis-diagnose of asexuality, but super cute nonetheless
January 4, 2024
This was a cutely drawn graphic novel that dragged on a bit much. Three queer 20 somethings go through dating woes and living through COVID times. The plot is pretty simple and the book is a pretty quick read but it just felt overly long.
October 21, 2023
This one does hand springs through the relationship hijinks of a group of friends in their 20s during Covid. Each is exploring their gender spectrum and/or sexuality in their own way, as well as making connections and family where they may. The art is cute, if manic.
January 14, 2024
Pretty cute LGBTQ book. I usually love queer titles. However, the pacing felt rushed and off in spots. Some of the jokes didn't really land for me. I wanted to love this (a lot of folks hyped this up) but sadly, this wasn't for me. :/
July 21, 2024
non spoiler review, scroll down for spoiler-review: actually one of the best comics ever i love that it’s set during covid, so deeply relatable to the bone and touching and heart wrenching, i just finished my second read of it this month… i’ve never read a comic so current and like… grounded in reality o_0 really helps me process my own covid experiences too… didn’t really enjoy where the plot and pacing goes in the later volumes tho……
⬇️ *SPOILER SECTION*
especially in the final volume(s)…
i really don’t like that there are only white ppl LOL (except the only emo filipino who kind of sucks.) mason doesn’t need a bf… especially not one that sucks sm… ik the whole series is abt matchmaking him but isn’t it kind of cool for kimmy to end up the taken one while mason (LITERALLY EVEN SAYS HIMSELF) is “ just ok being single “ C’MAWNNNNN -_- also idk. idk. i feel like the artist really made it fully like a manga-manga in the last volumes maybe for publishing purposes? idk? i feel like at the beginning they never intended for it to be a proper proper manga and not a webcomic yk? but i don’t like that it really goes down the anime route… like im reading a western comic artist/mangaka for a reason and i think its nice to embrace that rather than try to emulate/use overdone anime tropes that imo don’t fit the tone of this series ;_; i like that this author is usually really good at like showing their weeb side just a little just enough to be fun but the last chapter is just so not what i came for. yeah.. overall still like im so really attached to the first 4 volumes so 80% of this comic is perfect ^_^
⬇️ *SPOILER SECTION*
especially in the final volume(s)…
i really don’t like that there are only white ppl LOL (except the only emo filipino who kind of sucks.) mason doesn’t need a bf… especially not one that sucks sm… ik the whole series is abt matchmaking him but isn’t it kind of cool for kimmy to end up the taken one while mason (LITERALLY EVEN SAYS HIMSELF) is “ just ok being single “ C’MAWNNNNN -_- also idk. idk. i feel like the artist really made it fully like a manga-manga in the last volumes maybe for publishing purposes? idk? i feel like at the beginning they never intended for it to be a proper proper manga and not a webcomic yk? but i don’t like that it really goes down the anime route… like im reading a western comic artist/mangaka for a reason and i think its nice to embrace that rather than try to emulate/use overdone anime tropes that imo don’t fit the tone of this series ;_; i like that this author is usually really good at like showing their weeb side just a little just enough to be fun but the last chapter is just so not what i came for. yeah.. overall still like im so really attached to the first 4 volumes so 80% of this comic is perfect ^_^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2023
Incredibly queer and quirky. The characters made me very happy, people I’d be friends with. Read this while recovering from my covid booster drowsy mild feverishness. It made me laugh out loud many times and it’s nice to see how far we’ve come since 2020 even tho covid is still around (despite how much we want to ignore it). I highly recommend this sweet comic!! The drawings, slice of life tidbits, and characters are the best.
October 8, 2025
This was my favorite book ever it has so many funny moments and the characters are so cute I would definitely recommend I read this book 3 times whenever I see the cover I start reading 📖 it is so cute and I love it ❤️
November 7, 2023
Welcome Back!
I am woefully behind on reading my manga and graphic novels lately. I have been on such an audiobook kick (finishing multiple books in a week as they come off of holds on my Libby account). So this week I made sure to make time, to pick up at least two or three different graphic novels and manga. The first of those was a Hoopla graphic novel called Matchmaker.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Mason and Kimmy are two best friends living in their 20s in a very unique time for the world. They are living through COVID-19 (which I am sure many people reading this also experienced). Mason and Kimmy make the choice to get an apartment together so they can help to keep each other safe at the start of COVID-19. They rent something small but large enough for them and begin to try to find ways to make friends, date, and get jobs!
I picked up this graphic novel from Hoopla on a whim. I saw the cover and was like yes, that looks super fun, let’s read it. I can say with absolute certainty I really really enjoyed it. I wish there was more! I even did some research and I could not find anything that told me more story was coming. I loved every character, the art style, and the story. I am going to be tracking down a physical copy of this to add to my shelves. In the meantime, I highly recommend giving it a try! If your library has Hoopla, you may be able to check it out there!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
I am woefully behind on reading my manga and graphic novels lately. I have been on such an audiobook kick (finishing multiple books in a week as they come off of holds on my Libby account). So this week I made sure to make time, to pick up at least two or three different graphic novels and manga. The first of those was a Hoopla graphic novel called Matchmaker.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Mason and Kimmy are two best friends living in their 20s in a very unique time for the world. They are living through COVID-19 (which I am sure many people reading this also experienced). Mason and Kimmy make the choice to get an apartment together so they can help to keep each other safe at the start of COVID-19. They rent something small but large enough for them and begin to try to find ways to make friends, date, and get jobs!
I picked up this graphic novel from Hoopla on a whim. I saw the cover and was like yes, that looks super fun, let’s read it. I can say with absolute certainty I really really enjoyed it. I wish there was more! I even did some research and I could not find anything that told me more story was coming. I loved every character, the art style, and the story. I am going to be tracking down a physical copy of this to add to my shelves. In the meantime, I highly recommend giving it a try! If your library has Hoopla, you may be able to check it out there!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
September 26, 2024
While I find the art fantastic, the friendships adorable, and the story humorously relatable (including gen z humor, covid and employment struggles, queer identities, a character named Cass, etc), the only reason this isn't a 10 outta 5 stars for me is the only included mention of asexuality is in reference to a character becoming depressed. With how respectful and nuanced this comic was to every other identity, it was jarring and disappointing to see a character joke about how they are "no longer ace" once their libido comes back after taking antidepressants. Not only does this parrot the tired and hurtful assumption that asexuality is a medical issue that needs to be cured, but also fails to understand the basic and easy researchable fact that low sex drive ≠ ace. (If you want to know more about how attraction has no correlation to libido, please look up some first-hand experiences from asexuals). Since every single character ends up in a relationship by the end of this story, it's difficult to not see this as a purposeful and unnecessary slight to include at all.
July 8, 2024
4.5 stars! I needed this during the pandemic but even now, this was so uplifting and hopeful. While it did tackle issues like unemployment, job instability, etc, it was ultimately wholesome and heartwarming. It reminded me that we can find a support system and build a caring community around ourselves despite the odds. I loved the found family aspect of this and it was really touching to see LGBTQ+ characters find each other and create a safe space together. It also reminded me of when all my friends and I did was play Animal Crossing and other games online and call each other on Discord every day just to keep each other company during the lockdown. That really helped me stay sane and deal with the stress and worry that came with COVID. While we might not be at the height of the pandemic anymore, I still think this comic is beautiful and emotional. I hope it continues to find its audience and I would read more from this author.
April 5, 2024
This was a delightful, fun read revolving around queer friendships and dating amidst COVID-19.
I really enjoyed the sense of community within the story and how it didn’t shy away from being silly or tackling subjects you don’t often get portrayal of in media (I.e., weeding off of antidepressants to change prescription, gender intricacy, relationships with your gender and regarding those around you, etc).
I also appreciate how they handled concerns regarding the pandemic (from masking, exposures, and vaccination to navigating existing with people with disregard to the risk of contagion).
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I really enjoyed the sense of community within the story and how it didn’t shy away from being silly or tackling subjects you don’t often get portrayal of in media (I.e., weeding off of antidepressants to change prescription, gender intricacy, relationships with your gender and regarding those around you, etc).
I also appreciate how they handled concerns regarding the pandemic (from masking, exposures, and vaccination to navigating existing with people with disregard to the risk of contagion).
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
September 23, 2024
"Matchmaker" is a smart and jocose graphic novel following the lives of queer best friends kimmy and mason during the onset of the covid pandemic. kimmy is dedicated to getting mason his first boyfriend and in the process of achieving that they make new friends, practice covid cautiousness, traverse the wild west of job hunting as a young person, discuss queerness & transness in honest and funny ways and share the social horrors of dating and putting yourself out there.
i laughed so much reading this, every chapter is full of humor and incredibly relatable moments. i shared many a screenshot of panels with my friends and cackled on the subway. i enjoyed this so much and look forward to other publications from cam marshall.
i laughed so much reading this, every chapter is full of humor and incredibly relatable moments. i shared many a screenshot of panels with my friends and cackled on the subway. i enjoyed this so much and look forward to other publications from cam marshall.
December 19, 2023
THIS WAS SO CUTE AHHH
Like a sillier Mimosa and a Girl Juice where Bunny didn't carry it <3 Marlowe looks a TON like one of my best friends and I would die for Kimmy without hesitation. Reminded me so much my own friends and the ideal setting of living near more than two of them. Some standouts lines for me were "like a lesbian Saul Goodman" and Kimmy convincing themself to take their Prozac bc Tony Soprano takes Prozac bc that was so me for real.
Like a sillier Mimosa and a Girl Juice where Bunny didn't carry it <3 Marlowe looks a TON like one of my best friends and I would die for Kimmy without hesitation. Reminded me so much my own friends and the ideal setting of living near more than two of them. Some standouts lines for me were "like a lesbian Saul Goodman" and Kimmy convincing themself to take their Prozac bc Tony Soprano takes Prozac bc that was so me for real.
November 21, 2024
For a book that feels very light, bubbly, and fun, it is both weightier and a longer, more involved read than expected. Which really just means that there was more of it to enjoy and that it had greater meaning than just being a fluffy romance comedy. The only difficulty I had with it was occasionally understanding the characters, mostly because of text-based abbreviations I am not readily familiar with.
February 3, 2025
Very cute! Can be annoying and precious especially in the early going, with characters that are maybe a bit too perfect, but comes out the other side through clean cartooning and a big, queer heart. Nice to see something actually address covid in a real way, no doubt a reflection of its serialized webcomic roots (it is of course severely depressing that covid remains a going concern, 2 years after this comic wrapped up).
November 12, 2023
4.8 rounded up. I loved this and am so sad it had to ever end. I would gladly spend the rest of my life in the world of Matchmaker; it’s such a funny, sweet slice-of-life comic with characters who are the most supportive and loving friends ever. This whole comic felt like a big hug, and it made me feel warm inside.
December 9, 2023
Cute and silly for the most part, but the acephobia is not it. Asexuality is not the same as having little to no libido due to medication issues/changes and referring to it that way as some temporary thing that gets seemingly -fixed- with medication really diminished my enjoyment of the book. "I'm not ace anymore" was not a funny joke.
July 31, 2024
Seriously amazing! Found it at the library and read it twice. One of my favorites of all time and I'll definitely be buying a copy of my own too. I loved all the characters, the art was fantastic, it covered a huge range of topics really well without forcing anything and gave you a really in-depth perspective on the characters. And I felt seen in this book! I can't recommend it enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews