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Oh Joy Sex Toy #1
Oh Joy Sex Toy, Vol. 1
Oh Joy, Sex Toy: Volume One is 268 pages of comics by Erika Moen about sex, sex toy reviews, sexuality, sex education, safer sex practices, interviews with sex industry workers AND MORE. Volume One collects the first year's worth of content from the weekly comic Oh Joy Sex Toy. Combining helpful facts with terrible puns and the occasional Star Trek joke, Volume One is an indispensable resource for fans of sex, fans of comics, and nerds of all stripes. In addition to Erika’s work, Volume One also features the comics of nearly a dozen other cartoonists including Lucy Knisley, R. Stevens, and Amanda Lafrenais. Plus there’s a bunch of bonus stuff too, if you’ve already been keeping up-to-date with OJST’s weekly update online. Erika shares some brand new comics made exclusively for Volume one, as well as shares some behind-the-scenes information on OJST.
If you hate funhappy depictions of sex and gut-punchingly bad jokes, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. You will 100% hate it.
If you hate funhappy depictions of sex and gut-punchingly bad jokes, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. You will 100% hate it.
268 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
17 people are currently reading
1300 people want to read
About the author
Erika Moen
30 books186 followersErika Moen is a freelance cartoonist born June 25, 1983 and graduated with an Illustrated Storytelling self-designed degree from Pitzer College in 2006. She lives in Portland, Oregon where she has been a member of Periscope Studio since 2008. Having created comics for well over a decade, her work has been published by Dark Horse, Image, Villard and Scholastic, among many others. In addition to creating comics, she also regularly teaches classes and guest lectures on the subject in high schools and colleges around the country. She has been happily married to Matthew Nolan since October 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 23, 2023
Okay, it makes me very happy knowing that this book even exists. Oh Joy Sex Toy is a collection of comics that were first published weekly online. Most of the strips are reviews of various sex toys--vibrators, cock rings, dildos, etc.--which is pretty much what you should expect from the title. The remaining strips are informational, dealing with various sex topics including birth control. It's all presented in a very positive, friendly, humorous style. Although Erika and Matthew appear in the strips, she has the actual sex antics staged by the Masturbateers, a group of (presumably) fictional stand-ins of diverse body types and sexual orientations.
There is also a selection of guest strips and bonus material at the back of the book, covering topics not discussed in the Erika and Matt strips.
This book is not for everyone. If graphic depictions and frank discussions of sexual topics offend you, you will not enjoy this book (unless, you know, you enjoy being offended. Takes all kinds …) And, if you're looking for porn, there are better options out there, even at the public library, which is where I found this book. OJST’s purpose is more to educate and to delight than it is to titillate.
I think this book ranks right up there with my all-time favorite sex comics: Phil and Kaja Foglio’s XXXenophile and Colleen Coover’s Small Favors. Highly recommended!
There is also a selection of guest strips and bonus material at the back of the book, covering topics not discussed in the Erika and Matt strips.
This book is not for everyone. If graphic depictions and frank discussions of sexual topics offend you, you will not enjoy this book (unless, you know, you enjoy being offended. Takes all kinds …) And, if you're looking for porn, there are better options out there, even at the public library, which is where I found this book. OJST’s purpose is more to educate and to delight than it is to titillate.
I think this book ranks right up there with my all-time favorite sex comics: Phil and Kaja Foglio’s XXXenophile and Colleen Coover’s Small Favors. Highly recommended!
January 14, 2015
Okay, so I read all of Erika Moen's webcomics today because I was groggy from insomnia and didn't feel up to reading all-print books, (or writing). And I kept reading even when I only gave the others three stars.
Most of these strips are of 2 types: detailed sex-ed that would be good for teenagers (I got most of that stuff in More! or Cosmopolitan, this is the version with C21st diversity-friendly illustrations); and a load of reviews of pricey toys for a post-university market (or all the other sex-toy bloggers who also get them for free...) I don't see who the audience for the whole thing is, but enough people have rated it highly to suggest that actually isn't an issue.
It did mention a handful of interesting things I hadn't heard to the point of tedium, unlike someone going on about the wonders of the Hitachi Magic Wand: reviews of fleshlights explaining what they felt like, which was interesting; a sensory experience called ASMR which sounds like it's talked about on bits of the internet I haven't looked at for a while, and which I can half relate to (more so to a related one, 'frisson') ; and talking about and explaining something familiar to me as a phenomenon which I'd never bothered to think of as one
It's quite good at mentioning problems like reacting badly to hormonal contraception or lubes, but the difficulties it covers are mostly young people's, finding out what does and doesn't work for you in the first instance; those more commonly encountered if you're involved with someone older aren't mentioned here. Anyway, if you're older than the authors and have been interested in this stuff throughout your adult life and are familiar with US West Coast sex positive internet stuff, it's not likely to say much that's new. I'm not sure I'm the intended audience.
And it was when there were guest artists that I became sure, yes, I don't think the style of the regular drawings sexy enough for the topic. (The nicest ones were by Ghostgreen and Leslie Ortego & Brad Brown - hadn't heard of these before.)
Oh Joy... - presumably because of the need for sponsorship - has that problem of a lot of sex positive internet/media articles, being very consumerist. (All those vibrators being reviewed, it's not obvious that someone might be happy using just one or two of them for years and not needing ever more.) This kind of coverage en masse can make it seem like good sex is about buying and using products, to an extent that for most people IRL - apart from that friend who used to do Ann Summers parties - it isn't. In my twenties I fell for that uncritically as an idea and had way too much kit from image-conscious places like Sh! and Coco de Mer, that lovers were often uninterested in (not through prudishness). Innovative sex-ed - what this seems to be trying to be - should examine the idea of sex discussion as promoting excess consumerism, but can you critique the trend when you also have to pay the bills? (The only nod towards that is an interview with Stoya in which she says she's not really bothered about vibrators.)
Most of these strips are of 2 types: detailed sex-ed that would be good for teenagers (I got most of that stuff in More! or Cosmopolitan, this is the version with C21st diversity-friendly illustrations); and a load of reviews of pricey toys for a post-university market (or all the other sex-toy bloggers who also get them for free...) I don't see who the audience for the whole thing is, but enough people have rated it highly to suggest that actually isn't an issue.
It did mention a handful of interesting things I hadn't heard to the point of tedium, unlike someone going on about the wonders of the Hitachi Magic Wand: reviews of fleshlights explaining what they felt like, which was interesting; a sensory experience called ASMR which sounds like it's talked about on bits of the internet I haven't looked at for a while, and which I can half relate to (more so to a related one, 'frisson') ; and talking about and explaining something familiar to me as a phenomenon which I'd never bothered to think of as one
It's quite good at mentioning problems like reacting badly to hormonal contraception or lubes, but the difficulties it covers are mostly young people's, finding out what does and doesn't work for you in the first instance; those more commonly encountered if you're involved with someone older aren't mentioned here. Anyway, if you're older than the authors and have been interested in this stuff throughout your adult life and are familiar with US West Coast sex positive internet stuff, it's not likely to say much that's new. I'm not sure I'm the intended audience.
And it was when there were guest artists that I became sure, yes, I don't think the style of the regular drawings sexy enough for the topic. (The nicest ones were by Ghostgreen and Leslie Ortego & Brad Brown - hadn't heard of these before.)
Oh Joy... - presumably because of the need for sponsorship - has that problem of a lot of sex positive internet/media articles, being very consumerist. (All those vibrators being reviewed, it's not obvious that someone might be happy using just one or two of them for years and not needing ever more.) This kind of coverage en masse can make it seem like good sex is about buying and using products, to an extent that for most people IRL - apart from that friend who used to do Ann Summers parties - it isn't. In my twenties I fell for that uncritically as an idea and had way too much kit from image-conscious places like Sh! and Coco de Mer, that lovers were often uninterested in (not through prudishness). Innovative sex-ed - what this seems to be trying to be - should examine the idea of sex discussion as promoting excess consumerism, but can you critique the trend when you also have to pay the bills? (The only nod towards that is an interview with Stoya in which she says she's not really bothered about vibrators.)
July 8, 2023
Hãy cân nhắc trước vì cuốn truyện tranh này rất thô, vì nó đề cập và có những nét vẽ về những thứ liên quan tới tình dục. Nhưng mình thấy thích nó, ít nhất mình hiểu rõ mình đang đọc gì =))) Quyển truyện tranh này đề cập tới những vấn đề tình dục trong các mối quan hệ, quan hệ tình dục an toàn, cách tránh thai các kiểu.
Tất cả những vấn đề về tình dục được đề cập một cách khoa học và hài hước. Mình ngạc nhiên vì mình không nghĩ là có quá nhiều món sex toy đa dạng đến thế =)) Còn có những chia sẻ của mọi người về những thông tin về tình dục. Một quyển comic giáo dục giới tính vừa thú vị vừa hài hước, tình dục là nhu cầu của mọi người mọi giới, tìm hiểu một chút thì mất mát gì?
Tất cả những vấn đề về tình dục được đề cập một cách khoa học và hài hước. Mình ngạc nhiên vì mình không nghĩ là có quá nhiều món sex toy đa dạng đến thế =)) Còn có những chia sẻ của mọi người về những thông tin về tình dục. Một quyển comic giáo dục giới tính vừa thú vị vừa hài hước, tình dục là nhu cầu của mọi người mọi giới, tìm hiểu một chút thì mất mát gì?
January 9, 2022
4/5
OH WOW! Who knew there were that many sex toys? huh...
That was hilarious and very educational. More than just a sex toy review this boo does a great job explaining some of the erm, nuts, and bolts of human sexuality in an honest and humorous way.
Looking forward to Vol. 2
OH WOW! Who knew there were that many sex toys? huh...
That was hilarious and very educational. More than just a sex toy review this boo does a great job explaining some of the erm, nuts, and bolts of human sexuality in an honest and humorous way.
Looking forward to Vol. 2
April 13, 2020
Well, this was something ...
First of, I should say that I feel weird about reviewing what is basically a collection of reviews, but I loved it, so we should be safe on that side, and in the end it turned out to be YES a collection of reviews, but also a sort of memoir of the author.
Then, I want to underline how important this comic is, for several reasons.
1. it is very explanatory and inclusive (though, I did find it too politically correct at times)
2. it finally shows and stresses the importance of female pleasure. HOORAY!!
Moreover, it's fun and witty, an amazing way of getting to know some stuff I had no idea was even possible, let alone existed lol.
It sparked some realisations within me, such as the fact that the stricter your parents were, the more "sexless" upbringing you had, the kinkier you get as you grow up (does it even make sense? and DISCLAIMER: I am not judging anyone lol, trying to be as nice as erika is throughout her book).
Finally, what I actually like A LOT maybe TOO MUCH about this book is that it is PINK... I have a weird love for pink, so that's definitely a PLUS!
First of, I should say that I feel weird about reviewing what is basically a collection of reviews, but I loved it, so we should be safe on that side, and in the end it turned out to be YES a collection of reviews, but also a sort of memoir of the author.
Then, I want to underline how important this comic is, for several reasons.
1. it is very explanatory and inclusive (though, I did find it too politically correct at times)
2. it finally shows and stresses the importance of female pleasure. HOORAY!!
Moreover, it's fun and witty, an amazing way of getting to know some stuff I had no idea was even possible, let alone existed lol.
It sparked some realisations within me, such as the fact that the stricter your parents were, the more "sexless" upbringing you had, the kinkier you get as you grow up (does it even make sense? and DISCLAIMER: I am not judging anyone lol, trying to be as nice as erika is throughout her book).
Finally, what I actually like A LOT maybe TOO MUCH about this book is that it is PINK... I have a weird love for pink, so that's definitely a PLUS!
May 2, 2015
I've been following the webcomic for quite a while now, so of course I automatically loved the first book, which mixes some new content in with the old.
OJST has no problem discussing multiple sex-related issues and doing so in a tone that does not insult the reader. I can't lie and say I wasn't originally embarrassed to admit to reading the comic, or to recommend it. Sex is considered to be a private thing, so discussing it openly and honestly is scary.
But I wish more comics like OJST were out there. Is it an adequate substitute for a decent sex education curriculum? No. Is it a wonderful supplement to whatever education readers may have had? Absolutely - it's not just toy reviews. It's information on contraception, or relationships, or aspects of sexuality. It's education, not titillation (though OJST can point you to sources for that, too).
The art is fun and information is sometimes presented in a quirky way (anal safety snails). All body types are represented. I highly recommend this comic.
OJST has no problem discussing multiple sex-related issues and doing so in a tone that does not insult the reader. I can't lie and say I wasn't originally embarrassed to admit to reading the comic, or to recommend it. Sex is considered to be a private thing, so discussing it openly and honestly is scary.
But I wish more comics like OJST were out there. Is it an adequate substitute for a decent sex education curriculum? No. Is it a wonderful supplement to whatever education readers may have had? Absolutely - it's not just toy reviews. It's information on contraception, or relationships, or aspects of sexuality. It's education, not titillation (though OJST can point you to sources for that, too).
The art is fun and information is sometimes presented in a quirky way (anal safety snails). All body types are represented. I highly recommend this comic.
October 19, 2017
A fun and educational series of nonfiction one-shots. I've been binge reading the first three volumes all at once and while the series gets even better, I can appreciate the start of such an ambitious project. I can only imagine the amount of flack that Erica and Matthew Nolan take for being this public, intersectional and just so gosh darn sex-positive online, but I also can't imagine the amount of pure joy they have deliverd into the world. Gushing aside, this series is, in my experience, completely unique as a webcomic.
As someone who was raised and educated in a pretty sex-negative and abstinence-only environment only to find my place as far left as possible later in life, I only have one real complaint about this volume. That is, as an anti-capitalist, I felt like they leaned a bit heavy on the sex toy reviews to start out with. This issue does seem to balance out with sexuality/gender education further along in the series, and the number of times they critique the toys they are sent helps me feel like they are not lying to me just to get more free stuff.
As someone who was raised and educated in a pretty sex-negative and abstinence-only environment only to find my place as far left as possible later in life, I only have one real complaint about this volume. That is, as an anti-capitalist, I felt like they leaned a bit heavy on the sex toy reviews to start out with. This issue does seem to balance out with sexuality/gender education further along in the series, and the number of times they critique the toys they are sent helps me feel like they are not lying to me just to get more free stuff.
November 28, 2019
Fun and informative
I love the art. I love the humour. I love the frank and open way Erika and Matt share their lives.
I do wish there was proportionately less toy reviews and more educational or anecdotal strips, if only because there's a limit to the number of toys one wants to become intrigued by :)
Almost all the content in this book is available online for free, but the book is nicely put together if you prefer a copy you can hold in your hands.
I love the art. I love the humour. I love the frank and open way Erika and Matt share their lives.
I do wish there was proportionately less toy reviews and more educational or anecdotal strips, if only because there's a limit to the number of toys one wants to become intrigued by :)
Almost all the content in this book is available online for free, but the book is nicely put together if you prefer a copy you can hold in your hands.
January 3, 2018
Brilliant! Informative! Hilarious! Wished I’d have had access to info and images in this book during my teen years. 🤨 If only we could grow our kids with this level of frankness and information and okayness around bodies and preferences. Hmph.
January 29, 2025
Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan review all things sex: toys, contraceptives, techniques, relationships, and more. And they invite along some friends to contribute their own takes on topics from furries to the science of desire. And, hey, Star Trek fans: Captain Kathryn Janeway even pops in for a little cameo.
It's a fun, informative, and erotic good time.
Special shout-out to my wife for buying me all four volumes for Christmas!
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: (All material by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan except where noted)
Introduction / Dr. Emily Nagoski
Character Biographies
The Strips
• Hitachi Magic Wand
• Queens of the Pole
• Pink Lube
• Fleshlight
• We-Vibe
• Stripper Spotlight on Piper
• Little rooster
• Sqweel
• Njoy
• Crash Pad
• Glad Rags
• Pregnancy
• Emergency Contraception
• Fat Boy Penis Extender
• Spiral
• Love Glider Sex Machine
• Ina 2
• Bandit
• Anal Sex
• Form 2
• Cocksheath
• Bullet Vibe
• Ron Jeremy's Club Sesso
• ParaGard IUD
• Sliquid H2O
• Intensity
• Meet the Parents
• DeLight
• Ask a Porn Star: Stoya
• Revel Body
• Internal Condom
• Long Distance Relationship
• Stronic Eins
• Flip Hole Masturbator
• Ask a Porn Star: Jiz Lee
• Cock Rings
• How to Eat Pussy
• Limon
• Hello Touch
• Sex Toys in Relationships
• Post Script
Guest strips
• Share / Amy T. Falcone
• Dildo Misadventures / Amanda Lafrenais
• Self Portrait, With Fur / Kyell Gold, script; Keovi, art
• Hentai / Leslie Ortego and Brad Brown
• Rope Bondage / Lucy Bellwood
• Le Butch / Sam Orchard
• DIY BDSM Toys / Valerie and Adam [of the Try It, You'll Like It (tryitcomic) webcomic]
• Implant / Lucy Knisley
• The Secret Brain Science of Desire / Dr. Emily Nagoski, script; R. Stevens, art
• The History of the Vibrator / Emi Gennis
• Mix Tape / Erika Greco
Bonus material
• First Time / Erika Moen
• Making the Comic
• FAQ
• Queer / Erika Moen
• Hourly Comic Day / Erika Moen
It's a fun, informative, and erotic good time.
Special shout-out to my wife for buying me all four volumes for Christmas!
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: (All material by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan except where noted)
Introduction / Dr. Emily Nagoski
Character Biographies
The Strips
• Hitachi Magic Wand
• Queens of the Pole
• Pink Lube
• Fleshlight
• We-Vibe
• Stripper Spotlight on Piper
• Little rooster
• Sqweel
• Njoy
• Crash Pad
• Glad Rags
• Pregnancy
• Emergency Contraception
• Fat Boy Penis Extender
• Spiral
• Love Glider Sex Machine
• Ina 2
• Bandit
• Anal Sex
• Form 2
• Cocksheath
• Bullet Vibe
• Ron Jeremy's Club Sesso
• ParaGard IUD
• Sliquid H2O
• Intensity
• Meet the Parents
• DeLight
• Ask a Porn Star: Stoya
• Revel Body
• Internal Condom
• Long Distance Relationship
• Stronic Eins
• Flip Hole Masturbator
• Ask a Porn Star: Jiz Lee
• Cock Rings
• How to Eat Pussy
• Limon
• Hello Touch
• Sex Toys in Relationships
• Post Script
Guest strips
• Share / Amy T. Falcone
• Dildo Misadventures / Amanda Lafrenais
• Self Portrait, With Fur / Kyell Gold, script; Keovi, art
• Hentai / Leslie Ortego and Brad Brown
• Rope Bondage / Lucy Bellwood
• Le Butch / Sam Orchard
• DIY BDSM Toys / Valerie and Adam [of the Try It, You'll Like It (tryitcomic) webcomic]
• Implant / Lucy Knisley
• The Secret Brain Science of Desire / Dr. Emily Nagoski, script; R. Stevens, art
• The History of the Vibrator / Emi Gennis
• Mix Tape / Erika Greco
Bonus material
• First Time / Erika Moen
• Making the Comic
• FAQ
• Queer / Erika Moen
• Hourly Comic Day / Erika Moen
August 11, 2020
Although the whole point of this book is to feel comfortable with one's own body and sexuality I have to admit I feel enough embarassment that I know this review is gonna be awkward. I guess we're gonna have to thank my upbringing and inexperience for that, YAYY.
This is a really fun read, definitely instructive and eye-opening. There is so much out there I had no idea about.
Erika is a really entertaining narrator and super fun character, but this is still undeniably a collection of reviews, so at some points I felt the read slow down. Some parts are more about advice, guides and the author's personal experience, which is what kept this going for me between my confused learning of various sex toys.
Nonetheless, this comic is so very important, it's frank, kind and explanatory. It's inclusive in every single panel, more than I expected. It really focuses on all those aspects of safe and positive sex that should be basic knowledge and definitely taught in sex ed. I have to admit I might not have been ready for this comic to come at me full throttle, but I really believe others will gain more from it that I did and do recommend.
actual rating: 3.5
This is a really fun read, definitely instructive and eye-opening. There is so much out there I had no idea about.
Erika is a really entertaining narrator and super fun character, but this is still undeniably a collection of reviews, so at some points I felt the read slow down. Some parts are more about advice, guides and the author's personal experience, which is what kept this going for me between my confused learning of various sex toys.
Nonetheless, this comic is so very important, it's frank, kind and explanatory. It's inclusive in every single panel, more than I expected. It really focuses on all those aspects of safe and positive sex that should be basic knowledge and definitely taught in sex ed. I have to admit I might not have been ready for this comic to come at me full throttle, but I really believe others will gain more from it that I did and do recommend.
actual rating: 3.5
June 7, 2020
If this was just a basic compilation of reviews of sex toys, it would be an instant 0 rating but Moen style is so sex-positive and features such a diverse cast that this is a joy to get through. Ultimately it still remains a collection of reviews of stuff so I can't recommend it too much but there's lots to love here.
July 7, 2017
I really enjoyed the cute, easy-to-read format of a graphic novel, and I enjoyed reading a publication that celebrates sexuality. However, I was uncomfortable with the way the author handled genderqueer representation. The characters in this volume are the author, her husband, a few guest stars and cameos, and the masturbateers. While the author, husband, and guest stars are all depicted with names, personalities, and lives that don't revolve solely around sex, the masturbateers—all genderqueer, and the only genderqueer characters—are nameless characters who only appear naked and having sex. This paled in comparison to the representation other characters got, which made the read uncomfortable for me.
In addition, the book primarily consists of reviews of specific sex toys, events, and people the author has experienced. I think I would have found a lot of the book's content more helpful or relevant if the author had taken the opportunity to branch out into some generals—using the specifics as examples of how to describe categories of sexual toys and experiences. While I was able to gain some insights by reading into the specifics, information would have been easier to apply if the author's scope was broader.
In addition, the book primarily consists of reviews of specific sex toys, events, and people the author has experienced. I think I would have found a lot of the book's content more helpful or relevant if the author had taken the opportunity to branch out into some generals—using the specifics as examples of how to describe categories of sexual toys and experiences. While I was able to gain some insights by reading into the specifics, information would have been easier to apply if the author's scope was broader.
May 18, 2017
A wonderful outside of the box read that had me hooked. Oh Joy Sex Toy is a comic collection of reviews on sexuality, sex toys, birth control, the sex industry, and virtually anything pertaining to sexuality. It breaks down sexual orientations, reviews the pros and cons of sex toys and how to use them, gives practical advice for dating and relationships, discusses the sex industry with porn stars, pole dancers, and more. This collection is wonderfully illustrated, masterfully written, and has never been needed more. It is open, honest, frank, down to earth, and instructive, there is no shaming or judging about lifestyle choices or preferences. I wish I would have had this book back in the day (not that I didn't find this useful now, i'm a grown ass adult and I learned PLENTY from this!) and I hope it finds a wide audience. I don't think the second volume is out yet, but I will absolutely be reading it when it's published. This was wonderful!
May 19, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book and also have enjoyed the authors previous works.
I have little to say about it except that it's funny, informative and is a good read for anyone who is in the market for a sex toy or for those who are just curious.
It is a healthy portrayal of sexuality and nicely put together.
As I said I really can't find flaw and the book is pretty self explanatory so my review is a bit short. But I did want to say something about how much I liked it.
I have little to say about it except that it's funny, informative and is a good read for anyone who is in the market for a sex toy or for those who are just curious.
It is a healthy portrayal of sexuality and nicely put together.
As I said I really can't find flaw and the book is pretty self explanatory so my review is a bit short. But I did want to say something about how much I liked it.
February 8, 2019
This is were it all started... I've been reading the books in the wrong order (3-4-1) but it doesn't matter that much.
I like it a bit less compared to the other volumes, but maybe it's because the authors still had to learn how to better deliver their message. And I didn't like most of the guest strips either. Well, maybe the one about the history of vibrators was good.
I've already ordered #2 and I'm patiently waiting for it to come into my mail box.
I like it a bit less compared to the other volumes, but maybe it's because the authors still had to learn how to better deliver their message. And I didn't like most of the guest strips either. Well, maybe the one about the history of vibrators was good.
I've already ordered #2 and I'm patiently waiting for it to come into my mail box.
December 5, 2015
This was absolutely fantastic. I've never read anything so sex positive, feminist, and generally educational that I've enjoyed this much. Erika Moen is an awesome lady and her husband seems like a great dude. As someone who was taught to be ashamed about sex and my body I really can't say how much I loved this comic and the illustrations are so perfect!
November 12, 2017
An incredibly funny, incredibly unusual, incredibly endearing sex-positive book about the joys of sex. It reviews sex toys, personalities and events, plus it gives advice not just for the bedroom but also about queer-woes and emotional issues, like long distance relationships.
All of it is drawn in an adorable style, with a lot of humour thrown into the mix.
Definitely will keep reading it.
All of it is drawn in an adorable style, with a lot of humour thrown into the mix.
Definitely will keep reading it.
January 28, 2017
This was very enjoyable and the art was wonderfully cute. This first volume provides a lot of basic insight in regards to sex, including safety, birth control, toys, condoms, and personal tales. Additionally, she has a series of guest comics in the end by all wonderful artists. I look forward to reading volume two.
February 11, 2019
Everything about this is my jam, basically. Love honest product reviews, love open, honest conversations about sex and sexuality. There's really nothing to dislike about joyful, educational comics about sex depicting consensual acts between diverse bodies. Love the content, but the transition to book/bound volume left a little to be desired.
July 20, 2015
Entertaining and full of useful information. Erika and Matthew's enthusiasm is cute and contagious.
November 6, 2015
This is how you should be sex-positive, without it feeling ham-fisted, judging or lacking.
August 4, 2017
Great information presented in an engaging and fun way.
February 23, 2020
Loved the artwork and reviews in this book, the author did a great job and this was very informative.
October 17, 2022
I loved the accessible and fun nature of this graphic novel, especially with how sex toys of all varieties were destigmatized and honest reviews were given of their practicality, exciting uses, and novelty. I am excited to read Vol. 2!
March 1, 2017
Have you ever wanted to know more about sex toys, various forms of contraceptive, lube, etc etc, but you were afraid what would come up if you just Googled it? Well, then do I have a book for you.
This is the first collection of Erika Moen's web comic of the same name. In it, she reviews sex toys and other sexy-times products, interviews pole dancers and porn stars, and otherwise talks about sex in a fun, positive, approachable way. Her husband sometimes serves as a guest writer as well, providing the POV of a penis-haver.
One great thing about this comic is that it's really inclusive. Rather than drawing herself and/or her husband using the products, Erika draws a cast of "masturbateers" who are a variety of body types, gender expressions, races, and abilities. Rather than using gendered language, she focuses on which body parts a toy or product is meant to be used with.
There's also a few comics about life stuff, like introducing your partner to your family, or navigating a long-distance relationship (complete with tips on how to take sexy photos that don't contain too many identifying features in case your phone gets stolen or hacked!). As someone currently in a LDR, I found the comic especially touching.
Finally, there's a collection of guest comics in the back, covering such topics as rope bondage and hentai (no, it's not all tentacles) and the furry fandom.
Everything in this book is just presented in the most positive, non-judgmental light. If a particular toy didn't work for Erika or her husband, there's tips on who it might work for, or how the brand might improve it to make it more enjoyable. The various kinks are shared without any shame. Nothing as presented as superior, necessary, or weird. It's just all about learning what gets other people off. It's a great way to indulge your curiosity and decide if you want to learn more about something and maybe try it yourself.
Over all, I found this book entertaining, informative, and yeah, a little titillating. Those who are well-versed in sex toys and kink may find it a little basic and not at all groundbreaking for them, but those whose previous experiences tend more towards the vanilla should find this an easy entrance into getting in touch with your inner pervert.
This is the first collection of Erika Moen's web comic of the same name. In it, she reviews sex toys and other sexy-times products, interviews pole dancers and porn stars, and otherwise talks about sex in a fun, positive, approachable way. Her husband sometimes serves as a guest writer as well, providing the POV of a penis-haver.
One great thing about this comic is that it's really inclusive. Rather than drawing herself and/or her husband using the products, Erika draws a cast of "masturbateers" who are a variety of body types, gender expressions, races, and abilities. Rather than using gendered language, she focuses on which body parts a toy or product is meant to be used with.
There's also a few comics about life stuff, like introducing your partner to your family, or navigating a long-distance relationship (complete with tips on how to take sexy photos that don't contain too many identifying features in case your phone gets stolen or hacked!). As someone currently in a LDR, I found the comic especially touching.
Finally, there's a collection of guest comics in the back, covering such topics as rope bondage and hentai (no, it's not all tentacles) and the furry fandom.
Everything in this book is just presented in the most positive, non-judgmental light. If a particular toy didn't work for Erika or her husband, there's tips on who it might work for, or how the brand might improve it to make it more enjoyable. The various kinks are shared without any shame. Nothing as presented as superior, necessary, or weird. It's just all about learning what gets other people off. It's a great way to indulge your curiosity and decide if you want to learn more about something and maybe try it yourself.
Over all, I found this book entertaining, informative, and yeah, a little titillating. Those who are well-versed in sex toys and kink may find it a little basic and not at all groundbreaking for them, but those whose previous experiences tend more towards the vanilla should find this an easy entrance into getting in touch with your inner pervert.
January 26, 2015
Thank you Dan Savage for introducing me to Erika Moen and OJST, her webcomic that is part review service, part educational resource. The reviews are witty, informative, and thorough. The illustrations are detailed and demonstrate that you don't have to be a gender-conforming, thin heterosexual to have an active sex life. The educational information is not shaming in any way and is actually based on scientific fact. The extras--interviews, autobiographical bits, and such--educate while touching your emotions. Both the spouse and I enjoyed the hell out of this book, and we'll be mailing it to a friend overseas who is only finding herself sexually in her mid-40s. And hopefully, she'll likewise share it. I only wish I had this book 25 years ago when I was an ignorant teenager who had no idea what those weird bodily reactions to various stimuli were all about.
The most brilliant part of this book, and what initially drew me in, and the first lines of the foreword, which should in no way be revolutionary in 2015 but nonetheless amazed me. QFMFT:
"To begin with, Erika does the most radical, queer, perverted thing it's possible to do: she talks about her sex life. She talks about it honestly, sincerely, humorously, and genuinely. In public. On the internet. Without shame. While living in a female body. She's not trying to turn you on...She's just daring to be a female-bodied person who has sex, likes it, and it totally okay with saying so. On the internet."
If you know a teenager trying to figure out how all those parts operate and how to enjoy them, OJST would be a great place for them to start.
The most brilliant part of this book, and what initially drew me in, and the first lines of the foreword, which should in no way be revolutionary in 2015 but nonetheless amazed me. QFMFT:
"To begin with, Erika does the most radical, queer, perverted thing it's possible to do: she talks about her sex life. She talks about it honestly, sincerely, humorously, and genuinely. In public. On the internet. Without shame. While living in a female body. She's not trying to turn you on...She's just daring to be a female-bodied person who has sex, likes it, and it totally okay with saying so. On the internet."
If you know a teenager trying to figure out how all those parts operate and how to enjoy them, OJST would be a great place for them to start.
September 26, 2017
Read this out of curiosity. Not particularity interested in the content. I was impressed in the variety of body representation in this graphic novel. Most notable to me was the character with mastectomy scars and the character with a prosthetic leg. Bravo.
November 3, 2014
Erika Moen's Kickstarter for this book is the only one I've ever contributed to, and I am so so so glad I did! This work is SO important - and fun! Any person who considers themselves to be sex positive should give it a read. Her inclusion of a diverse range of characters (across the gender/ability/race/sexual orientation spectrums) makes for a completely unique and highly inclusive experience. This book is about MUCH MORE than sex toys! Erika and Matt cover all sorts of topics - from strip club protocol to long-distance relationships to contraception! There's even a comic about introducing partners to your parents for the first time! And the guest comics at the end provide more fun and informative commentary! I give this book all the thumbs up!!
December 12, 2016
I am a huge fan of the webcomic and my favorite thing about Erika and Matt is how positive their work is. Oh Joy Sex Toy is an honest look at sex and sex-related topics in an inclusive way. Sex positive and body positive, they try to make sure people of all backgrounds are represented. They also stress the importance communication, consent, and safe/safer sex. Beyond the sex toy reviews, there are educational comics, interviews with people in the sex industry and guest comics on a wide range of topics. Knocked off a star because much of the I recall from reading online and it read very much as "published webcomic" rather than being reorganized into more of a book form with related comics in sections with each other.
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