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Warning Label
Danielle has been cursed by an ex-boyfriend, and now, whenever someone asks her out, they get a warning label about her. It's scared a few people off, but even the ones that say wind up bailing when the list turns out to be true. Then she meets Jeff… Originally published on Webtoon, Warning Label is the new romantic comedy from fan-favorite creator Thom Zahler that asks the question: How much can a person change for love?
252 pages, Trade Paperback
First published June 8, 2018
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Thomas F. Zahler
113 books39 followersInto every generation there is born an artist. A being of such amazing talent and skill, that the world is forever changed by the power of his work. He alone stands against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness.
Thom Zahler is not that artist.
He is, however, an extremely hardworking artist, doing what he can with what talent and skill he has. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, where he honed his skills and developed strong feelings about the state of New Jersey. Immediately returning to his home state of Ohio upon graduation, he worked as a caricaturist at an amusement park, then later as an advertising artist at a great suburban newspaper, and finally as an art director at an area advertising agency.
Believing that every great success story starts with the phrase “it was a terrible time to start a business,” he quit his day job working for “The Man” in November of 2001 to devote himself full-time to the burgeoning Thom Zahler Art Studios empire.
His artwork has been seen in the nationwide Prilosec advertising campaign, in countless magazines and newspapers all across the country, and in the pages of numerous comic books. He has won awards for both his graphic design and illustration work. A relentless glory hound, he is also a recurring presence on Cleveland broadcast media, both television and radio. He recently made the jump to the national spotlight as a contestant on the syndicated version of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” where he won $32,000. He could have gone farther, but he didn’t know who the hell Charles Goren was.
He is a graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. He has drawn silly things and been paid by Marvel Comics, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Prilosec. He is also the writer and artist of the Cleveland Indians’ “Slider” comic strip. He has written and drawn three graphic novels: “Raider: From the Shadows”, "Raider: A Cold Day in Heaven” and “Raider: Dead Men’s Tales”. His current project, “Love and Capes” has been critically acclaimed and twice part of the national Free Comic Book Day promotion. A collection of the first six issues will be released in November of 2008.
He lives at his palatial estate, Zahlerdu, in Northeast Ohio. Okay, he doesn’t really call it “Zahlerdu” but if he did, it’d be because he liked Orson Wells’ “Citizen Kane” and not that Olivia Newton John disco-and-roller skating movie. It’s not really a palatial estate, either, but it is a nice place.
Zahler tries to make it a point to have at least one life-altering, horribly-scarring relationship every three years or so. There should be another window opening up next Tuesday.
Thom Zahler is not that artist.
He is, however, an extremely hardworking artist, doing what he can with what talent and skill he has. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, where he honed his skills and developed strong feelings about the state of New Jersey. Immediately returning to his home state of Ohio upon graduation, he worked as a caricaturist at an amusement park, then later as an advertising artist at a great suburban newspaper, and finally as an art director at an area advertising agency.
Believing that every great success story starts with the phrase “it was a terrible time to start a business,” he quit his day job working for “The Man” in November of 2001 to devote himself full-time to the burgeoning Thom Zahler Art Studios empire.
His artwork has been seen in the nationwide Prilosec advertising campaign, in countless magazines and newspapers all across the country, and in the pages of numerous comic books. He has won awards for both his graphic design and illustration work. A relentless glory hound, he is also a recurring presence on Cleveland broadcast media, both television and radio. He recently made the jump to the national spotlight as a contestant on the syndicated version of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” where he won $32,000. He could have gone farther, but he didn’t know who the hell Charles Goren was.
He is a graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. He has drawn silly things and been paid by Marvel Comics, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Prilosec. He is also the writer and artist of the Cleveland Indians’ “Slider” comic strip. He has written and drawn three graphic novels: “Raider: From the Shadows”, "Raider: A Cold Day in Heaven” and “Raider: Dead Men’s Tales”. His current project, “Love and Capes” has been critically acclaimed and twice part of the national Free Comic Book Day promotion. A collection of the first six issues will be released in November of 2008.
He lives at his palatial estate, Zahlerdu, in Northeast Ohio. Okay, he doesn’t really call it “Zahlerdu” but if he did, it’d be because he liked Orson Wells’ “Citizen Kane” and not that Olivia Newton John disco-and-roller skating movie. It’s not really a palatial estate, either, but it is a nice place.
Zahler tries to make it a point to have at least one life-altering, horribly-scarring relationship every three years or so. There should be another window opening up next Tuesday.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2020
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
So this was cute. A little webcomic equivalent of a guilty pleasure romance novel (though a lot more PG then most of the romance I read admittedly, anything sexual was only implied so don’t expect that if you read romance specifically for that/don’t worry if you just want something cute without the dirty stuff) except with a bit more nerdy stuff and sci-fi than most romance.
So I found the story interesting. The characters are certainly interesting as their chemistry works well. I definitely liked the artwork A LOT! The adorable cartoony artwork is definitely the highlight of the book for me!
I unfortunately didn’t care for the dialogue. There was a bit of politics which while not a crazy amount or anything, it felt random and unneeded to just be cool with today’s world or something. Also a bit predictable at times (a few bits surprised me but most of it, not so much).
Mixed thoughts on the humor. Sometimes there’s a fun little joke or something humorous happens, other times it acts like it feels too hard, especially with references (which I don’t mind reference humor, I just don’t like when something passes “it’s that nerd thing you like” as a joke).
Overall this is a really fun little romantic webcomic. It’s available to read free on Webtoon so if you want a nice free internet comic book this one is pretty good. Nothing I’m going nuts for though.
3/5
So this was cute. A little webcomic equivalent of a guilty pleasure romance novel (though a lot more PG then most of the romance I read admittedly, anything sexual was only implied so don’t expect that if you read romance specifically for that/don’t worry if you just want something cute without the dirty stuff) except with a bit more nerdy stuff and sci-fi than most romance.
So I found the story interesting. The characters are certainly interesting as their chemistry works well. I definitely liked the artwork A LOT! The adorable cartoony artwork is definitely the highlight of the book for me!
I unfortunately didn’t care for the dialogue. There was a bit of politics which while not a crazy amount or anything, it felt random and unneeded to just be cool with today’s world or something. Also a bit predictable at times (a few bits surprised me but most of it, not so much).
Mixed thoughts on the humor. Sometimes there’s a fun little joke or something humorous happens, other times it acts like it feels too hard, especially with references (which I don’t mind reference humor, I just don’t like when something passes “it’s that nerd thing you like” as a joke).
Overall this is a really fun little romantic webcomic. It’s available to read free on Webtoon so if you want a nice free internet comic book this one is pretty good. Nothing I’m going nuts for though.
3/5
August 22, 2020
This webcomic was such a good read! We got to see people have personal growth as individuals and in a relationship in a realistic way. There can be problems with the characters’ personality traits but they wouldn’t be a need for a warning label on them if there wasn’t something wrong with them. Everyone has something they need to work on. It was nice that the main characters knew that they needed to work on their own issues but weren’t so absorbed in themselves that they wouldn’t help the other. The main characters were super interesting as individuals and I was totally rooting for them. Their relationship was so good to see develop! The female main character’s best friend was annoying but I couldn’t hate her because she truly had the main characters best interests at heart and lets her make her own decisions. Their bosses were great guys who worked super hard on understanding and doing better by their female employees. They didn’t have to try since they are so successful but I’m so glad that female empowerment was important to them even if it started off with helping their employees hopefully it grows to more like young girls wanting to get into the gaming world too.
March 1, 2020
Synopsis: Warning Label is a webtoon by Thomas F. Zahler following Danielle, a woman working at a board game company in Austin, who is cursed by her ex-boyfriend with a literal warning label showing her flaws. Her new boyfriend Jeff, who works at a movie theater, tries helping her acknowledge and fix these flaws while trying to confront his own ones.
My Thoughts: Although many of the stories I read contain romantic subplots, only a small handful of them have the romance aspect as the core front and center of the plot and this one of the few I wholeheartedly enjoyed which falls into the latter category with some magical realism thrown in. Unlike most romances, Warning Label contains very little (if any) melodramatic elements with the main characters handling their conflicts in honest and practical ways without not constantly playing frivolous mind games and keeping dirty secrets from each other, giving the story more plausibility. The side characters also have unique personalities and quirks which captivate the readers' attention so it does not feel like they are just there for the plot's sake. There is some solid humor as well throughout the series rife with fun, geeky pop-cultural references along with well-paced situational comedy that adds a strong sitcom-esque vibe to it in a positive way. Another element worthy of a laudatory mention is the subtle use of color palette in the backgrounds, those being a somewhat humble mix of red, yellow, brown shading which give out a jazzy atmosphere to the webtoon's urban landscape and, according to one the author's Q&A, convey the Southwestern setting's hot to tepid weather. While some characters do have their unlikable moments, in the end, they evolve and move past them.
Final Thoughts: Warning Label is an entertaining, believable romantic comedy worth giving a shot even if you don't like romance. On a slightly off-topic note, Zahler's new ongoing webtoon, Cupid Arrows, is another work worth looking into which mixes romance and mythological facets to create an interesting plot.
The series can be read here: https://www.webtoons.com/en/romance/w...
My Thoughts: Although many of the stories I read contain romantic subplots, only a small handful of them have the romance aspect as the core front and center of the plot and this one of the few I wholeheartedly enjoyed which falls into the latter category with some magical realism thrown in. Unlike most romances, Warning Label contains very little (if any) melodramatic elements with the main characters handling their conflicts in honest and practical ways without not constantly playing frivolous mind games and keeping dirty secrets from each other, giving the story more plausibility. The side characters also have unique personalities and quirks which captivate the readers' attention so it does not feel like they are just there for the plot's sake. There is some solid humor as well throughout the series rife with fun, geeky pop-cultural references along with well-paced situational comedy that adds a strong sitcom-esque vibe to it in a positive way. Another element worthy of a laudatory mention is the subtle use of color palette in the backgrounds, those being a somewhat humble mix of red, yellow, brown shading which give out a jazzy atmosphere to the webtoon's urban landscape and, according to one the author's Q&A, convey the Southwestern setting's hot to tepid weather. While some characters do have their unlikable moments, in the end, they evolve and move past them.
Final Thoughts: Warning Label is an entertaining, believable romantic comedy worth giving a shot even if you don't like romance. On a slightly off-topic note, Zahler's new ongoing webtoon, Cupid Arrows, is another work worth looking into which mixes romance and mythological facets to create an interesting plot.
The series can be read here: https://www.webtoons.com/en/romance/w...
July 19, 2020
Art is nice and funky but it's just not for me bros.
June 30, 2018
Such a sweet and clever WEBTOON! The mcs were strong individuals who were even stronger together! I love their story! I can’t wait until Cupid’s Arrows comes out!
March 25, 2019
This was predictable and left me underwhelmed. It wasn’t enough in any direction. The romance was nothing incredible, the comedy was severely lacking, and the supernatural elements that you would expect from a comic whose premise involves a curse were missing entirely. The character development was so episodic and spelled out, I felt like I was watching Seventh Heaven reruns, not a webcomic for adults. I read this for a book club, or I would not have gone past chapter 10.
The art is good and consistent, so I appreciate that. To me, Zahler is a more interesting artist than writer. If you enjoy sweet stories with guaranteed happy endings, read this.
The art is good and consistent, so I appreciate that. To me, Zahler is a more interesting artist than writer. If you enjoy sweet stories with guaranteed happy endings, read this.
September 14, 2018
This was such a cool comic to go through.
I liked the characters and their flaws and how they worked to overcome them.
It was so interesting to read about the curse and how it was eventuall broken.
I also really liked the graphics of this comic, they were bold and interesting to look at and kept me wanting to see more.
All in all it was a really enjoyable read and I really had fun going through it.
I liked the characters and their flaws and how they worked to overcome them.
It was so interesting to read about the curse and how it was eventuall broken.
I also really liked the graphics of this comic, they were bold and interesting to look at and kept me wanting to see more.
All in all it was a really enjoyable read and I really had fun going through it.
April 29, 2022
I can stand behind most of the relationship advice here. (Except for punching your ex's ex and telling them to "get over it." Give people time, sheesh.) And some of those expressions are really evocative.
Recommended.
Recommended.
November 4, 2022
A fun, fairly predictable romance. The artwork was clean, clear, and consistent. A definite highlight. The mature handling of the relationship by both parties and their close friends made for an enjoyable read... but also a low drama read. In reading the author comments on the chapter by chapter breakdown at the back of my paperback showed, I spotted most of the telegraphed Chekhov's Guns when hints were dropped early on, and this lead to me not having much drama to follow over the course of the story. Fun to look at, with some great quips here and there, but ultimately a bit of a shallow story.
I did get to meet the author at a signing, and he seems like a fantastic human being and I will check out some of his other work.
I did get to meet the author at a signing, and he seems like a fantastic human being and I will check out some of his other work.
August 9, 2018
I've been a fan of Thom Zahler and his work for many, many years. Like many creative people, he never settles for producing the same old thing. With each new creative endeavor, he pushes himself and his audience. Warning Label is a fantastic story. Originally released as a Webcomic, it is not available in a Trade Paperback. The story of Danielle's curse and her journey is one that will entertain you, frustrate you and ultimately make you smile. I love this book almost as I love my friend Thom. Please check it out and get ready to enjoy this journey.
November 17, 2018
I am in complete bias here, but I can't help it. I originally read Warning Label on the Webtoon app, and I've just enjoyed the story so much. Danielle and Jeff are great main characters and we get to see them grow in many ways. I'm a fan of the artwork; it's very dynamic in style and color.
And shout out to the author himself, Thomas Zahler! He's a trooper!
(I own the completed printed edition of Warning Label that was funded on Kickstarter - 266 pages long, not the 39 pages Goodreads has for it here.)
And shout out to the author himself, Thomas Zahler! He's a trooper!
(I own the completed printed edition of Warning Label that was funded on Kickstarter - 266 pages long, not the 39 pages Goodreads has for it here.)
January 29, 2022
Una historia que se centra en las dificultades de mantener una relación amorosa y las negociaciones, aprendizajes y errores que conlleva. Los personajes tienen una gran química desde el principio y una gran madurez emocional (a veces un poco demasiada para ser creíble), por lo que es un placer verlos navegar las turbulentas aguas del compromiso amoroso. Además, el mundo donde se mueven nuestros personajes y los personajes secundarios está lo suficientemente desarrollado para darle profundidad a la historia.
November 8, 2020
Literally one of my favorite webtoon comics. I really liked the concept of the protagonist's potential love interest getting a list of her worst traits/values upfront.
June 24, 2024
Good, consistent art. But the story was a bit anticlimactic. Figured there would be more to it but even with a curse it was a bit too simple. Also, I’m a nerd in my own respect but even some of the jokes were a bit out of my realm of understanding. That could just be a me problem though..
July 11, 2025
Having read and adored the Love and Capes series (seriously, it is such a fun and feel-good read!), I am working my way through all of Thom's work and enjoying it! I read this book in basically one reading session (with a brief interruption) because it was too enthralling to put down!
January 1, 2022
This was actually really cute! The characters were real and flawed and developed so nicely. Going to read the next series by this author rn
October 6, 2022
Was great but ended on a tragic event. I wouldn't recommend this due to its ending. I started reading this because it's so wholesome and sweet but ended so abruptly and made me feel awful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2020
This was a cute little webcomic. Definitely a change of pace from the kind of thing I usually read, but I really enjoyed it.
July 30, 2020
I love this one. Even with the limited colour palette, it really tells the story of a growing relationship, growing together.
I love it, and i will always treasure this one.
I love it, and i will always treasure this one.
March 27, 2018
4.5 stars.
July 3, 2022
This was such a fun story. The little romantic quips between the couple, as well as just friendly banter among the characters was quite witty.It was a nice take on not necessarily thinking about changing one's bad habits, but rather evolving them to become a better person while accepting who you are.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews