Minötaar

by Lissa Treiman

Dena and Mel embark on a mission of epic proportions: visiting the byzantine halls of IKOS in order to retrieve the flat-pack bookshelf of Dena's dreams -after some meatballs, of course. But something strange is afoot in IKOS' minimally-designed, one-way aisles... Can Dena and Mel, and their friendship, navigate the realm of retail and emerge unscathed?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Fantasy, Horror

50 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2019

Reviews

[Batastrophe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful and charming, while simultaneously addressing some heartfelt questions about friendship and adulthood. It cleverly references Greek mythology, and the setting of IKEA (or IKOS, in this story) becomes Theseus’s labyrinth, the information kiosk an oracle (whose advice is of course ignored), and a coveted furniture set the Minotaur within. It’s a layered metaphor that I thoroughly enjoyed. The fold-out faux ikea map was an especially nice touch.

It’s disappointing, however, that there are a few glaring spelling mistakes. One character, who is referred to as Dena for the majority of the book, is in two neighboring panels inexplicably referred to as Nikki. I can only guess the author had a change of heart about the name of the character and this instance was missed. It’s especially unfortunate that one of these panels is just the other character shouting the name “Nikki!” in large, bold font. In another instance, the prized piece of furniture, the MINÖTAAR, is even misspelled. It’s not enough for me to lower my rating, as I still really adore this book, but I hope these mistakes can be fixed if there are future printings.

[Anna McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I debated about giving this five stars because I'm usually quite stingy and this was so short but honestly... it was perfect. The art was beautiful and imaginative, the dialogue funny and real, the rendering of IKEA as this mythic labyrinth was scarily accurate, down to the legendary aromatic meatballs. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer. I'd happily read hundreds more pages of well-meaning roommates gradually losing their minds in the chaos of convenience furniture. Flawless.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so here for a subgenre of horror/paranormal that is all IKEA based (having read Horrorstor as well). Also here for MOAR LISSA TREIMAN publications.

[Soteralzobooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The golden arrows will light your way! Please do not stray from the path. STRAY AT YOUR OWN PERIL...

I fear I may have stumbled upon a wonderful source for new talent graphic novels when I discovered shortbox. Their selection of "fun and fine" contemporary comics and graphic novels are something wonderful to behold. For my first foray I purchased five that grabbed my attention.

In this offering from Lissa Treiman, we find two friends entering IKOS in search for the mythical Minötaar bookshelf unit. Clearly based on the struggle that IKEA creates with it's confusing layouts and endless items that you suddenly find yourself wanting, the two friends must explore the store without getting lost or having an irreparable argument. Can they survive?!

A fun read filled with humour. I really enjoyed this one.

[Holly Cruise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about a curséd IKEA and the test of friendship which is shopping with your housemates. It's so short yet so sweet and funny. The art pops little details here and there, rewarding a reread which is always a positive with a short like this. And it's got to be a measure of quality that I enjoyed it because IKEA jokes are so very common and oft-made, yet this works.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming little journey into an IKEA, called IKOS here, that merges with the Greek myth of the minotaur. I loved the way Dena and Mel's friendship evolved during their journey through the labyrinthian store. A great look at shopping stress, shared spaces etc. I'd read a lot more about these friends and roommates. Loved the art style too!

[Axolotl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it and enjoyed the two characters friendship and how they felt like different people from each other, despite how short the story was. I also was extremely charmed by the fold out map of IKOS, that made me happy.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short graphic novel was AMAZING! I loved the storyline and art so much.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This filled in the Giant Days hole just a lil bit...i want more!

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely cute! It's a fun romp that perfectly captures the nightmare of Ikea and the joy of good friends.

[Kirstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect little comic book. I absolutely loved the detail a few pages in (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it).

[Ribambelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, uncanny, and delightful description of how it is going to IKOS before moving in together...

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

zinzincroyable

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as delightful the second time around. As a fan of Grady Hendrix's Horrorstör, I apparently can't get enough of IKEA satire. Nikki and Mel are the perfect buddy comedy duo - Odd Couple foils embarking on adulthood . The witty banter and comedic situations are better than most movies. The Minotaur gag worked perfectly. Just really well done. Super fun read.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this so much. Did I only pick it up because it made me think of my IKEA obsessive friend? Yes. Yes I did. Was it worth it? Yes. Yes it was.