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Flake
A stunning first graphic novel by a Cape/Comica/Observer graphic short story competition winner – a tale of a skirmish in the ice-cream wars that is worthy of Alan Bennett
In the small seaside town of Dobbiston, Howard sells ice creams from his van, just like his father before him. But when he notices a downturn in trade, he soon realises its cause: Tony Augustus, Howard’s half-brother, whose ice-cream empire is expanding all over the North-West…
Flake, Matthew Dooley’s debut graphic novel, tells of how this epic battle turns out, and how Howard – helped by the Dobbiston Mountain Rescue team – overcomes every obstacle and triumphs in the end.
In the small seaside town of Dobbiston, Howard sells ice creams from his van, just like his father before him. But when he notices a downturn in trade, he soon realises its cause: Tony Augustus, Howard’s half-brother, whose ice-cream empire is expanding all over the North-West…
Flake, Matthew Dooley’s debut graphic novel, tells of how this epic battle turns out, and how Howard – helped by the Dobbiston Mountain Rescue team – overcomes every obstacle and triumphs in the end.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2020
20 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 18, 2020
Five stars doesn't even come close to doing this justice.
It's absolutely brilliant. From the dour colour palette to the deceptively simple illustrations to the dry, deadpan and very British humour.
It reminded me of great sitcoms like Detectorists, This Country, The Office. I had tears in my eyes several times I laughed so hard. Genuinely, quietly amazing.
It's absolutely brilliant. From the dour colour palette to the deceptively simple illustrations to the dry, deadpan and very British humour.
It reminded me of great sitcoms like Detectorists, This Country, The Office. I had tears in my eyes several times I laughed so hard. Genuinely, quietly amazing.
June 10, 2022
This graphic novel is criminally under rated. Imagine A Man Called Ove vibes featuring an ice-cream van battle and beautiful illustrations.
I cannot believe this is Matthew Dooley's debut graphic novel! This follows Howard, a man who loves his routine, in the battle to protect his ice cream van patch from his half brother Tony. All of the characters are lovely and interesting (I especially loved Jasper). It is unapologetically Northern which I LOVE. I laughed out loud multiple times, but it also pulled on my heart strings. And I want to frame every single page and put it on the wall the illustrations are so beautiful!
I cannot believe this is Matthew Dooley's debut graphic novel! This follows Howard, a man who loves his routine, in the battle to protect his ice cream van patch from his half brother Tony. All of the characters are lovely and interesting (I especially loved Jasper). It is unapologetically Northern which I LOVE. I laughed out loud multiple times, but it also pulled on my heart strings. And I want to frame every single page and put it on the wall the illustrations are so beautiful!
August 25, 2020
The visuals in this graphic novel are superb and I loved the slightly sepia colour scheme. A graphic novel about a war over an ice cream van told really effectively. I could almost taste the salty, seaside air and feel the ennui of a small English town. Marvellous.
December 3, 2020
“Decisiveness was not a quality Howard possessed in abundance. He had avoided almost any road in life that required it. When tackling a crossword. He would insist on a pencil. Only the foolhardy lunatic…would commit to biro’s reckless permanence. Even with a pencil, his hand would hover over the virgin puzzle…faltering…hesitating…waiting until he was sure of his decision.”
There is a quirky parochial charm about this story, which makes it almost irresistible. Set in an unassuming town in the North West of England, we get pulled into small town Lancashire and I have to say Dooley has packed in some delightful touches that really give us a flavour for this fictitious but identifiable place.
The art work is clean, crisp and rich with some lovely colours and detail, and recalls the likes of Adrian Tomine, Daniel Clowes and Chris Ware. Overall this was an enjoyable, feel good read and an impressive debut effort.
February 17, 2021
imagine goodfellas but with more ice-creams and crosswords and being nothing like goodfellas at all
October 9, 2022
This graphic novel is so darn inspiring and exactly the feel-good read I needed. I went in blind and had no idea it would be about ice cream, but enjoyed seeing all the creative business names and cool flavours. Not only is the artwork cute, I also loved both the layout and storytelling.
Howard is an extremely sympathetic character and I think many of us will be able to see ourselves in him. The whole feeling in a rut, trying to survive each day and going up against forces out of our control hit all too real. Just as memorable are the flashbacks of his childhood, which spoke volumes and conveyed so much emotion with sparse text.
This was such a human story that I devoured in one sitting. I really enjoyed the premise of an underdog fighting to make ends meet and preserve his dad's legacy, as well as how everyone in the community rallied together to help one other achieve their dreams. A sweet (pun intended) and uplifting read that I would totally recommend!
Sea salt ice cream, anyone? 🍦
Howard is an extremely sympathetic character and I think many of us will be able to see ourselves in him. The whole feeling in a rut, trying to survive each day and going up against forces out of our control hit all too real. Just as memorable are the flashbacks of his childhood, which spoke volumes and conveyed so much emotion with sparse text.
This was such a human story that I devoured in one sitting. I really enjoyed the premise of an underdog fighting to make ends meet and preserve his dad's legacy, as well as how everyone in the community rallied together to help one other achieve their dreams. A sweet (pun intended) and uplifting read that I would totally recommend!
Sea salt ice cream, anyone? 🍦
January 23, 2021
Charming and quick, this graphic novel goes as fast as a bomb pop and will melt even the hardest of hearts. There is a sad melancholy to the colors and the art used which further makes this a delightful, underhanded and sweet surprise.
December 24, 2023
I have a small project where I will be reading all the Bollinger Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction Winners, the reason being that 1) I read a lot of depressing literature and 2) it's very difficult to make me laugh. However I couldn't resist a graphic novel so While I'll be reading the winners in order, Flake will be the one and only 'cheat on the list. Since I do not review graphic novels or (most) non-fiction on the blog, I will be reviewing this book on Goodreads.
Flake is the story about two rival ice cream vendors, as the story unfolds there's some info about the seller's backgrounds and why they are fighting with each other.
Now the crucial bit - was it funny. Yes, did I laugh? I chortled at two bits. One is a recreation of The Last Supper involving pet rabbits and another is a sign with a serious misspelling.
Still this is a fun and feel good story, Recommended.
August 31, 2020
simply wonderful
April 3, 2020
5+ out of 5.
An absolute treasure. It's the story of an ice cream man in a small town in the Northwest of England, running his own truck and trying to stay afloat facing stiff competition from an ice cream gang run by his half-brother. The illustrations are Chris Ware-esque, but the tone is very Pushing Daisies or Scott Pilgrim -- but, you know, ~English.~
I laughed out loud many a time while also feeling a little bit of lovely melancholy. I devoured this like I would a melting ice-cream lolly on a hot day.
It's only out from Jonathan Cape in the UK at the moment, so I recommend you hot-foot it to Book Depository. Splurge on this treat for yourself, right now, while we're all stuck inside. It brought me so much joy and I know it'll do the same for you.
An absolute treasure. It's the story of an ice cream man in a small town in the Northwest of England, running his own truck and trying to stay afloat facing stiff competition from an ice cream gang run by his half-brother. The illustrations are Chris Ware-esque, but the tone is very Pushing Daisies or Scott Pilgrim -- but, you know, ~English.~
I laughed out loud many a time while also feeling a little bit of lovely melancholy. I devoured this like I would a melting ice-cream lolly on a hot day.
It's only out from Jonathan Cape in the UK at the moment, so I recommend you hot-foot it to Book Depository. Splurge on this treat for yourself, right now, while we're all stuck inside. It brought me so much joy and I know it'll do the same for you.
July 3, 2020
Aaaah this is so good! I've wanted to read this ever since I saw it on the Waterstones Instagram feed, but unfortunately I don't think they sell the physical graphic novel in the States. I purchased this on a whim with one of my UK orders and I'm happy to say it lives up to the hype! It's such a charming story about ice cream trucks and feuds and family, and I'm surprised by how much warmth and depth is encapsulated in this small book — I love it.
April 19, 2021
Review to come!
September 5, 2021
Like if Chris Ware wanted a happy ending for GOD DAMN ONCE.
December 2, 2022
cute illustrations & dry british humour, but the story itself fell flat
August 29, 2022
In the midst of some challenging reading ranging from the atrocities of war to abusive relationships and mental disintegration comes this, quite charming, quintessentially English and humorous graphic novel from Matthew Dooley.
It opens to deserted sands of a northern British seaside resort, its former proud glories now lost, and its outdated attempts to hold on to relevance seeming pitiful and futile. Howard “Captain Cone” Grayling in middle age has similarly stagnated, bound by family tradition to a dying business model of an ice cream van with few prospects beyond a slow and steady decline.
Dooley’s skill is to turn the unremarkable into a gripping story; in this case a traditional narrative structure is interspersed with anecdotes about the town and its odder inhabitants, all done with a comedic tone.
It opens to deserted sands of a northern British seaside resort, its former proud glories now lost, and its outdated attempts to hold on to relevance seeming pitiful and futile. Howard “Captain Cone” Grayling in middle age has similarly stagnated, bound by family tradition to a dying business model of an ice cream van with few prospects beyond a slow and steady decline.
Dooley’s skill is to turn the unremarkable into a gripping story; in this case a traditional narrative structure is interspersed with anecdotes about the town and its odder inhabitants, all done with a comedic tone.
August 4, 2022
If you’re looking for a melancholy-esque graphic novel serving A Man Called Ove vibes, then check Flake out!
Set in the small seaside town of Dobbiston, Howard sells ice creams from his van, just like his father before him. But when he notices a downturn in sales, he realizes his half-brother Tony Augustus is to blame. So ensues ice cream truck turf wars.
I loved the art style, the plot is well paced, and it was just bizarre and charming enough to appeal to a wide audience. Full of dry, deadpan, British humor. Great summer read.
Set in the small seaside town of Dobbiston, Howard sells ice creams from his van, just like his father before him. But when he notices a downturn in sales, he realizes his half-brother Tony Augustus is to blame. So ensues ice cream truck turf wars.
I loved the art style, the plot is well paced, and it was just bizarre and charming enough to appeal to a wide audience. Full of dry, deadpan, British humor. Great summer read.
July 1, 2022
I adore this graphic novel it is so perfectly balanced, the pallette the humour the interpersonal drama it's just lovely. Also being from the north it took me a full page to realise that 'scorching 21 degrees' was a joke
May 7, 2022
3.8 stars
February 18, 2024
Another moving slice-of-life graphic novel from Jonathan Cape, this time set in the North West of England.
Flake is a tale of Howard, an ice cream van man who is barely clinging onto turf inherited from his philanderous father. Though he would much rather be working on the latest newspaper crosswords, Howard follows in his dad's footsteps whilst also holding back the vicious ambition of Tony Augustus, his half-brother and the local competition.
This book shows Howard being driven to the edge by sibling rivalry and a legacy of shame. However, it's at this low point that his family and friends rally around him and he discovers a unique selling point that finally means he can fight back.
For a debut graphic novel, Flake is a fine example of darkly comedic storytelling in a rural setting with real people. Dooley captures the depression and powerlessness as well as the stubborn spirit of working-class folk in seaside communities. The resolution verges on twee but I can easily forgive that, just so long as Howard catches a break. If he had also improved his relationship with Tony too, that would have been the cherry on top of the Sundae.
The art style put me in mind of masters of the form like Chris Ware and Tom Gauld, switching from the quiet despair of the former to the understated triumph of the latter. All the while though, Dooley makes his mark with a wit and sense of action that is all his own.
Though Flake is a great stand-alone, I honestly can't wait to see what Dooley writes and draws next. I recommend Flake to those looking for a good underdog story with a little extra salt to the sweetness.
Flake is a tale of Howard, an ice cream van man who is barely clinging onto turf inherited from his philanderous father. Though he would much rather be working on the latest newspaper crosswords, Howard follows in his dad's footsteps whilst also holding back the vicious ambition of Tony Augustus, his half-brother and the local competition.
This book shows Howard being driven to the edge by sibling rivalry and a legacy of shame. However, it's at this low point that his family and friends rally around him and he discovers a unique selling point that finally means he can fight back.
For a debut graphic novel, Flake is a fine example of darkly comedic storytelling in a rural setting with real people. Dooley captures the depression and powerlessness as well as the stubborn spirit of working-class folk in seaside communities. The resolution verges on twee but I can easily forgive that, just so long as Howard catches a break. If he had also improved his relationship with Tony too, that would have been the cherry on top of the Sundae.
The art style put me in mind of masters of the form like Chris Ware and Tom Gauld, switching from the quiet despair of the former to the understated triumph of the latter. All the while though, Dooley makes his mark with a wit and sense of action that is all his own.
Though Flake is a great stand-alone, I honestly can't wait to see what Dooley writes and draws next. I recommend Flake to those looking for a good underdog story with a little extra salt to the sweetness.
August 4, 2025
Matthew Dooley’s debut graphic novel and safe to say I’m now a fan after absolutely loving Aristotle’s Cuttlefish. We’re in similar territory here (in fact the same northern English town) - grey streets, downtrodden working class characters, bittersweet storytelling.
Flake is about an ice cream seller whose patch is being taken over by a rival (who happens to be his half-brother). The plot is a little predictable but it’s such a story of the underdog coming through that I really didn’t care. The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole thing is like a nice cup of tea on a grey day (or an ice cream cone on a sunny one).
Flake is about an ice cream seller whose patch is being taken over by a rival (who happens to be his half-brother). The plot is a little predictable but it’s such a story of the underdog coming through that I really didn’t care. The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole thing is like a nice cup of tea on a grey day (or an ice cream cone on a sunny one).
December 16, 2020
love the art style, the plot is perfectly paced, bizarre and funny, an excellent debut finished in one sitting because i could not put it down
i am 100% buying some sea salt ice cream
i am 100% buying some sea salt ice cream
July 25, 2020
This really is fantastic. Well worthy of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Comic Fiction Prize. Superbly witty, and wonderfully charming, this story is uplifting and encouraging. I enjoyed every moment of it. From the endearing characters with their perfect facial expressions, body gestures, and motives, to the muted colour palette, and the fascinating world of ice-cream van etiquette. I’ll be sure to read this again.
June 18, 2023
Absolutely brilliant: funny, moving, beautifully drawn!
May 17, 2025
This is the second book this week that has featured people going to funerals of strangers!
Had this on the shelf for a while, nice to get to it on a roasting hot Saturday afternoon. Graphic novel about an ice cream salesman. Nods to Bill Forsyth’s Comfort and Joy film about the Glasgow ice cream wars. Set in a small northern town, the illustrations are lovely, muted pastel palette reflecting the drab. Enjoyed the characters and their side stories. Melancholic gentle humour reminiscent of Detectorists, this short tale has heart. It wraps up rather quickly at the end most comic-like but it is about ice cream, so why not?
Had this on the shelf for a while, nice to get to it on a roasting hot Saturday afternoon. Graphic novel about an ice cream salesman. Nods to Bill Forsyth’s Comfort and Joy film about the Glasgow ice cream wars. Set in a small northern town, the illustrations are lovely, muted pastel palette reflecting the drab. Enjoyed the characters and their side stories. Melancholic gentle humour reminiscent of Detectorists, this short tale has heart. It wraps up rather quickly at the end most comic-like but it is about ice cream, so why not?
October 21, 2021
Very English. Very enjoyable. Howie is an ice cream man who justs rolls along with his life. No change is good change. Then, he is faced with big change and a lot and he has to think about things and feel things and all the stuff. I love Dooley's stripped down graphics (remniscent of Chris Ware or Dan Clowes). It works really well with the general mood of work (downplayed English humor). It was an oddly comforting and quite humorous read.
July 6, 2020
Oh, I wish I could try the Icicle Kid's Original Sea Salt ice cream. It would really make my day. An enjoyable read!
September 7, 2022
Oh absolutely brilliant. From the gorgeous pastel artwork to the wonderful flow of the story. Perfectly contained work that I gobbled up in one sitting and let my tea go cold. Can’t wait to read more from Matthew Dooley 🤞
September 7, 2022
Not my kind of thing
April 17, 2023
When a book opens with a man standing on top of an ice cream van slowly being submerged into the sea, the man seemingly accepting his fate, you're probably not expecting a book that is so absolutely brimming with the warmth and humour that this book absolutely was.
The idea of ice-cream turf wars being led by some sort of Mr Whippy Don is absolutely absurd and yet I was enraptured! Howard meandering his way through life, happy to do his crosswords, run his van on his patch and go home to his wife every day built up this really gentle, relatable character who you couldn't help but root for as his little van struggled to compete as the turf wars heated up. The supporting characters were just lovely, so humourous but with a real bond across them, and I thought this book brought Lancashire to life in such a wonderfully vivid way.
There were so many highlights, but I think my favourite was the following:
"Aunt Marjorie had intended to join the National Trust.
But had accidentally joined the National Front instead.
It was six months before she started to wonder why there was little talk of stately homes.
And a good deal more about white genocide."
The idea of ice-cream turf wars being led by some sort of Mr Whippy Don is absolutely absurd and yet I was enraptured! Howard meandering his way through life, happy to do his crosswords, run his van on his patch and go home to his wife every day built up this really gentle, relatable character who you couldn't help but root for as his little van struggled to compete as the turf wars heated up. The supporting characters were just lovely, so humourous but with a real bond across them, and I thought this book brought Lancashire to life in such a wonderfully vivid way.
There were so many highlights, but I think my favourite was the following:
"Aunt Marjorie had intended to join the National Trust.
But had accidentally joined the National Front instead.
It was six months before she started to wonder why there was little talk of stately homes.
And a good deal more about white genocide."
July 11, 2020
Wydaje się, że Matthew Dooley jest świetnym materiałem na nową gwiazdę komiksowego niezalu. Czerpie od najlepszych i proponuje prostą, ale zgrabną i bardzo przemyślaną historię, która jest na tyle uniwersalna, że można jej nadać szersze znaczenie, zwracając uwagę na powolne przejmowanie małych biznesów przez zorganizowane korporacje. Przede wszystkim czuć inspirację twórczością Chrisa Ware, co najlepiej widać w tych symetrycznych i uporządkowanych kadrach, choć bez aż takiego umiłowania detalu czy eksperymentu. W przeciwieństwie do dzieł autora "Jimmiego Corrigana" u Dooley'a dominuje optymizm, przywodzący na myśl choćby twórczość Rutu Modan, ale także zwykłe poczucie humoru, które sprawia, że mimo kilku niezbyt wesołych wątków, "Flake" klasyfikowane bywa jako komedia. Dodajmy kameralny klimat małych miasteczek ze swoją nudą, ale i urokiem, stałymi bywalcami oraz lokalnymi legendami, a otrzymamy poważnego kandydata do powieści graficznej roku.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews