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Open Bar
Lenny and Beardo are two childhood friends with a lot of road behind them. When Beardo’s deadbeat dad dies and leaves them his old bar, they make a go of it as business partners. Easy enough, right? Maybe not.
Running a business in a low-traffic area of town isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but luckily for the boys, the one-two punch of viral media attention when their neighbor gets crushed by a 747 engine that falls from the sky and a sorta suspect (but very potent) beer recipe they stumble into catch the public’s imagination at just the right time.
Things get even more complicated when Lenny’s ex-girlfriend Amanda shows up again, pregnant. Can our two heroes weather the ravages of success any better than they dealt with being losers? Can Lenny level up and be a good dad? Can Beardo forgive his dead, absentee father? Will the general public run them out of town when they find out what was in that beer? These questions and more are answered inside!
Running a business in a low-traffic area of town isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but luckily for the boys, the one-two punch of viral media attention when their neighbor gets crushed by a 747 engine that falls from the sky and a sorta suspect (but very potent) beer recipe they stumble into catch the public’s imagination at just the right time.
Things get even more complicated when Lenny’s ex-girlfriend Amanda shows up again, pregnant. Can our two heroes weather the ravages of success any better than they dealt with being losers? Can Lenny level up and be a good dad? Can Beardo forgive his dead, absentee father? Will the general public run them out of town when they find out what was in that beer? These questions and more are answered inside!
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
3 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 27, 2022
It used to be an outstanding pub in a nice quiet neighborhood until "the city spread out and swallowed [the neighborhood] up...with constant construction and gentrification...family homes... [were] replaced by high-rises." The neighborhood that existed in the 1980s, had now fallen into decay. Ten years ago, the Cave Pub closed it's doors. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Beardo was informed that his estranged father, who he hadn't seen in 12 years, had left him his bar, with stipulations. A clause in Harold's will stated that Beardo must run the Cave Pub, with his BFF Lenny, for a period of three years to attain full ownership.
Beardo and Lenny were roommates and lifelong friends. Friends don't lie...or do they? Beardo and Lenny's friendship was one based upon omissions. Without Lenny's approval, Beardo moved all of their possessions to the apartment above the bar. After all, they were both unemployed and stood to be evicted from their old dwelling. Lenny's romp with a local shopkeeper was a questionable pairing with a cougar. How about weaving a tragic incident into a fake narrative that generates a viral marketing and advertising campaign? In any event, the Open Bar prospered. The "secret formula" brew was successful. The bar was hopping! Even Lenny's ex-girlfriend, Amanda provided assistance as a server.
"Open Bar" a graphic novel, written and drawn by Eduardo Medeiros, has captivating artwork displayed in muted hues of pink, blue, black and white. The description of the "potent beer" did not quench the thirst of this reader. It was disappointing to know that both protagonists made decisions without the knowledge or feedback of the so-called best friend.
Thank you Oni Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Beardo and Lenny were roommates and lifelong friends. Friends don't lie...or do they? Beardo and Lenny's friendship was one based upon omissions. Without Lenny's approval, Beardo moved all of their possessions to the apartment above the bar. After all, they were both unemployed and stood to be evicted from their old dwelling. Lenny's romp with a local shopkeeper was a questionable pairing with a cougar. How about weaving a tragic incident into a fake narrative that generates a viral marketing and advertising campaign? In any event, the Open Bar prospered. The "secret formula" brew was successful. The bar was hopping! Even Lenny's ex-girlfriend, Amanda provided assistance as a server.
"Open Bar" a graphic novel, written and drawn by Eduardo Medeiros, has captivating artwork displayed in muted hues of pink, blue, black and white. The description of the "potent beer" did not quench the thirst of this reader. It was disappointing to know that both protagonists made decisions without the knowledge or feedback of the so-called best friend.
Thank you Oni Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
This was kinda weird and messy for the most part but really grew on me. Second chances and found family are predominant themes which I thought were explored well. There were also lots of things that I didn't see coming and the cleverly-executed ending felt like a gut punch. I loved the cute art style and peach colour palette.
Overall, this graphic novel hit me harder than I expected it to. Certainly makes you think about life and its many curveballs and surprises...
Thank you to Oni Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Overall, this graphic novel hit me harder than I expected it to. Certainly makes you think about life and its many curveballs and surprises...
Thank you to Oni Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
September 28, 2022
(not just) a story of two best friends who inherit a bar.
But rather a story about loss, anger, forgiveness, love and, above all, the unpredictability of life itself, whether it' s finding the perfect brew or something randomly falling out of the sky.
Thank you Netgalley, Oni Press and the author Eduardo Medeiros for the opportunity to read this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
But rather a story about loss, anger, forgiveness, love and, above all, the unpredictability of life itself, whether it' s finding the perfect brew or something randomly falling out of the sky.
Thank you Netgalley, Oni Press and the author Eduardo Medeiros for the opportunity to read this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2022
Miigweetch NetGalley and Oni Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book was alright. It wasn’t fantastic, it wasn’t terrible, it was just a middle of the road reading experience for me. The story centers on two friends, Lenny and Beardo, and what happens to them after Beardo’s dad passes away, leaving him a bar and an apartment with the stipulation that Beardo must re-open the bar (which has been closed for a decade) and live in the apartment for three years. Lenny is a perpetual loser with no real prospects so he’s just sort of along for the ride, albeit begrudgingly.
Of the two main characters, I prefer Beardo to Lenny, however, I found both of them too flat to really connect with. As other reviewers have noted, the way women are portrayed in the book isn’t…great. I did really like the illustrations in this graphic novel. The style is cartoonish and broad, with wide clean line work. However, the monochromatic color scheme didn’t work for me.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy comics about friendship and have the patience for the shenanigans of thirty-something year old men.
This book was alright. It wasn’t fantastic, it wasn’t terrible, it was just a middle of the road reading experience for me. The story centers on two friends, Lenny and Beardo, and what happens to them after Beardo’s dad passes away, leaving him a bar and an apartment with the stipulation that Beardo must re-open the bar (which has been closed for a decade) and live in the apartment for three years. Lenny is a perpetual loser with no real prospects so he’s just sort of along for the ride, albeit begrudgingly.
Of the two main characters, I prefer Beardo to Lenny, however, I found both of them too flat to really connect with. As other reviewers have noted, the way women are portrayed in the book isn’t…great. I did really like the illustrations in this graphic novel. The style is cartoonish and broad, with wide clean line work. However, the monochromatic color scheme didn’t work for me.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy comics about friendship and have the patience for the shenanigans of thirty-something year old men.
August 23, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an arc copy of Open Bar
Open Bar is not even a little lighthearted. I think it's meant to be a charming dark comedy but I don't think it quite gets there.
The characters are pretty one note, though I suspect they were all meant to come across as grey characters. Beardo is done pretty well but Lenny comes off as a door mat and nothing else. Samantha... well she's just awful, though I think she was intended to be nuanced.
I liked the bones of the story though the ending is rushed, even for a graphic novel.
The art is good, best part of it.
Open Bar is not even a little lighthearted. I think it's meant to be a charming dark comedy but I don't think it quite gets there.
The characters are pretty one note, though I suspect they were all meant to come across as grey characters. Beardo is done pretty well but Lenny comes off as a door mat and nothing else. Samantha... well she's just awful, though I think she was intended to be nuanced.
I liked the bones of the story though the ending is rushed, even for a graphic novel.
The art is good, best part of it.
August 31, 2022
2.5/5 A graphic novel for adult readers all about two best friends growing up together and navigating new challenges as they reach adulthood. There were some interesting and unexpected curveballs dotted through the story but I generally found the characters were pretty flat and the plot was too slow paced for my liking. I really liked the ending but it was the muted colour scheme and illustrative style which really appealed to me and made this an enjoyable read overall,
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and Oni Press for the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and Oni Press for the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2023
Two best friends, Lenny and Beardo inherit a bar from Beardo's recently deceased father. The story then takes a series of unexpected twists and turns that I did not expect. The artwork is well done ad more importantly, I really loved the story, especially the last 10 pages or so. This was a heartwarming and memorable graphic novel and one of the best ones I've read in a while!
December 24, 2025
Really nice story with an emotional gut punch. I felt a little disconnected as the story worked to find its footing, but all the threads pulled together in a nice bow by the end. Fun story and the graphic novel format made for an enjoyable visual experience.
August 29, 2022
Thank you to the publishers Oni Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital arc of this graphic novel in return for my opinion.
This was not what I expected from how it was marketed… I went into this expecting a cosy lighthearted comedy about two friends trying to run a bar together. Whereas it’s actually quite dark and emotional.
I was not ready for the heartbreaking twist at the end. It was really unexpected and felt very rushed. I also wasn’t comfortable with the depictions of women in this graphic novel and felt the few female characters were overly sexualised and lacked much depth to their characters.
Overall this was a quick read and I finished it in one sitting, but, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
This was not what I expected from how it was marketed… I went into this expecting a cosy lighthearted comedy about two friends trying to run a bar together. Whereas it’s actually quite dark and emotional.
I was not ready for the heartbreaking twist at the end. It was really unexpected and felt very rushed. I also wasn’t comfortable with the depictions of women in this graphic novel and felt the few female characters were overly sexualised and lacked much depth to their characters.
Overall this was a quick read and I finished it in one sitting, but, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
June 21, 2022
This was a charming, funny, and touching,about friendship and family. As much as I liked the story and the quirky characters, I also loved the artwork. The artist did some really innovative things, like blurring things in the foreground to create perspective.
ARC from NetGalley
ARC from NetGalley
August 12, 2022
The artwork on the cover really pulled me in when it came to this graphic novel, and the description sold me, so asked for a copy via the magic of Netgalley and got a copy, and I am so glad I did after reading a funny, tragic and emotional tale of two best friends, romance, and growing up that pulls you in from the very first frame of it.
These characters feel so human on every page, they are flawed and traumatised and trying to figure it out, and maybe some of them are still figuring it out and makes it story that makes you connect with them so easily throughout this story. The twist in the story that comes at the end when you realise who the narrator is is a suckerpunch to your emotions and leaves you needing a moment pull yourself together, well for it certainly did.
Plot wise, it's interesting, with interesting hookups, vignettes of childhood and the story of Beardo as he sees his friend's life change in different ways over around two years. I think that there is so much sadness and hurt and so when the highs come, oh they are real high and make for memorable moments in the story. The artwork conveys these character's tale beautifully with a bright and vivid colour palette that makes for such striking reading if that's the right word.
A really captivating story, which feels almost like it's almost not completely untold.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for honest review).
These characters feel so human on every page, they are flawed and traumatised and trying to figure it out, and maybe some of them are still figuring it out and makes it story that makes you connect with them so easily throughout this story. The twist in the story that comes at the end when you realise who the narrator is is a suckerpunch to your emotions and leaves you needing a moment pull yourself together, well for it certainly did.
Plot wise, it's interesting, with interesting hookups, vignettes of childhood and the story of Beardo as he sees his friend's life change in different ways over around two years. I think that there is so much sadness and hurt and so when the highs come, oh they are real high and make for memorable moments in the story. The artwork conveys these character's tale beautifully with a bright and vivid colour palette that makes for such striking reading if that's the right word.
A really captivating story, which feels almost like it's almost not completely untold.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for honest review).
June 22, 2022
Open Bar is the story of the friendship between Beardo and Lenny, from childhood through adulthood. Beardo ends up inheriting his dad's bar, and he and Lenny end up running it together with help from Lenny's ex, Amanda. I really liked the art style, and I liked how the author played with perspective in a few of the panels (blurring the foreground, etc.).
Unfortunately, there was a lot that didn't work for me. The only female characters that have any page time are, uh, not shown in the best light - a fact I was reluctantly willing to forgive for most of the novel considering how great the other aspects of it were. But then the ending shows up out of nowhere, and the reader is chewed up and spit back out on the most cliche of endings. It almost felt like the author wasn't quite sure how they wanted it to end, so they went with a trope that will leave the reader feeling betrayed for their time and trust.
It makes me sad to say I wouldn't recommend this book. There was so much potential there, and I was willing to overlook something I don't let most books get away with because I trusted the author - and that trust was thrown back in my face with the ending. I'm sure there's an audience out there for this; it just isn't me.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
Unfortunately, there was a lot that didn't work for me. The only female characters that have any page time are, uh, not shown in the best light - a fact I was reluctantly willing to forgive for most of the novel considering how great the other aspects of it were. But then the ending shows up out of nowhere, and the reader is chewed up and spit back out on the most cliche of endings. It almost felt like the author wasn't quite sure how they wanted it to end, so they went with a trope that will leave the reader feeling betrayed for their time and trust.
It makes me sad to say I wouldn't recommend this book. There was so much potential there, and I was willing to overlook something I don't let most books get away with because I trusted the author - and that trust was thrown back in my face with the ending. I'm sure there's an audience out there for this; it just isn't me.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
July 1, 2022
This comic talks about Lenny and Beardo, two best friends since EVER, who after Beardo's dad die, he inherited his old bar, and now he calls his best friend to help run the bar. Lenny just got divorced, and is looking to change his life, so he accepts the idea. In the beginning the things with the bar are not doing very well, but after Mrs. Sanchez; they're neighborhood and Lenny's old crush, die crashed by a turbine. the things in the bar star to improve. With things doing just fine at the bar a terrible death of one of them completely changes the course of the story.
To begin with, at first I thought Lenny was a stupid guy, and Beard like a bear, idk, just to cute. But then I found out Beard betrayed Lenny with his girlfriend??? Man??? wtf??? Than try miserably fix this calling his ex to working at the bar. The who he always spoke badly, and told lenny to get over her. Okay things started the get better as soon as they(Lenny and Amanda) got back together. But than, BOOM, Death again, and Amanda... things I can't talk about cause that will be a spoiler.
I thought the middle of this story is kind of contradictory, but the beginning and the end were pretty cool. Unfortunately I didn't get attached to any character for this my note. But I would recommend it to my friends to read
*I receive a Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Thanks).
To begin with, at first I thought Lenny was a stupid guy, and Beard like a bear, idk, just to cute. But then I found out Beard betrayed Lenny with his girlfriend??? Man??? wtf??? Than try miserably fix this calling his ex to working at the bar. The who he always spoke badly, and told lenny to get over her. Okay things started the get better as soon as they(Lenny and Amanda) got back together. But than, BOOM, Death again, and Amanda... things I can't talk about cause that will be a spoiler.
I thought the middle of this story is kind of contradictory, but the beginning and the end were pretty cool. Unfortunately I didn't get attached to any character for this my note. But I would recommend it to my friends to read
*I receive a Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Thanks).
July 1, 2022
This comic talks about Lenny and Beardo, two best friends since EVER, who after Beardo's dad die, he inherited his old bar, and now he calls his best friend to help run the bar. Lenny just got divorced, and is looking to change her life, so she accepts the idea. In the beginning the things with the bar are not doing very well, but after Mrs. Sanchez; they're neighborhood and Lenny's old crush, die crashed by a turbine. the things in the bar star to improve. With things doing just fine at the bar a terrible death of one of them completely changes the course of the story.
To begin with, at first I thought Lenny was a stupid guy, and Beard like a bear, idk, just to cute. But then I found out Beard betrayed Lenny with his girlfriend??? Man??? wtf??? Than try miserably fix this calling his ex to working at the bar. The who he always spoke badly, and told lenny to get over her. Okay things started the get better as soon as they(Lenny and Amanda) got back together. But than, BOOM, Death again, and Amanda... things I can't talk about cause that will be a spoiler.
I thought the middle of this story is kind of contradictory, but the beginning and the end were pretty cool. Unfortunately I didn't get attached to any character for this my note. But I would recommend it to my friends to read
To begin with, at first I thought Lenny was a stupid guy, and Beard like a bear, idk, just to cute. But then I found out Beard betrayed Lenny with his girlfriend??? Man??? wtf??? Than try miserably fix this calling his ex to working at the bar. The who he always spoke badly, and told lenny to get over her. Okay things started the get better as soon as they(Lenny and Amanda) got back together. But than, BOOM, Death again, and Amanda... things I can't talk about cause that will be a spoiler.
I thought the middle of this story is kind of contradictory, but the beginning and the end were pretty cool. Unfortunately I didn't get attached to any character for this my note. But I would recommend it to my friends to read
July 4, 2022
Open Bar is the story of two best friends overcoming their own fears and challenges and trying to find that perfect place of happiness in life. Beardo and Lenny really had my emotions towards the end and I wanted nothing but the best for them (and Amanda).
I came into this comic pretty excited because the story sounded like it was up my alley with friends working together through life and just being messy. I LIVE FOR THAT TYPE OF ENERGY (shout out to Lenny, my king of good times!).
The story starts off pretty slow in the beginning and was really tough to get through (considered DNFing tbh). But by the halfway point, the story picked up and really kept me entertained up to the end. I laughed and cried with these guys and I was not expecting to feel the roll of emotions when I did.
I just don't appreciate how the comic feels like it ends abruptly and I would have wanted more of an epilogue than what did happen (more resolve, like what happened with a certain someone?). But overall not bad and would consider checking out the other works by this author.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I came into this comic pretty excited because the story sounded like it was up my alley with friends working together through life and just being messy. I LIVE FOR THAT TYPE OF ENERGY (shout out to Lenny, my king of good times!).
The story starts off pretty slow in the beginning and was really tough to get through (considered DNFing tbh). But by the halfway point, the story picked up and really kept me entertained up to the end. I laughed and cried with these guys and I was not expecting to feel the roll of emotions when I did.
I just don't appreciate how the comic feels like it ends abruptly and I would have wanted more of an epilogue than what did happen (more resolve, like what happened with a certain someone?). But overall not bad and would consider checking out the other works by this author.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2022
Personal rating:
3.5🌟, rounded up to 4🌟
Favourite quote:
“Crazy is one who believes one own lies. Sad is one who hides behind one's jokes.”
Open Bar is a story centred around this two lifelong best friends who became business partners after one of their dads died and left them a bar.
First of all, looove the art style. It's clean, and the main salmon-pinkish colour used throughout this graphic novel is also a great choice, imo. Plus the font choice is very neat, very easy to read ✅
The story is okay. Doesn't really stand out, if I'm to be honest. For the majority of the book the story didn't truly catch my attention. But! The ending is pretty nicely done, even if to some readers it may come off as clichéd. To me, though, the ending worked. It's what elevated my personal rating for this story. I was prepared to give this a 3 at most, but after actually finishing Open Bar, I changed my mind and gave it a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) instead.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
3.5🌟, rounded up to 4🌟
Favourite quote:
“Crazy is one who believes one own lies. Sad is one who hides behind one's jokes.”
Open Bar is a story centred around this two lifelong best friends who became business partners after one of their dads died and left them a bar.
First of all, looove the art style. It's clean, and the main salmon-pinkish colour used throughout this graphic novel is also a great choice, imo. Plus the font choice is very neat, very easy to read ✅
The story is okay. Doesn't really stand out, if I'm to be honest. For the majority of the book the story didn't truly catch my attention. But! The ending is pretty nicely done, even if to some readers it may come off as clichéd. To me, though, the ending worked. It's what elevated my personal rating for this story. I was prepared to give this a 3 at most, but after actually finishing Open Bar, I changed my mind and gave it a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) instead.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2022
Personal rating:
3.5🌟, rounded up to 4🌟
Favourite quote:
“Crazy is one who believes one own lies. Sad is one who hides behind one's jokes.”
Open Bar is a story centred around this two lifelong best friends who became business partners after one of their dads died and left them a bar.
First of all, looove the art style. It's clean, and the main salmon-pinkish colour used throughout this graphic novel is also a great choice, imo. Plus the font choice is very neat, very easy to read ✅
The story is okay. Doesn't really stand out, if I'm to be honest. For the majority of the book the story didn't truly catch my attention. But! The ending is pretty nicely done, even if to some readers it may come off as clichéd. To me, though, the ending worked. It's what elevated my personal rating for this story. I was prepared to give this a 3 at most, but after actually finishing Open Bar, I changed my mind and gave it a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) instead.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
3.5🌟, rounded up to 4🌟
Favourite quote:
“Crazy is one who believes one own lies. Sad is one who hides behind one's jokes.”
Open Bar is a story centred around this two lifelong best friends who became business partners after one of their dads died and left them a bar.
First of all, looove the art style. It's clean, and the main salmon-pinkish colour used throughout this graphic novel is also a great choice, imo. Plus the font choice is very neat, very easy to read ✅
The story is okay. Doesn't really stand out, if I'm to be honest. For the majority of the book the story didn't truly catch my attention. But! The ending is pretty nicely done, even if to some readers it may come off as clichéd. To me, though, the ending worked. It's what elevated my personal rating for this story. I was prepared to give this a 3 at most, but after actually finishing Open Bar, I changed my mind and gave it a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) instead.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for an eARC of Open Bar by Eduardo Medeiros in exchange for an honest review.
CW: drug use, alcohol use, death, blood, violence, miscarriage, pregnancy, infidelity, sexual content, see growing list on StoryGraph.
Childhood best friends Lenny and Beardo unexpectedly inherit Beardo's dad's bar, The Cave, after his death. It used to be the hottest place in town, but now this area has turned into an industrial district with minimal foot traffic and few residents. Against all odds, they are able to revitalize the bar, and along the way reunite with several old friends, and come to a deeper understanding of what friendship means.
This was a quick and easy read, but I think the plot was a little too scattered. Yes, there was a central plot being followed, but there were a few random scenes that just didn't seem to be necessary to propel the narrative or character arcs. I love that Beardo and Lenny truly are found family for one another, and the ending was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
CW: drug use, alcohol use, death, blood, violence, miscarriage, pregnancy, infidelity, sexual content, see growing list on StoryGraph.
Childhood best friends Lenny and Beardo unexpectedly inherit Beardo's dad's bar, The Cave, after his death. It used to be the hottest place in town, but now this area has turned into an industrial district with minimal foot traffic and few residents. Against all odds, they are able to revitalize the bar, and along the way reunite with several old friends, and come to a deeper understanding of what friendship means.
This was a quick and easy read, but I think the plot was a little too scattered. Yes, there was a central plot being followed, but there were a few random scenes that just didn't seem to be necessary to propel the narrative or character arcs. I love that Beardo and Lenny truly are found family for one another, and the ending was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
July 9, 2022
Puts the "Tender" in Bartending.......
Wow. This starts out as a perfectly fine shaggy dog story about two pals reopening a bar. It's fairly episodic, with some laughs and some charming moments, but seems to wander a bit at the outset. About halfway through, though, the book rights itself and starts to build up weight and momentum. Even though there are implausible and melodramatic moments, by the end the reader finds himself fully invested in all of the characters and truly touched by the way all of the different plot and story threads have played themselves out to a satisfying and honestly touching conclusion. This is fine storytelling that really expands the borders of what a graphic novel can accomplish.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Wow. This starts out as a perfectly fine shaggy dog story about two pals reopening a bar. It's fairly episodic, with some laughs and some charming moments, but seems to wander a bit at the outset. About halfway through, though, the book rights itself and starts to build up weight and momentum. Even though there are implausible and melodramatic moments, by the end the reader finds himself fully invested in all of the characters and truly touched by the way all of the different plot and story threads have played themselves out to a satisfying and honestly touching conclusion. This is fine storytelling that really expands the borders of what a graphic novel can accomplish.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
August 15, 2022
Open Bar, as it introduces itself, is a regular story about five regular people "and how the death of one of them changed everything." Beardo has inherited his father's bar and has to keep it open for three years. He brings along his childhood friend Lenny to try to run the bar. They eventually find success, only to run into tragedy and past relationships.
This was a well-done graphic novel that I really enjoyed reading. Eduardo Medieros writes and illustrates this story, and his art was my favorite part of the book. It is so expressive and simply fun to look at, with enough drastic shifts in style to emphasize important story beats. The book is about how friendships and relationships change over time and how important they can be to us. If you want an easy to read graphic novel with some complex characters and relationship drama, then pick up this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a well-done graphic novel that I really enjoyed reading. Eduardo Medieros writes and illustrates this story, and his art was my favorite part of the book. It is so expressive and simply fun to look at, with enough drastic shifts in style to emphasize important story beats. The book is about how friendships and relationships change over time and how important they can be to us. If you want an easy to read graphic novel with some complex characters and relationship drama, then pick up this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2022
This comic has a wonderful story about two childhood friends Beardo & Lenny. The comic follows the two of them through life as they face all sorts of troubles & problems ranging from family issues, relationship fallouts & the struggles of finding your footing in life when you've been dealt more than one bad hand.
The artwork and coloring style is extremely unique and really easy to look at and follow along with. Each character was so uniquely represented in their design. I also found the character's personalities to be strong and show through really easily in their mannerisms and speech as the comic progressed.
It does move a bit slow in the beginning and then SUPER fast at the end. I think some more epilogue would have been better but I understand it ending the way it did. It definitely pulled at the heartstrings which I didn't expect at all. Really enjoyable overall.
The artwork and coloring style is extremely unique and really easy to look at and follow along with. Each character was so uniquely represented in their design. I also found the character's personalities to be strong and show through really easily in their mannerisms and speech as the comic progressed.
It does move a bit slow in the beginning and then SUPER fast at the end. I think some more epilogue would have been better but I understand it ending the way it did. It definitely pulled at the heartstrings which I didn't expect at all. Really enjoyable overall.
May 16, 2023
Two friends walk into a bar, and get it ready for business.
A story of friendship by Eduardo Medeiros about Beardo and Lenny. Beardo inherits his bar from his Bad Dad, and the two losers become winners? Well, ok, but they have a past of bad mistakes themselves to work through, not the least of which involves Lenny's crazy ex Amanda, unfaithful with seven different men, who is baaaaack. And preggers.
Mostly played for laughs--including a secret ingredient for the beer they serve--but some more serious surprises happen in the end. I mean, the tone already had some darkness in it, and we should expect anything given these two goofs, but I was surprised, nevertheless.
The art is arresting, gray and orange, cartoony figures. I thought it was just okay, fine, but I give it another star for the surprise ending.
A story of friendship by Eduardo Medeiros about Beardo and Lenny. Beardo inherits his bar from his Bad Dad, and the two losers become winners? Well, ok, but they have a past of bad mistakes themselves to work through, not the least of which involves Lenny's crazy ex Amanda, unfaithful with seven different men, who is baaaaack. And preggers.
Mostly played for laughs--including a secret ingredient for the beer they serve--but some more serious surprises happen in the end. I mean, the tone already had some darkness in it, and we should expect anything given these two goofs, but I was surprised, nevertheless.
The art is arresting, gray and orange, cartoony figures. I thought it was just okay, fine, but I give it another star for the surprise ending.
September 21, 2022
Open Bar is a dark comedy graphic novel which looks at ideas of friendship, found family, loss and keeping going when things gets tough.
The themes of family and friendship are well carried throughout which gives the graphic novel a charming feel however that's then contrasted by quite a derogatory outlook on women throughout.
The graphics fit well with the story and there are some meaningful moments. It could have been saved even if one of the female characters weren't portrayed in such a toxic light.
A simple story of family and friendship which leans to the misogynistic side. Enjoyable at times but definitely one written buy a 'man's man' for men.
The themes of family and friendship are well carried throughout which gives the graphic novel a charming feel however that's then contrasted by quite a derogatory outlook on women throughout.
The graphics fit well with the story and there are some meaningful moments. It could have been saved even if one of the female characters weren't portrayed in such a toxic light.
A simple story of family and friendship which leans to the misogynistic side. Enjoyable at times but definitely one written buy a 'man's man' for men.
October 31, 2022
'Open Bar' with story and art by Eduardo Medeiros is a graphic novel about two childhood friends who inherit a rundown bar.
Lenny and Beardo met ages ago and they've been through ups and downs in life together. When Beardo's deadbeat dad dies, he leaves his bar to Lenny and Beardo with the condition that there is money to be had if they can keep the bar running for a certain number of years.
I liked this oddball story about a couple of oddballs. Some of the story elements are ludicrously over the top (like how the bar ends up getting popular), but there are a few emotional touchpoints as well. The art and minimal coloring work great for this story.
Lenny and Beardo met ages ago and they've been through ups and downs in life together. When Beardo's deadbeat dad dies, he leaves his bar to Lenny and Beardo with the condition that there is money to be had if they can keep the bar running for a certain number of years.
I liked this oddball story about a couple of oddballs. Some of the story elements are ludicrously over the top (like how the bar ends up getting popular), but there are a few emotional touchpoints as well. The art and minimal coloring work great for this story.
August 9, 2022
I was really hoping for more with this book. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but in the middle I was warming up to the characters. The ending however, came out of nowhere and wrecked the character development of one of the characters completely. It felt like there was a story there with queerness and polyamory, and unexplored depths that were never explored.
Also, the depiction of the one female character in the book was…less than pleasant, as people pointed out.
Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Also, the depiction of the one female character in the book was…less than pleasant, as people pointed out.
Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
In this comic, Lenny and Beardo, two closest friends since forever, are called upon to assist Beardo in running his old pub after Beardo's father passed away. Lenny agrees to the suggestion because he recently got divorced and wants to make changes in his life. Things in the pub aren't going well at first, but once Mrs. Sanchez, a neighbor and Lenny's former flame, dies, things start to turn around. The bar's amenities start to get better. When one of them tragically dies, the situation in the pub, which was otherwise going perfectly, completely changes.
I enjoyed the artwork.
I enjoyed the artwork.
May 12, 2023
Well I'll be honest. I did hope for a queer story, what with one of the characters called "Beardo," and a bar called "The Cave"... what's queer about that? I don't know. I guess everything for me has queer potential. This book proved to be the opposite of that though. With an underlying sense of trite homophobia (best male buds mistaken as gay) and an overly dramatic plot that betrays the cute art style, there really wasn't much about this story that appealed to me. None of it, really. It's got a style going for it, but that's it. Not for me.
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August 7, 2024Wow. I am at a book store looking for some graphic novels to read and this one caught my eye. I went to go sit at chair accompanied by a table and started reading. This novel was so good! The ending was extremely unexpected and I ended up crying. I can’t believe the narrator was the son the whole time. I wish there would be a second book so we could find out what happened with Amanda but I know that ending it where it is just makes you think more about the story if that makes sense. This book is also really funny and just overall really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Open Bar is a comic about two friends who come to own a bar together. It is mainly about them as people and their friendship but also deals a lot with their relationships with other people (Mainly his father in Beardo's case and Lenny's ex) and about how the neighbourhood where they grew up changed over the years.
I mainly enjoyed this and I gotta say the art style is really amazing and the thing that impressed me the most. However, I got a bit disappointed with the ending. It came a bit rushed and felt out of place to me, the pacing was a bit off. Overall ignoring the ending it was worth my time and I got good things out of it.
Open Bar is a comic about two friends who come to own a bar together. It is mainly about them as people and their friendship but also deals a lot with their relationships with other people (Mainly his father in Beardo's case and Lenny's ex) and about how the neighbourhood where they grew up changed over the years.
I mainly enjoyed this and I gotta say the art style is really amazing and the thing that impressed me the most. However, I got a bit disappointed with the ending. It came a bit rushed and felt out of place to me, the pacing was a bit off. Overall ignoring the ending it was worth my time and I got good things out of it.
August 1, 2022
WHAT THE SAM HOUSTON DID I JUST READ? This is one messed up story about two best friend who are two sides of the same coin, making it so they are the perfect collection together. Toss in a really wild (and I wonder how legal) beer, an ex-girlfriend and some crazy accidents and situations and you have an experience story about two losers who just do their damnedest to get by, live, laugh, love, cry and who knows, maybe save the world (or at least each other) in the process.
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