Pet Peeves

by Nicole Goux

In this horror graphic novel, the new dog that aspiring musician Bobbie has adopted is cute, but also stealing her life.

Bobbie’s life is going nowhere fast. She’s working at a bar, wanting to play music but never having the time or energy. The only bright spot is her dog – always cheerful, always cuddly, and always there for her.

As the relentless day-in, day-out of work piles up, music and roommates and social plans begin to seem less and less important as Bobbie struggles to make rent and have any time to be creative. The only thing she has time for outside her job is her dog . . . and her dog is going to do everything he can to keep it that way.

This debut solo graphic novel from breakout author Nicole Goux explores the struggles of a young artist – haunted not only by debt and society, but by more sinister (though adorable) canine forces.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Nicole Goux is an American illustrator and cartoonist from Los Angeles. Her work often explores the themes of coming of age and interpersonal drama.
Goux's comics have been published by a variety of mainstream and independent publishers: DC, Dark Horse, IDW, LionForge, Simon and Schuster, Silver Sprocket, Avery Hill Publishing.

Reviews

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply, frustratingly human. And heartbreaking. I don’t like how much of myself I saw in Bobbie. But I liked even less how her friends treated her when she was clearly having a hard time.

[Betzim Gdolot · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are periods in life where you are stuck.
It happens because of how you deal with your environment, the people you choose around you or poor decisions.

The protagonist has all of those things happening to her. One day she meets a stray dog that she is using for emotional support.

Without spoiling too much, I felt like the story was very melancholic and beautiful. We are all longing for an emotional connection, someone to love us unconditionally - but is there really such a thing? The ending is REALLY unsettling and giving the creepiest vibes, and that's what I mainly liked about the story.

Goux is beautifully using the comics medium to pass a beautiful story. The transitions feel so well done. I felt like she is really pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Will definitely give it another read in the future.

[Daisysbookmusings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pet Peeves is a story about growing and evolving, how friendships shift and change over time and how we can sabotage ourselves in the process.

I love the little details - phone numbers on napkins, the cat, and Poptart sleeping in the corner made this novel feel more reel and tender. It was a quick and enjoyable read that delicately dipped its toes into different themes with an ending I didn't expect.

Unfortunately, I think the 'grittiest' element of the narrative, being one of self-sabotage, was rushed somewhat, and it didn't make me feel strongly for any of the characters. Instead, it was rounded up quickly at the end, which was surprising and slightly shocking.

Overall an easy read with great themes and a narrative I'm sure many young adults and post-grads will relate to with an ending I hope no one adheres to.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goux captures the voices of a generation and the angst of your early 20s with wit (and a little horror).

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fuck no:
Bobbie was horrendous and needs to seriously grow up and get over herself.
Who takes a dog from the street and just lets it sleep in their bed *eeeeewww*
WTF with that ending, I was like, wait it is over, but the horror just started???? I expected some much darker from way earlier but only the last few pages??? I don't even want to tag it horror as only the last couple of pages were maybe moderately NOPE.
The dog.
Seriously, that lady at the pet store. Most dogs will probably growl (or act unhappy) at you if you just go up to them like that. It is not a toy. It is an animal with feelings. Yes, OK, in this case it may also be because he is untrained/Satan, but I know plenty of dogs who just are not happy when someone comes up to them like that. Go calmly/ask the owner for permission first.

Did like:
Clara, I could understand her and her frustrations and I loved that she went at most things in an adult way (though maybe the dog part could have be done better).
The art was a lot of fun and I like the orange/black/white tones.

*sighs* Why are so many of the book I look forward to end up like this. *disappointment*

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is awesome in this book - super animated, full of emotion, with tons of tiny details on most every page. The themes of friendship here are real, frustrating, and sad. It holds a mirror up to those who have been too harsh with friends or those who do not believe in themselves enough. The dog was definitely a weird element within the story in my opinion, and the ending was abrupt and strange. But I appreciated the element of horror the story landed on in the end, I just wish there were more!

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, but also


spoilers from here on out:

What the fuck?

What kind of ending was that? Does the dog kill here?? I’m so confused.

I like seeing this glimpse into this shitty moment in her life I just wish that her life got better not just worse 😢 and then the dog kills her on top of it? Yikes.

I feel like her friends are kind of shitty like who pesters their friends about them making music? And then gives their dog away

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I backed this on Kickstarter and have had it for well over a month, and I’m kicking myself for not picking up sooner. Nicole is so good at capturing emotion and life experience. I want to spend more time in Clara’s world. Especially after that ending

[Sally Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book! I liked how real it felt and how it captured how it feels just to get by. The color scheme was kind of overwhelming and I’m hoping there is more books in the series because I don’t want it to end this way.

[Izzy Pilares · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story so much that when it ended I became extremely underwhelmed and confused. Similar to a book I read earlier in the year (Big Ugly by Ellice Weaver), I was very disappointed with this title mostly because it felt like it ended right as the most interesting element of the story was taking center stage. When this happens, I’m never able to tell if it’s an artistic decision or a rush-to-the-deadline scenario.

[Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is delicious, but the whole thing ended rather abruptly and the twist reveal doesn’t have the impact it could have because of this.

[Jordan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and sweet with a GORGEOUS art style.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was odd, yet interesting.

[olive parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the panelling and the depth of the world that stretches far beyond what we see on the page. thank U nicole goux

[M G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations and story that captures the feelings of that in between stage young adults experience. Some people are moving forward and others feel like they’re falling behind.

[Thebulversaint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish it was a little longer as the ending feels rushed and unexpected in an uncomfortable way.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Goux's work and although this had a bit of an abrupt ending I loved it.

[Greg S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the drawing style, especially the layout. And the story was cute if a little predictable.

[Jacs Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa hey what a cool fuckin book, I immediately want more pls

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the first graphic novels I read, i think this book was neat, superrr short

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, disturbing, and eerily beautiful.