Sweet Tooth?

[gaetanomontera]

I've seen this series getting tons of love so I picked up the first trade. I thought it was ok, but nothing great. Does it pick up after the first book.

It seems like the first book was very decompressed, which I generally like, but it felt like it lacked weight.

Not trying to be negative, but I'd like to hear WHY people love it.

Thanks

[Desaad]

It's a really slow burn book, all about the emotional investment you feel for the characters.

I was like you at first. Frankly, I thought even 'okay' was probably a little strong -- it was light enough on story and characterization that I would have called it 'mediocre' -- but despite myself I kept on, and somewhere along the way without even realizing it I had become really invested in the characters, in the world.

I don't think it's groundbreaking work, but it's very emotionally engaging, very primal and basic. And it's satisfying or that.

[dupersuper]

I liked the 1st trade, then liked the 2nd more

[sendingsignal]

you're absolutely right that it doesn't feel like much happened in that first book. At least the price point for the trades has been low.

But I can't help really following it, feeling strongly about it. A lot of it is the art, it's got a lot to it. I really hope it gets the chance to have the long run it deserves - I feel like it's going to be quite the epic. My worry is that it will get canceled before we get a satisfying ending.

[Ned McDodd]

must say i was already hooked after the first trade, but i agree that it gets even better with the second story arc. Overall an intriguing story concept imo and can't wait to read where it leads next.

[weeks]

i picked up the first trade to read on a plane during a trip and stopped reading after the third issue. i found it to be very "meh". i'm sure i will get around to finally finish vol. 1. i think it will be a long time, if ever, if i ever jump back into this series. so many other books i want to pick up.

[gaudium]

On the surface, I think Sweet Tooth is set apart by Jeff Lemire's artwork, for one. Also, as the most recent issue (with its distinctive design) seems to show, the series is a totally messed up children's tale -- this total innocent little protagonist -- the anthropomorphized cute animal in the form of a freakish animalized boy -- thrown into a world of absolute chaos, mayhem, destruction, horrors, etc. What lies outside of the happy little cabin in the happy little wood? BAD BAD stuff. "Out of the Woods" indeed.

And standard elements of the post-apocalyptic tale, yes -- What happened to cause this apocalypse? Who is left? Are they good or evil? Is there a sanctuary to be found? Can the world be saved? And so forth. Fairly standard, sure, but I think Sweet Tooth does those things well, esp with some of the weird crazy "bigger picture" stuff creeping in lately -- I'd say more but sounds like many folks are reading in trade.

I definitely wouldn't give up after the first trade!!

[Awesome!]

It's great to read monthly. The beginning was a little slower but somewhere around issue 5 or 6 (I can't remember exactly and don't want to spoil the scene I'm thinking of) Lemire got his hooks into me and I have loved it ever since. The layouts in recent issues have been a lot of fun and Lemire's art in general has really grown on me.

[gaetanomontera]

Thanks everyone for the great comments. I think I'll give the second trade a shot. I do have one last question, though:

As the series progresses, is this more of an indie-flavored character-driven story, or does the plot take the front seat as it progresses? Someone mentioned "the big-picture stuff" coming to the fore later.

Call me simple, but I tend to enjoy plot-driven stuff with great characterization than the other way around.

Thanks again!

[gaudium]

plot-driven stuff with great characterization

I think it's like that.

[Awesome!]

I think as we go along the bigger plot has been building and is starting to really take center stage. It's still a book about Gus and the other characters and their growth but it really feels like they have a purpose now.

[fever00]

No one is doing mainstream experimental comics like Lemire is. The premise is a little done, but the book is so fucking good. The characters.. my god. This is what Y The Last Man wanted to be.

[Skib]

On the surface, I think Sweet Tooth is set apart by Jeff Lemire's artwork, for one. Also, as the most recent issue (with its distinctive design) seems to show, the series is a totally messed up children's tale -- this total innocent little protagonist -- the anthropomorphized cute animal in the form of a freakish animalized boy -- thrown into a world of absolute chaos, mayhem, destruction, horrors, etc. What lies outside of the happy little cabin in the happy little wood? BAD BAD stuff. "Out of the Woods" indeed.

And standard elements of the post-apocalyptic tale, yes -- What happened to cause this apocalypse? Who is left? Are they good or evil? Is there a sanctuary to be found? Can the world be saved? And so forth. Fairly standard, sure, but I think Sweet Tooth does those things well, esp with some of the weird crazy "bigger picture" stuff creeping in lately -- I'd say more but sounds like many folks are reading in trade.

Best description of the series that I've read. Also, your comments full explain why I love the book. This is one of my favorite reads every month.

[SeritoNiN]

I love the book. You think the trades are slow? Try following it month to month like I do I don't mind it though, there's enough per issue to keep me happy. I think it's a brilliant book and because of it, I've fallen in love with Lemire and his work.

Fantastic series. This and Green Lantern are the two monthlies I look forward to every 30 days.

To the OP, give the 2nd trade a chance, the first was a bit slow, I think it deserves at least one more trade from you I had my girlfriend read the first trade and she liked it a lot.

[V0nnegut]

I love the series. Sure, it's slow, but I prefer a nice and calm build-up to a rushed one. Build characters, define a plot and work on the fictional world in a pace that's not affected by sales and editors breathing down your neck.