Life Zone

Megg, Mogg & Owl

by Simon Hanselmann

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Slice Of Life

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Simon Hanselmann is an Australian-born cartoonist best known for his Megg, Mogg, and Owl series. Hanselmann has been nominated four times for an Ignatz Award, four times for an Eisner Award, once for the Harvey Award and won Best Series at Angouleme 2018.

Reviews

[Nate D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Hanselmann has a special talent for imbuing a basically stock comic premise -- drugged-out slacker roommates -- with far more pathos, relate-ability, and dept than seems reasonable. I mean, the comic is not inaccurately called "Truth Zone". These aren't really the best Truth Zone episodes (for that, just wait for Fantagraphics to release Mega Hex later this year), and the dynamics between the characters seem a little less nuanced here -- but even so they're depressing, hilarious, and very human. Even when about a witch, a cat and an anthropomorphic owl.

[gregg fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Hanselmann = automatic 5 stars. Why, I can't explain. Megg, Mogg, and Werewolf Jones continue to be the horrible people/characters they are. Owl continues to play the role of pathetic but somehow sympathetic protagonist. I can't explain why I want to spend time with these characters in this world, but they somehow make me laugh and glad that I'm not them all at the same time.

[Ademption · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh. The series is growing on me like a vomitous version of Peanuts.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal, hilarious, and this is just the apertif. Megahex is going to be a huge event.

[Raechel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drugs, ennui, and slacker monsters.

[John “Hoss” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall a great collection of short stories. Wonderful art!

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

hanselmann is an (if not the most) important player in the alt-comics scene right now.

[Mad Soul Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

теперь моя любимая серия. особенно выделю издевки над совой

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, it immediately rules.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The indie comic scene has been buzzing about Hanselmann for a few years now. Although the Megg and Mogg collections seem like basic stoner comedy, this stuff really does transcend that stereotype. Still, let's be straight, this is seriously funny stuff. We all have had a few Meggs, Owls, and WW Jones' in our lives at one point or another. Life Zone is raunchy and rough, but honest. If you read this in public, you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder to make sure nobody can see the 'filthy' comic you are reading. That said, Hanselmann deals with the typical misspent youth in such a blatantly honest way, it is hard not to feel endearing toward Megg and Co. It's hilarious, but the qualities of the narrative don't stop with being funny. This series is a contemplation on depression, ambition, drug use. This is a small town rendition of Friends, absent the fairy tale romance and good looks. Behind the anthropomorphic veneer, these characters are more human than Joey and Rachael will ever be. These strips will make you realize that life is best when not taken too seriously.

[Zack! Empire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and really funny. I sat down and read it cover to cover twice, and have flipped through it's pages many more times since. the art is a simple style but the coloring goes great with it. You can just sit and look at the pages forever. Definitely looking forward to more work by this guy.

[Alex Firer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why, but reading this really quelled the wave of infinite anxieties coursing through my filthy terrible head. Plus it's unapologetically bizzaro with what resembles zero pretentious artistic aspirations. God bless you Simon Hanselmann!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the hugest crush on Simon Hanselmann and can't wait for the upcoming Megahex book on Fantagraphics in just a few short months. Swoon.

[Hassanchop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Original and funny. Great art. I want more now

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really funny! Original + fearless, etc, want to be funnier like this.