Fuzznuts...

Talking animal gag humor has always had its ups and downs. While a comic like Zoology does a great job of finding all kinds of funny in the everyday workings of a zoo(hence the name), a comic like Garfield finds all kinds of boring in the setting of his owners house. I guess what I'm saying is just like Forrest Gump once said, you never know what you're gonna get. So how does today's comic stand up to my intense scrutiny? Let's find out...

Fuzznuts, written by Zack G., with art by Chris W., explores the mostly ignored theme of loneliness and isolation in todays post modern park setting. Or the crazy antics of a couple of squirrels named Fuzz and Nuts. I'm not too sure. Anyway, Fuzznuts is updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with around 22 comics in the archives as of this writing.

As far as the art is concerned, it's pretty much perfect for this style of comic. Two squirrels standing in front of a green and blue backdrop with the occasional tree to liven things up a bit. You don't want it to be too cluttered, because the focus should be on the jokes, so minimal yet enjoyable art is a good thing, at least for this comic. Character designs are cutesy with an edge, and Chris W. certainly has a good handle on his style, which avoids the cliched anime and Penny Arcade copycats out there. The coloring is simple and compliments the artwork with subdued tones that don't wear on the ole eyeballs. Simply put, me likey!

In any gag strip such as this there are always hits and miss jokes, and Fuzznuts isn't an exception to the rule. There's the funny, and then there's the filler comic seemingly only put up to adhere to the schedule. You'll never find a comic that hits the mark one hundred percent of the time, so I won't hold it against our squirrel friends. Zack G. does a good job of working within the three panel format, ending with a joke in the last panel that usually turns a frown upside down. I have to say though that I would like to see a little more variety in the situations that Fuzz and Nuts are put into, but squirrels can only get into so much trouble, can't they? Only 20 something comics in leaves plenty of time and room for these little guys to grow, and for Zack's best work to shine through.

I enjoyed the squirrely antics on display in Fuzznuts, and will be checking back in to see how it progresses from here. You might want to try it out for a smile or three, as I found it to be simple yet effective fun. While I didn't find it to be a full meal, it's lighthearted appeal is meant to digest easily. Check it out.
I give this comic...

(Fuzznuts is PG-13 with occasional mild swearing and violence)