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How busy can one man get? I'd like to describe this as the latest book from James Kolchalka but you can be certain another two or three books are hitting the shelves as I speak. This one however is fair chunky and, Kolchalka being mister work-a-holic, it comes complete with a 17 track C.D. of ditties composed and performed, albeit with a little help, by the man himself. It's probably unfair to describe what Kolchalka does as work. While acknowledging the time and effort that clearly goes into his books it would be difficult to deny the enthusiasm and enjoyment involved.

Kisser is one of Kolchalka's less philosophical efforts, avoiding lengthy paragraphs analysing the structure of the universe in relation to society or some such quandary. Instead Kisser playfully observes the behaviour of people very much in love and in particular, knowing main subject, Magic Boy to be Kolchalka's alter ego, him and his wife Amy. There is a very strong sense of need, desire throughout the book capturing well the behaviour of people experiencing extreme levels of emotion, in this case love. Thing may not always go well for Kolchalka's characters but they have the best intentions. Kind of like when you try to kiss someone for the first time and your teeth clash.

As per usual much of the humour results from the antics of Spandy, Magic Boy's cat. This time she shares the laughs with a small bird and Jason the dog, a regular at the local pub. At times one forgets that one is not reading a family friendly comic strip. That is until Kolchalka's perfectly timed, sometimes subtle, often immature, yet highly amusing, sense of fun springs forth to tickle a body's tickly bits.

In considering the size of Kisser, (I could count the pages but I can't be bothered), it is a remarkably quick read, indeed many will read it faster than the average 32 paged comic, which invites the value for money question. It cost me £10.99 and the cover price states $16.95 in US dollars. Normally this is well out with my budget and would be reserved for a birthday or some such present giving occasion, however it has proved to be a source of amusement which can actually be enjoyed frequently. I do now feel prepared to match the cost of future Kolchalka productions. Although I must confess I'd feel more comfortable doing so based on a steady income and a coffee table on which I could rest the books.

With regard to the accompanying C.D., Kolchalka and his mates who form James Kolchalka Superstar repeatedly juggle nuggets of pop in a cute yet manly fashion serving as a infectious source of amusement for all those they accidentally hit. Opener, Let The Lovin' Start says it all. gentle guitar together with clever lyrical dabblings fleetingly invites love. All seventeen tracks could be described as catchy pop made great with an infectious smile. What Kolchalka lacks in vocal skills he more than make up for with his clear enthusiasm, at times sounding like an inhabitant of Sesame Street. The man is sickeningly loved up though, illustrated best in, Milky Way a tribute to his marital union. Still it avoids cliched sentiments, resorting instead to an overwhelming sense of fun.

I'm personally not convinced the recordings would make a valid purchase in their own right but as part of this book it they are the proverbial icing on the cake. Perfectly complementary.

Reviewer: Andrew Morrison
August 1999

More Information

Highwater Books

Publisher's site.

Alternative Comics

Publishers of other work by James Kolchalka and a host of other creators