I have no idea what’s going on here.  That’s kind of cool.

So, the world of God Hates Astronauts . . . I feel the same way I did the first time I saw FLCL or Superjail . . . just odd, but in a pleasing way.  There are characters named after what they do, characters who only speak in lines from one of the baddest mamma-jammas in the galaxy, and enough non-sound sound effects to make a four year old who’s just downed 3/4 of a metric ton of sugar telling you why his room’s a mess proud.

Ryan Browne seems to have channeled a child’s stoytelling abilities, where the rules change just a’cause.  The rules and physics of this world seem to change on a whim (trying to keep track of the relative sizes of characters is a mind-warping experience), and the power of good (maybe?  I have no idea which side is good!) seems to prevail for the simple reason that of course it does.

I have to say that my favorite part of the whole issue is all of the non-onomatopoeia words used where sound effects like “whoosh” and “blam” would go, instead using words like “rocket punch” or “backslashed.” (Not actually those two, just examples here. Don’t go looking for them.)  It’s pleasingly reminiscent of Homestar Runner cartoons and brought many smiles to my face throughout.

It seems that Mr. Browne has had a story to tell since he was very young and is now using his adult abilities to tell that story unedited and on some crazy interesting-looking pages.  The artwork is consistently sweet throughout, becoming the stable horizon to look at while the ship is rocking around you.  The colors are bright and solid, making the world very inviting, much like the front of a fun house, beckoning you down into the insanity.

If you’re a fan of non-linear, back-to-front storytelling with superheroes (villains?) riding flying sea-life with anthropomorphic animal foils, then this is the book you’ve been waiting for.  In your padded room.  (I’m saying it’s crazy good.  Or Crazy, good.)  Good luck!

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