Merideth says: Gabe and Tycho are gamers. Hardcore gamers. No demo goes unplayed, no system goes unpurchased. They make their frequently opinions about games, platforms and the gaming industry known to all in these funny, frequently profane comic strips.

These are comic strips, in the truest sense of the word. Each stands alone; continuity is rarely present. This first collection shows the evolution of the strip from its earliest years. This is particularly evident in the artwork, which has moved from rough caricature to a much more polished, animated style. Violence, crude sexual humor and profanity prevail. These books appeal to a very narrow segment of the population; those who geek and game will find them hilarious -- every one else will struggle to care. ( )

Gabe and Tycho are gamers. Hardcore gamers. No demo goes unplayed, no system goes unpurchased. They make their frequently opinions about games, platforms and the gaming industry known to all in these funny, frequently profane comic strips.

These are comic strips, in the truest sense of the word. Each stands alone; continuity is rarely present. This first collection shows the evolution of the strip from its earliest years. This is particularly evident in the artwork, which has moved from rough caricature to a much more polished, animated style. Violence, crude sexual humor and profanity prevail. These books appeal to a very narrow segment of the population; those who geek and game will find them hilarious -- every one else will struggle to care. ( )

I am thoroughly stoked to have this copy of the first year of Penny-Arcade strips with Tycho's commentary. Usually, the commentary is hilarious, although every now and then Tycho doesn't say much (but that is fine). It's a treat to remember Gabe's earlier style of art and to see it in print and laugh all over again, remembering how the video game industry is still worthy of much ridicule for as much as we enjoy it! ( )

Good stuff. Of course.

I wish Mike Krahulik had written some of the commentary. That's the rationale behind the subtracted half-star.