Patrick McHale

I can't remember the last time I actually laughed out loud reading something, but this did it. I loved Over The Garden Wall the miniseries, and the comics retain the same dark humor, the same charming art style, and . . . the same everything that made me fall in love with the original.

Book content warnings
drowning mention

This comic is a small self-contained story taking place between episode 3 and 4 (the tavern episode). Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice come upon two girls doing chores--and when show more Wirt tries to help, they give the most confusing orders ever, so that he ends up "messing things up" instead of helping. And they keep repeating "Papa won't like this at all"! in a very ominous verse.

I wish I could remember the direct inspiration for these girls. Was it a quilt pattern? I know everything from this comic/show is inspired by some old American show/old-time folk something. In this case, I forgot . . . I'll have to do some research!!

But in any case, this is the most fun I've ever had reading a comic in perhaps forever. show less

BAGS is a fascinating little book, written by Patrick McHale, about a man named John Motts who sets out in search of his lost dog, Beth. The narrative is charming and amusing at some points, and yet it is filled with mystery and uncertainty at other times. Throughout the book, the story is awash with imaginative elements. There is a dreamlike quality to the tone and atmosphere, as John Motts travels from place to place looking for Beth. During his journey, John interacts with eccentric show more characters who are not always what they originally appear to be, and his quest for Beth puts him in some unusual settings and menacing situations. Although there are dark moments when the story becomes intense, it is always an interesting and amazingly thought-provoking tale.

The story kept me engaged particularly because it deals with universal questions about life – issues such as love and loss, suspicion and fear, trust and happiness. In fact, the walrus reminded me of myself in some ways – particularly when I sort and re-sort my thoughts and ideas before making an important decision, in much the same way as the walrus sorts and re-sorts the myriad items and possessions in his bags. I will not reveal any more, as I do not want to spoil anything for anyone.

I thought special highlights of the book are Patrick McHale's intriguing illustrations. These drawings are simple in design, yet provide a delightful complement to the text.

Also worth mentioning is the great soundtrack that is available for BAGS the book; the music was composed by Andrew Dorsett and Eli Moore. It is amazing how well the soundtrack enhances the feeling and mood of the written word. I must admit I had never before read a book, while listening to original music that was composed for the unique purpose of accompanying the reading of that specific book. What a great idea!

I highly recommend BAGS. I have read the book twice, and my second reading only served to increase my enjoyment of it. show less

Wow! I . . . didn't expect to get emotional over one of these little Over The Garden Wall comics. But I guess that's what happened.

The first half of the comic was hilarious, somewhere before "Lullaby in Frogland", with Greg, Wirt, and Beatrice exploring the forest. Unfortunately, Greg and Wirt somehow become animals. On the plus side, Beatrice's character gets some expanding and is explored in a very great way.

The second half takes a very different turn, leaving the group's adventures show more entirely to focus on a new character we've only seen glimpses of in the actual show: Anna, the woodsman's daughter. Here the story gets more introspective and melancholy, as Anna and her dead mother talk about Anna's life without her parents as she grows up in isolation.

One part is hilarious, the other beautiful and sad. I loved them both, though! These comics are still the best graphic novels I've ever read--based on a show or otherwise. I can't wait to read more. show less

John Mott's dog has gone missing, and now he searches for it. It's an annoying dreamlike quest with absurd characters and turns built around metaphors for the stages of grief.

This a 2019 graphic novel adaptation by Gavin Fullerton of a failed attempt at a novel by Over the Garden Wall creator Pat McHale that was instead published as an illustrated prose short story in 2014.