In general, I’m fussy about my comics and fussy about my porn, so rarely do the two mix very well. Porn is tricky because often it’s either too generic or too specifically constructed to punch someone’s buttons other than my own. In the realm of illustrated erotica, where so much loving attention is paid to the artist’s own interests, my appreciation is usually limited to a sort of cool, non-sexual interest in the technique, or a critical roll of the eyes. On top of all that, It’s hard to tell a good story in a comic book, at least in a way where the writing, the art, and the appeal to someone’s imagination all come together in just the right way. Although I’ve seen lots of gay comic art that’s sexual in nature, it’s almost never struck the right balance of all those elements.
That’s why Sticky, from Eros Comix, was such an enormous, pleasant surprise. It does a beautiful job of telling a story in the comic medium, and it’s also pretty hot. My pal Andy mentions in a review of his own that it’s not very plot-heavy, which is technically true, but misleading. When I finally got my copy, I was actually pretty blown away by how well Dale Lazarov’s plotting and Steve MacIsaac’s artwork (there’s no dialogue, so I’m actually a little unsure where the the writer’s role ended and the artist’s began) told the story of one couple’s roll in the hay in exquisite, vivid detail. I don’t mean the sometimes excruciating detail of a porn movie, but the kind of details you might notice when you’re actually having sex with someone — a string of moments that can be hot, playful, tender, mischievous, and even a little funny.
I think that’s why this works as both porn and as a comic: the illustrated story feels real and not too contrived, with enough of the right elements thrown in to call to mind enough of my own romps. At the same time, it has great artwork that’s suited really well to this particular medium, and uses that to string together a story that wouldn’t be quite so compelling if told (or shown) another way. that’s quite a trick (oh god, I totally did not mean that as a pun), and I’m impressed they pulled it off. Now I’m all excited to see what the second issue has in store!
(Disclosure: Dale Lazarov wrote and asked me if I was interested in getting a review copy of the comic. I had already heard about it and wanted to read it, so I happily agreed. I warned him, though, that I would tell the truth. Since I’m such a pussycat, though, I’m glad I was able to tell the truth and still say good things about it.)