Fantagraphics is probably the only comicstrip publisher that hypes women's comics. Even thought they admit "they don't sell all that well," we figure it's more a marketing problem than a content problem from what we can gather. In the Girltalk comic series ("a voice without makeup"), you get such characters as the figtree-eating Eve, Cement-Mixin' Squatter Bitches, a girl who falls in love with a guy who discovers he loves men more than women, and field hockey players Jocasta and Helena Pecks. But it isn't all funny: On a more serious sardonic side, in Girltalk #1, there's a cartoon of the Pap Smear Doctor looking as gruesome as they all seem to appear in real life. In #2, one woman artist draws her rape and her low self-esteem afterwards being "washed off" in a shower as words like confidence, pride, and sex appeal get washed down the drain. Literally.

In Artbabe, artist Jessica Abel illustrates the more serious side of comicstrip writing/art storytelling as we follow the life of career chick Darcy and a guy named Ben. It's sort of typical, but not so typical you don't want to find out what's going to happen. Artbabe's the old story of a cool girl and a nerdy guy: Although this strip ends before we find out what happens, you can pretty much figure it out.

A Bitch is Born is Roberta Gregory's feminist look at sex comics, social and political issues, fantasy, and metamorphysics. At times super funny with her trademarkable big-mouthed women and girls, it's filled with different female personalities that are sometimes too like our own for comfort. But if you're reading a Bitch is Born for comfort, you've picked up the wrong strip. Better be in the mood for in-your-face farcical grrrl comics to truly enjoy what Gregory's throwing at you. For any of the above comics, call (800) 657-1100.--K.G.