Former Guy

I received an eARC so I could review this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Doonesbury, as a current events political cartoon often hits that point. Former Guy, which chronicles from the aftermath of the 2020 elections, the first part of the COVID pandemic, gerrymandering and voter suppression, CRT panic, etc definitely covers a not super humorous time.

I have used Doonesbury as a route to teaching recent history for high school age students in the past, to give a more detailed view of the Vietnam war and similar events. . In 20 years ago. I can see “Former Guy” being used in the same vein.

Trudeau is the master. I've read through the book now twice and still don't know whether to laugh or cry.

I have to admit to, while not ignoring Trudeau's work, being less focused on it over the past years than I once was. As a result, as I enjoyed the collection here, I found myself smiling, even chuckling as I renewed old acquaintances, not to mention rolling my eyes and shaking my head. Not at the subject matter, no, but at the deft, humorous way events were presented.

Your favorites seem to be here, from Zonker to Jimmy Crow, Mike, JJ, TRFF, Red Rascal, Roland Hedley, and more. The big hits just kept coming, from lies to election fraud, voting shenanigans, protests, conspiracy theories, and so much more. Covid was given its own cartoon character, btw, just as Buttsy(who makes a few appearances with Mr. Brewski) was used to represent smoking.

Once dubbed a "third rate talent" by the Former Guy, Trudeau has been drawing his "garbage" for some 52 years. Probably much to Trudeau's dismay, as huge a gift to comic and satirists as the Former Guy has been, most likely Trudeau wishes he'd had cause to spend less time focused on the Former Guy. Be that as it may (or may not) be, Trudeau's lens into the political world is as sharp as it's ever been.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AndrewsMcMeelPublishing for reminding me how much I've been missing my daily dose of Trudeau and just didn't know it. Needless to say, that's something I'm already working on fixing.

I enjoyed reading this book. Dealing with the antics of The Former Guy will make you want to cry. Trudeau has a knack for humor & satire. I look forward to reading his books!!

Another perfect collection of comics from Trudeau. Lots of fantastic coverage of Trump’s 2020 loss and subsequent hissy fit, which almost destroyed our nation’s democracy. Very funny as always!