Review: QUICKSTOPS #4

3.45/5.0 Stars
Rating if the Book Were a Movie: R

Creative Team:

Writer: Kevin Smith
Artist: Ahmed Raafat
Letters: Andrew Thomas
Cover: Ahmed Raafat
Editor: Spencer Cushing
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics and Secret Stash Press

Ratings:

Story: 3.3 Stars
Artwork: 3.4 Stars
Cover Artwork: 3.4 Stars
Dialogue: 3.6 Stars
Mechanics: 3.5 Stars
Editing: 3.5 Stars 

About the Book:

Dante has some problems. He’s supposed to be going on his second date with Veronica, which entails her being his date for his family reunion. Randal wants to tag along, as well. Before Dante can deal with these issues he has to find a way to get out of his shift at the Quick Stop. Randal comes up with the idea of having Jay and Silent Bob cover for him. What could go wrong?!

Reader’s Notes:

I knew nothing about the Askewnivers until spring, 1997. I was a clerk at the video counter of a grocery store. One of my regular customers asked me if we had a copy of Clerks available to rent. I worked for a shitty store (see what I did there?) that didn’t have it.

I told her I had never heard of it. She said, “That’s too bad. With your job, you’d get a kick out of it.” Eventually I’d end up asking her out and watching the movie. The relationship lasted four or five dates. The movie, as well as the ones that followed, will be with me forever.

I didn’t care for Randal the first time I watched Clerks. I found him to be a rude, crass, public relations nightmare for anyone that hired him. The concept of personal boundaries eluded him.

Years of working with the public coupled with seeing some friends get emotionally destroyed in relationships because I didn’t voice my misgivings enough has made me see I was wrong. Randal has it figured out. He says what he feels. He doesn’t sugar coat things. Most importantly, he’s fiercely loyal and wants to do what he can to help his friends. The world needs more Randals.

I have appreciated how Quick Stops has given us more depth on our favorite characters. We know Dante has a horrible sense of self image. After seeing his family we see why. Compared to his cousins, Dante sees himself as a failure.

I loved how many references we get to everything from the Askewniverse. We have a great Clerks reference on the cover, as well as several throughout the story. Mallrats gets a nod as well.

Raafat’s artwork is perfect for this story. It helps capture the essence of how stuck up Dante’s family is. It lets us feel the tenderness when Dante is painting Veronica’s nails. Thankfully it isn’t too vivid when Randal learns something about Roxanne.

As with the rest of the Quick Stops series, if you enjoyed the movies from the Askewniverse, you’ll love this book. If those movies aren’t your Snoochie Boochies you will probably want to pass on Quick Stops #4. This geek on a budget is loving the books and is eager for more!