Well, This Is Me: A Cartoon Collection (2024)

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Funny guy Asher Perlman has taken an unconventional path to fame and fortune, from writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stand-up comedian, indie filmmaker and occasional actor. Regardless, he seems to have found his calling as a cartoonist, and Well, This Is Me makes a strong case this is where he belongs. His publishing debut collects over 150 cartoons that have appeared elsewhere, most notably The New Yorker (and Instagram), with original artwork and commentary sandwiching them in one easily digestible, tasty package.

Those familiar with the type of single-paneled comic found in The New Yorker and many other publications will be instantly comfortably flipping through the selection here, which leans heavily into the neuroticism and anxiety facing so many in today’s media-drenched society. Sometimes the gags are opaque, sometimes they’re literally literal. Often they’re a play on words, star anthropomorphic animals, or offer a good non-sequitur.

Truthfully, Perlman’s comics are less “edgy” than a peeled boiled egg, but they don’t really need to be more than that. In fact, the few times a comic drops an f-bomb feel shockingly out of place among their otherwise tame peers. That he’s able to use such restraint, to focus on making them less caustic and inviting is a rare (and welcome) thing these days.

That said, while I wouldn’t call them hilarious, the comics included are almost always very funny and very clever, like the bar patrons rushing to intercept the Phish fan before it’s too late (“Oh god, he’s going for the jukebox!”) or when The Wizard of Oz’s Tin Man shows up at a Jiffy Lube, prompting a worker to lament “Oh great, the pervert’s back.” Ok, that’s pretty hilarious.

The usual question of “why should I buy a paper book of cartoons I can read for free online?” whenever we discuss buying a collection of reprinted comics that can be found online is valid, but easily answered. First off, paper rules. It’s tangible, easy to hold, doesn’t blind your eyes with hazardous Blue lights, and doesn’t need electricity to read (provided the Sun is still shining). And, yes, I realize these comics were created digitally (probably on an iPad), but that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed in their Final Form as nature intended, on paper. Your children’s children will appreciate their inheritance.

Secondly, the internet isn’t forever. Services come, accounts go, and even the best of us can’t around digital clutter. Having a handsomely printed paper copy of these cartoons doesn’t just look great on your bookshelf or coffee table (last minute birthday gifts, anyone?), but you’ll have the comfort of knowing that you’ve invested in the most reliable cataloging system ever created – barring any floods, wildfires, or empire sacking.

Silliness aside, you’ll also be supporting an actual artist who’s actually creating actual art, in this case someone named Asher Perlman creating two-dimensional comics. Well, This Is Me is a fun and entertaining debut from a talented comedian who may have found his true calling in the world of single-paneled funnies. They may only offer brief chuckles, but they’re hearty chuckles.