How to be Happy is a collection of comic strips that delve into the pressures of modern life, offering a mix of humor and social commentary. The strips often reflect a downbeat mood, with the title being ironic as the content is more about despair than happiness. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and brutal honesty of the strips, which stand out from typical daily comic strips.
How to be Happy is a collection of comic strips by Shannon Wheeler, featuring the character Too Much Coffee Man. The strips are known for their square panelled format and often conclude with a gag or comment. The reviewer notes that Wheeler had been refining his process for about ten years, distilling his messages into fewer panels. The title is ironic, as the content is more about the pressures of conforming, being productive, and impressing others, rather than actual happiness. The strips are set in a pre-social media age, making the themes even more relevant today. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and brutal honesty of the strips, which stand out from typical daily comic strips like Dilbert. Wheeler's ability to convey despair and social commentary is highlighted, with some strips even addressing political issues and the state of the USA in 2005. The reviewer also notes that Wheeler can produce classic gag strips, such as one where the devil sneezes and is told 'God bless you.' The introspection and downbeat mood of the strips mean they won't have universal appeal, but those who connect with Wheeler's world might find some comfort in seeing someone worse off than themselves. The reviewer suggests that readers who enjoy this collection might also like the more personal selection of Screw Heaven, When I Die I’m Going to Mars or the Too Much Coffee Man Omnibus.
Quick quotes
The title is of course ironic, unless schadenfreude is your thing, in which case see TMCM as the guy who’s always worse off than you are and perhaps the title could work for you.
You don’t find that kind of brutal honesty in Dilbert.
The introspection and downbeat mood means Too Much Coffee Man will never have universal appeal, but zone into his world and you might believe there’s someone worse off than you are.