Maximum Minimum Wage HC by Fingerman, Bob

Minimum Wage

by Bob Fingerman

During its run in the mid-'90s, Minimum Wage racked up critical accolades and a devoted following, numbering among its fans Patton Oswalt, Marc Maron, Dana Gould, Scott Aukerman, Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, David Cross, and more. Why? Because each page boasted sticky, uncomfortable truths drenched in bleakly familiar humor. It was "cringe comedy" before the phrase had been coined, presaging squirmy shows like Louie and Girls. Set in a New York so real you can practically smell it (so claimed Mike Mignola), Minimum Wage is the workaday saga of cartoonist Rob Hoffman and his firebrand girlfriend, Sylvia. He churns out strips for smut rags and off-brand MAD knockoffs and she languishes managing a hair salon. With their colorful crew of friends, they forge ahead against the brutal indifference of their hometown. This definitive edition includes the original 72-page "pilot" episode (Minimum Wage Book One) and the revised "director's cut" of the main storyline. Plus, a bonus color section featuring original cover paintings and guest pin-ups by Mike Mignola, Kevin Nowlan, Dave Johnson, Jill Thompson, Dave Cooper, Glenn Barr, and others.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Humor, Fiction, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Recent releases are From the Ashes, a satirical "speculative memoir" set in post-apocalyptic New York (IDW, March 2010) of which The Onion wrote, “As a blitz of astringent satire, an unabashed love letter to his wife, and a love-hate manifesto aimed at the whole human race, From The Ashes is a gem; as an addition to the often-staid canon of post-apocalyptic pop culture, it’s a revelation… A“

In August 2010 my second novel, Pariah (Tor Books), a Pinteresque zombie tale, was released. It rec'd a starred review from Publishers Weekly and an A- from Entertainment Weekly and was Fangoria's Book of the Month selection. The mass market pocket edition came out in 2011.

My most recent release is the deluxe oversized hardcover collection Maximum Minimum Wage, from Image Comics (April 2013), which made Entertainment Weekly's Must List and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. From the May 1997 edition with a theme of "Offered Again" Comics:

INTRODUCTION

Is there anything better than picking up a large chunk of a series you'd previously overlooked, reading it through from the beginning, and discovering a quality book you'll never want to miss again? That's one of the reasons I love trade paperbacks. But what are you going to do if there is no trade paperback? If you're already ordering from PREVIEWS through Rockem Sockem Comics, you can take advantage of the large number of comics which are "offered again" by various publishers each month. When a book is offered again, the publisher is generally trying to promote the latest issue of a series by making the back issues available for new readers. Or the publisher might be pushing the back issues in a month when no new issue is being offered. Usually, unless labelled otherwise, the books being offered again are mint condition first editions. This month you have a chance to take advantage of the system and pick up nearly complete runs of three very unique and deserving series.

EARNING A LIVING

MINIMUM WAGE BOOK ONE (Fantagraphics Books)
MINIMUM WAGE VOLUME 2 #1-6 (Fantagraphics Books)

Gen-X slackers are everywhere. Books. Film. Television. And, of course, comics. Sometimes it seems every other independent comic features slackers. Luckily, some of those comics are good.

MINIMUM WAGE tells of the evolving relationship of two young residents of NYC. Rob Hoffman is a 24-year-old aspiring comic book artist. Alas, he must toil at drawing silly strips for porn mags and humor rags until he can realize his dream. Rob's girlfriend, 28-year-old Sylvia Fanucci, manages a hair salon by day and spends her free time loving and tormenting Rob. BOOK ONE covers their decision to move in together. VOLUME TWO #1 finds them apartment hunting, while #2 gets them to moving day. This all leads to an inevitable question in #5. Along the road the couple has to deal with a voyeuristic young nephew (#2) and a comic book convention (#4). Jealousy rears its head when Rob wants to collaborate with an attractive performance artist/porn star/writer (#5). Rob spends #6 hating everyone else in NYC and fruitlessly taking his portfolio around to various magazines. While most of these topics are handled in a light and amusing manner, issue #3 changes pace drastically to tackle abortion.

Writer/artist Bob Fingerman shows quite a bit of talent, something I hadn't expected after his previous effort, the race-swapping fantasy WHITE LIKE SHE (Dark Horse Comics). He handles slice-of-life storytelling well. Having recently searched for a new rental myself, I found the apartment search and parody of realtors especially true to life. The lead characters are strong, and the side characters are all funny or colorful. Every character, including the leads, is presented with flaws as well as good points, making them all very human. Fingerman's cartoonish drawing style is very accomplished and helps differentiate and define the many friends, co-workers, family members, strangers and acquaintances who appear throughout the series. My complaints are minor: the pacing of the stories is a bit slow and uneven, and the plot sometimes changes course in mid-stream.

I must warn y'all that this book is for adults only. Fingerman depicts full-frontal nudity and graphic sexual situations, because, after all, sex is another part of daily life.

Each issue features a different guest artist doing pin-ups on the back cover. So far, contributors include (in order, issues #1-6) Pat McEown, Kevin Nowlan, Dave Cooper, Dave Johnson, Mike Mignola, and Kyle Baker. Stephen DeStefano, Evan Dorkin, Ted McKeever and Bill Wray all add interior pin-ups to issue #4. Also, a thinly-disguised Evan Dorkin ("Kevin Orkin") appears in the comic convention issue offering sage advice and assurances to Rob, who is promoting his first solo comic book.

If you want a quality book about a couple of struggling twenty-somethings, sign up for MINIMUM WAGE.


Grade: B+

(MINIMUM WAGE VOLUME 2 #1-7 are solicited this month in PREVIEWS on page 270!)

[Ming Wei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, loved it, a great sense of humor, brilliant!!!

[Walter Greatshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first encountered the twisted genius of Bob Fingerman's Minimum Wage series many years ago, and it is a great pleasure to be able to revisit his pre-Louis C.K, pre-Seinfeld world of angst-ridden, fleabitten New York hipsters in their natural habitat--i.e. the wondrously uninhibited medium of underground comics. Why isn't somebody making an HBO series out of this stuff?

[Ozro Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most American comic readers, my introduction to the format came through superheroes. Then eventually popular "all-time" books like Preacher, Blankets, Persepolis... various genre-defining works that were allegedly more serious than the childish fare I'd started with. But there still exists a wealth of gems from before my time that have gone overlooked because they simply never reached the mainstream. It seems that Minimum Wage is one such book.

Just from reading the foreword and viewing the pin-up gallery in the back of this collection, I could tell this was the kind of comic that other comic writers fawn over. Now, maybe that's partially because it's particularly relatable for them, as Fingerman's stand-in protagonist is, naturally, a cartoonist. But seeing creators talk about this series the way daily strip writers talk about Calvin & Hobbes is enough to pique my interest.

And while I don't think this is going to be an all-time favorite for me, I definitely get it. The simple, slice of life story is extremely relatable for anyone who's lived through their 20s, even if they're not a cartoonist. Hell, there's very little about these characters' lives - hitting adulthood in NYC in the mid-90s, working at adult magazines and going to off-kilter art shows - that mirrors my own. But the relationships still ring true. These characters are spot on, even when they fall into cliché at times.

I'm not sure how autobiographical this all is (though some scenarios seem too specific to not be based on truth), but it's clear that Fingerman isn't shying away from his own neuroses here. Even though Rob's point of view is typically presented as the level-headed, rational approach, the reader isn't meant to give him a pass. Rob and Sylvia are both completely full of flaws in an absolutely honest way. Their story feels like one we've all seen in real life time and time again.

A quick word on this collection itself: It's fantastic. The oversized format suits the artwork well. Sure, the linework is relatively simple, as is common for alt comics of the time, but it's surprisingly crisp and looks great at the larger size. It's been retouched with updated shading, but in a way that feels both contemporary and true to the original (possibly ironic, considering the artist's citation of the Star Wars Special Editions in the preface). Two original versions of the book's first chapter are included in the back for a look at the original art; it's definitely looser - in some spots I actually prefer it - and gives you a nice look at how Fingerman's style evolved over the two decades since original publication. Finally, a cover and pin-up gallery is always a great feature, and there are some really great pieces in this book.

[Ryan Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had read this in my late-teens/early-twenties, there’s a good chance I would have gone nuts for it. As it stands, the slice of life relationship journey of a young couple in New York isn’t something I’m getting too excited about as I knock on the door of 40 here in the Midwest.

Fingerman’s art is a blocky, bubbly sort of cartoon work, and it’s a nice fit over something more realistic. The decisions made regarding perspective and shape help move the story along and make room for all those goddamn words. (Some of which haven’t exactly aged well, and while applying modern sensibilities to work from decades past is always a losing game, I couldn’t help but be turned off by the gawky view of lesbians, the casual homophobia towards gay men, and uses of the n-word that probably came off in the early 90’s as a way to make a character quirky and unlikeable but now is clearly unnecessary and jarring.)

It took me awhile to finish the main story, and while I flipped through the extra material in the back for a few minutes, I wasn’t exactly friending for more Minimum Wage. It was a fine read, and anyone exploring autobiographical comics could certainly do worse. If nothing else, it seems to have a place in the history of that genre. Whether or not you feel like making space for the problems of a 22 year old straight white guy in New York who draws porno comics is a different story.

[Mary Shyne]

Perfect black and white comic art (I actually prefer his older style, pre-screen tone — reminds me of a predecessor to Liz Suburbia’s work), but deeply mean-spirited and outdated writing. The n-word is used by white characters multiple times + racist caricatures, zero sympathy for the houseless, misogyny infused into every aspect of the comic, even Sylvia, one of the few women who is given depth. And oh boy, the homophobia. The intensity of the homophobia almost led me to put it down entirely at one point, and I’m a person determined to finish every comic I start.

It’s a huge shame because I really genuinely love Fingerman’s art style. It does make me intensely grateful I came of age in a later generation of comic artists, where I have a greater chance of being judged by the content of the comics I make rather than where I rate on a 1-10 scale of female attractiveness.

[Daniel Mossop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this about 8 years ago and loved it so second time reading. I still enjoyed it a lot. I like how it feels so personal, like you really know the main character and his friends. It’s also like a little time capsule of what New York used to be like. A little snippet. Some of the language and way of speaking hasn’t aged well BUT that is how people used to talk etc so it’s staying Steve the time even if it’s a lot more noticeable second time reading Through. I like the quirky simplicity of the art too, the characters are all distinguishable.
Would like more.

[Vanni Santoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Qualche giorno fa mi son chiesto che fine potesse mai aver fatto Bob Fingerman, così ho ordinato due suoi libri più recenti di quel "Minimum Wage" che tanto avevo amato vent'anni fa. Erano "Dotty's Inferno" e "From ashes", e ammazza se sono brutti: se il disegno è sempre ottimo, tutto lo spirito dell'autore si è inspiegabilmente perso in una verbosità inutile e in una tempesta di meta-riferimenti tutti risaputi o inutili. Peccato. È buona occasione però per ribadire che "Minimum Wage" è un capolavoro. Questa listata qua è la nuova versione. Meglio la vecchia, per chi riesce a reperirla.

[Dave Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite graphic novels of all time. Very relatable and chock full of great humor and slices of life.

[Sofia The Great · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. I liked some of the stories.

I think this collection was mostly geared towards white men.

[Ruz El · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those alt-comics series I always meant to pick up back when it was being published and never did, so it's nice to get it all collected in one place in a fancy, over sized collection. The quality is top notch, Image did a really nice job on it, and the black & white art looks fantastic.

The big danger of these collections though is that while it's a fiction, it's certainly based on the authors life and being from the mid 90's, it could prove dated. Maybe it's nostalgia on my part, but this one holds up really well. It's a time capsule, but one that deals with many issues still relevant today like gay rights (though progressive for the day, might seem a bit backwards still for the more PC modern audience) and abortions. Lets face it, some relationship stuff just never changes and since this is ultimately the story of Rob and Silvia, there's a lot to enjoy and identify with.

Now the bit I found odd. It is complete as far as I can tell, the main draw is the reprint of the 10 issues of the book. After you read all of that, you get about 75 pages of what Fingerman calls "The Pilot Version", which basically is an early shot at the material that makes up chunks of the 10 issues. I have no idea which material has been polished up for this version, and it's interesting, it's all just a bit strange. It's cool that it's included of course.

At any rate, if you're curious about what it was like being a freelance artist in 90's New York when the most regular gig you could find was in porn weeklies, this is the book for you. Which isn't really fair since it's actually about the human condition, the stress of modern living, and all that other stuff that comic book fans like to pretend Batman is dealing with when he kicks the shit out of the Joker for the billionth time. Plus, this is a great place to start seeing as Fingerman has resumed the series. Recommended.

[sj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy provided by Image Comics

I read a few issues of Minimum Wage many moons ago cos my friend R was a fan. This is pretty cool, the entire run not only consolidated in one book BUT ALSO revamped and reworked art, including the original art. Lots of really cool extras (all the original cover art, a script for another book that was never drawn or published) and an introduction written by Robert Kirkman.

Minimum Wage follows freelance artist Rob (he doesn’t do much work he’s proud of, mostly porno comics and send ups for a fictional version of Cracked) and his girlfriend Sylvia (a lapsed Catholic Italian hairdresser who still hangs out with this girl she used to sleep with) and , their all-too-real Brooklyn lives.

Fear of marriage, pregnancy scares, inability to find decent work, spying pervy kids, it’s a pretty accurate slice of life, just taken to 11.

Think Seinfeld, but with more swearing and other explicit content.

This was really great, and I’ll be asking for the HC for my birthday.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I've been a Minimum Wage fan for quite some time, so I was excited to find this lovely hardcover. In addition to all ten issues of the comic, Fingerman includes the script for the unpublished 11th issue as well as the first MW GN, pinups from various artists including Glenn Barr and Dave Cooper, plus a few other surprises. This is certainly the definitive collection of this material. MW is a nice slice-of-life series about two young adults struggling to survive in New York City. Many of the characters are based on real people, and Fingerman admits that there's some "truthiness" to the work. He also seems willing to pick up the series again--poor sales killed it the first time around--if there seems to be enough interest. I, for one, hope so, as Rob and Sylvia are too interesting to leave in limbo like that.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so thankful I got into Minimum Wage when I did, because I don't have to wait to find out what's next for Rob, what with the new ongoing series from Image now. I loved this book so much. I'd actually read a couple of issues of the new series first and really enjoyed it, so I knew I had to go back and read the original.

The artwork fits the mood of the series extraordinarily well, and Bob Fingerman absolutely kills with the writing. You really feel for everything Rob is going through in the book during all the absurd shenanigans. This hardcover was beautiful, with great oversized prints, and some awesome bonus features, including the original 72 page "pilot" issue, and the "lost" issue one that hadn't been published since its original comic book run. I can't recommend enough.

[Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the artwork, love the characters' idiosyncrasies, love the sarcastic humor bursting out almost every dialogue.

Plus, Fingerman's got a natural talent for portraying the miseries and small victories of twenty-somethings' everyday life with honesty.

The highlight of the bonus material is definitely the script for the unpublished 11th issue of the Minimum Wage series, a must read for any fan.

Fingerman has said that he can resurrect the series and start a 'second season', depending on the commercial success of this deluxe edition. Buy this one, fans, and let's hope for more Rob Hoffman's misadventures to come!

[Koen Claeys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review on the Belgian comics site 'Brainfreeze' (http://www.brainfreeze.be/2013/05/18/...) made me aware of the existence of this book. I'm happy it did because this is brilliant stuff ! It reads like an HBO television series about a struggling (and maybe a bit lazy) comic book artist and all his personal problems.
Two weeks ago Image released issue #1 of the sequel. Now that's what I call perfect timing.
Highly recommended. Most ! highly ! recommended !

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had already read the majority of this when the individual issues came out, but it was handy to have everything in one place. I have a sentimental attachment to this comic because it's one of the first "serious" series that I followed (even though it has a cartoon style) and because I met Fingerman (very briefly) at a signing. The artwork is great, but on rereading I realize that the writing was a bit heavy-handed. And the satire sometimes strayed into straight-up stereotyping.

[Derek Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great to read this collection altogether instead of periodical installments, as when it originally came out. And the addition of the "pilot" and "missing chapter," along with the 11th issue script and other supplementary art, made this an incredible and definitive volume. Just the thing to take on on the dawn of Fingerman's new series for Image.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

After hearing Bob Fingerman on the WTF podcast, I was curious to read this one. Since it's an omnibus edition, it's an oversized book which is wonderful, except I couldn't take it with me back and forth to work so I could read at lunch so I returned it to the library without finishing it. Interesting storyline about a guy who draws comics, his girlfriend and friends.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Minimum Wage back in the 90s and really enjoyed it. It's great to see the revised artwork and additional material. Fingerman's work is full of great dialogue and imaginative characters. This is life in New York.

[Elizabeth Nordquest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories and loved the extras. Nice to see sketches and the author's honest opinion of old work. Someone asked why this isn't and HBO show and I agree. Should still be set in the 90s, of course.

[Ken Childers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit it...saw in big print on bottom of this book in my local library 'foreword by Robert Kirkman' so I grabbed it. Great artistry and completely believe able characters. Anyone else think Sylvia looked like a younger Madonna? Eh, really dug it.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable collection of Fingerman's Minimum Wage comic series. Slice of life New York City in the 90s with various comic artist types trying to make a living. It's surprisingly wholesome despite the frequent sex scenes.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only wish there was more of it.

[Ill D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smut.

[T. Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story: 2 Art: 4

No surprise that my taste have changed since I was in my twenties. I enjoyed it but not as much as I hoped.

[Dann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely read. Art style is stark and errs on being slightly cartoony, but nice. Characters are fleshed out decently. No real story, but an enjoyable slice of life piece. A 90's nostalgia rush.

[Johanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

mad magazine style plus navel-gazing equals meh. some of the characters grew on me after a while and it is an interesting document of the 90s.