Erika Moen has been writing an online comic journal since 2003, chronicling her foray into, and eventually out of, lesbianhood. Autobiographical comics rarely fail to amuse me, and this is no exception. I guess it is unfair to say she has left lesbianhood, and probably untrue, but it does allow for some interesting and quality stories. Volume one is a collection of one to two page comic strips representing the best of the best, or maybe the personal favorites, of Erika's strips from 2006-2008. It should be shared that she has retired DAR in order to focus on new projects. While this is probably bittersweet for the author and many of her fans, we are fortunate that she has put together comprehensive volumes for continuous enjoyment. There is even a debriefing to bring the reader up to date, which is extra helpful for all of us newer fans.

With titles like “Boogie”, “The Truth About Queefing”, “Bike Slut”, and “Dyke With a Boyfriend”, it is clear she has no problem with dipping into the vulgar side of things. And by vulgar, I mean hilarious and real, of course. In fact, some of them were so real that I could not wait to read them to my ex. “Phllrp”, a funny slash gross snippet about blowing your partner out with stanky, dead inside farts while yelling “Love Me!” was so true, it was like a video camera had been perched in our bedroom. Gross, but funny.

When she yells “Pay attention to me!” with a mad gleam in her eye and her fingers ready to pinch, I had a flashback and immediately showed my ex, rolling my eyes while she smiled in glee. There were quite a few stories that hit close to home. Every time I would chuckle she would insist that I share the strip with her. I mean, they're funny read aloud with the pictures described in detail, but I think a little gets lost in translation. I moved closer to the couch so she could get a better view. Eventually I got so tired of her reading over my shoulder that I just chucked the book into her lap. I may have even yelled, “give me a break”, or sighed a giant harumph.

Many of the funniest pages surround her unusual yet not that unusual relationship with Matt. As far as I can tell, Matt is nothing but straight, nothing but supportive, and incredibly mellow with his self-proclaimed queer girlfriend/now wife. Some of my favorite sections are when she shares a glimpse into her life with Matt, and then subsequently shares the story of Matt's reaction to the previous glimpse. There is impressive artistry to her arrangement and sequencing, and I love it. I even love Matt a little bit, though I wish there was a better way to really get his British accent across on paper.

Part of me believes that a collection solely made up of adventures with Matt would be awesome, but then I know I would miss the ex-girlfriend back and forth drama that kills me with its poignant irony and hilarity. I would especially miss it because Erica nails the emotions and turbulent roller coaster so well in both her writings and her drawings.

The beauty of these pages is the exquisitely simple story lines that anyone and everyone can relate to, boy or girl, straight or gay. The characters, and the everyday stuff that happens to them, is universal and realistic, ridiculously funny without being ridiculous. I await Volume Two and I also look forward to catching up on Erica Moen's other projects. I hope she brings her youthful and vibrant humor to all of her new ventures, and I can't wait to laugh some more.

Lacy Telles is a writer currently living in San Francisco. In addition, she is a full-time hairstylist, a part-time veterinary technician, a reader, a lover, a friend, and also what her pals call, a "hostess with the most-est". Check her out at www.lacytelles.com.

DAR: A Super Girly Top Secret Comic Diary, Volume One © 2009 Erika Moen. Review © 2010 Lacy Telles.

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