Advance Review: Exploring The Askewniverse’s Dark Recesses In ‘Quick Stops’ HC

Fans of the Askewniverse – Kevin Smith’s movie universe which includes Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma – will rejoice in a hardcover version of the recently concluded comics series Quick Stops. In this collection, Smith expands his cinematic world through some familiar characters in new situations. The series is even presented in black and white, like the original Clerks.

Those stories include a podcast with Chasing Amy’s Holden McNeil (and even drawn to look like a more contemporary version of actor Ben Affleck). The fun part is that through a flashback, we see McNeil in the Quick Stop convenience store seen in Clerks. And that brings favorites Jay and Silent Bob to life. There’s even a hilarious sendup of The Dark Knight Returns featuring superhero versions of the pair. Jeremy Simser draws that story, and even changes his style to ape Frank Miller’s work in the legendary series.

Another story, penciled by Phil Hester with Ande Park’s inks, finds humor in an unexpected situation. Randal from Clerks and Brodie from Mallrats are dealing with the death of their cousin Walter. Walter, it seems, broke his neck while trying to service himself. Yet that was only the tip of the iceberg – so to speak – when it came to Walter’s sexual dysfunctions.

Highbrow humor this is not. It is, however, pretty funny anyway.

Other stories include a disastrous family reunion drawn by Ahmed Raafat and a couple summers at a bible camp, which is illustrated by Tango. They go pretty much as you would expect.

It seems unfair that Smith and the other creators only developed the series to last for a handful of issues. Fortunately, readers have this new hardcover edition will have to tide themselves over until Silent Bob writes some more.

Quick Stops HC will be available for purchase on Wednesday.