Virginity the Second Time Around

These are stories of First Times, that moment most of the animals on the planet have gone through, losing sexual virginity -- except we as humans have to get past our brains first. The results are lovely, stupid and sometimes horrible.Boze collects and edits the stories, Kato draws 'em. They even literally illustrate how they do it.

These stories could have been told without kindness and care. They could have been just an excuse to sell sex. In the hands of Boze and Kato, they have become the call to face our sexuality as it truly is, without prejudice or stereotypes. This is a high-wire act, and without the sweet, humble approach of this talented duo, it would have crashed into the sawdust far below. Don't try this at home.

Is it possible the cover art and internal art can actually be better than the first issue? The cover art of issue one was so perfect and delicious that the second issue can only carry on the luscious tradition. The first issue featured a floral-tatooed white female torso in pale-blue scanties The new cover displays a tribal-tatooed black male torso, wearing either surfing trunks or the newest in boxers.

The internal art is definitely better. Done completely in black-and-white, with well-controlled ink-washes, it is more subtle, more lovely, more of a piece. These are masterpieces of line art; pure and clean, they show complete hand-control. Kato trusts her work enough to allow it to come off the page almost as quick sketch, naked -- if you'll pardon the reference -- to the reader's eye, full of energy and bounce (ahem).

Even beyond the first collection, these stories tear at the hear and play the funny-bone like a xylophone. You'll never feel embarrassed or ashamed -- or perhaps proud -- of your special secret first-time moment. Somebody else has already been through something that lovely/stupid/horrible before you.

Now go get your own copy -- and send in your own stories. You know you want to share; we've all exhibitionists at heart.

(The only drawback is purely technical; the iffy scanning job. Next time scan at a higher resolution and then reduce if necessary, folks. Your art deserves better! Get a better scanner; you can find some goodies on the 'net.)