BAGS (or a story thereof)

I so enjoyed reading Bags (or a Story Thereof). It was a couple years ago when I read the original fascinating little book written by Patrick McHale, about a man named John Motts who sets out in search of his lost dog, Beth. The intriguing story was delightfully charming at some points, and yet it was filled with secrets, mystery and uncertainty at other times.I just received the graphic novel Bags (or a Story Thereof) – and I think it is an excellent adaption. I especially love that it keeps the story awash with the imaginative elements found in the original. As John Motts travels from place to place looking for Beth, he interacts with eccentric characters who are not always what they originally appear to be. There are some dark moments when the story becomes intense. Although John Motts is a simple down-to-earth guy, his quest for his dog puts him in some unusual settings and menacing situations. The artwork in graphic novel suits the story exceptionally well – and shows John Motts as a simply but cleverly drawn character, while all the other characters & situations in the story are brilliantly depicted with lush & vivid illustrations.It is an interesting and amazingly thought-provoking tale that deals with universal questions about life – issues such as love and loss, suspicion and fear, trust and happiness.

Like many craving more Over the Garden Wall-like content I turned to Patrick McHale’s Bags. The comic itself has a good sense of humor and you can tell it’s from the same creator, but it’s honestly so short and rambling at the same time somehow; I found it hard to enjoy as a complete story.It still has those pockets of weirdness that I like about Over the Garden Wall as the story jumps from mythical to mundane back and forth; but it really didn’t quite scratch that itch and I wish we could just get access to Bags in its entirety rather than this edited down comic book version. I understand Bags was written as a stream of unedited thought which explains the story’s short comings, but it also makes me want the full thing or nothing. I still love Patrick McHale, but this just didn’t do it for me.

Strange, creepy-yet-tender story, with generally superb art and coloring. Really, a cool little book. I got what I was expecting; it's a little book, with kind of a brief-esque story, so there's not a whole lot riding on this... but a whole fascinating, moody feeling was conveyed in a short amount of time. I'll probably read it again soon after I let it digest. But I'll peek at the art some more in-between because I love how they gave it an "aged" treatment.

A quirky little story that one would expect from Pat McHale. It features the charms of his mini series Over The Garden Wall, all be it in a much shorter and more self contained narrative. I read through it in under a half hour and loved it. If you liked OTGW or just enjoy the odd and somewhat spooky, I highly recommend!

A story about a man named John who is looking for his dog companion, Beth. Definitely a good read.Also, book smells like fresh newspapers 📰.

Fun little story about a lost dog and the strange adventure that follows. It might just be the inclusion of the walrus, but this book gave me “Alice in Wonderland” vibes.

Profound artist and profound work. Listen to the soundtrack that was created for this piece as you read it.

My dog named Sadie died 2 years ago. I was reminded of her by this graphic novel in the best way. It’s amazing.

Absolutely great book, amazing art, fantastic premise, i love it