Reviews of Snake Pit Comics Collections Reviewed by Chris Auman
Snake Pit Gets Old
Snakepit gets old, I get old, we all get old. I enjoy diary comics. From Jesse Reklaw’s 10,000 Things to Do to James Kochalka’s American Elf and The Sketchbook Diaries. Can reading them get a little mundane after a while? Sure. Can life? You bet, but the act of reading them (and creating them as well, no doubt) becomes a ritual. Life ain’t all cheesecake and raspberry smoothies, at least in my experience.
I keep a journal myself. Been doing it for about five years. It reads much like this comic. There are plenty of fun nights and hungover days. There are hours filled with sucky work, but there are small victories and funny stuff in there too.
Ben thinks he can’t draw. So what? That is not the point. I enjoyed reading this compilation of daily strips and I liked seeing what song he listened to on a given day. Don’t always agree with his opinion of movies and he’s dead wrong about Hunter S. Thompson, but he’s right about Hose Got Cable.
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Read the Reglar Wiglar interview with Ben Snakepit.
More Snake Pit Comics
Check out these other great Snake Pit comics from Ben Snakepit.
Snake Pit: 2007
[Microcosm Publishing]
Join Ben Snakepit in Snake Pit: 2007 for his daily escapades depicted in three-panel comic strips, delving into a world brimming with beer, weed, work, concerts, tours, love, and monster-filled parties. With a sincere and heartfelt artistic approach, Ben captures the essence of his highs and lows, inviting readers to empathize with his experiences. Each illustrated day is accompanied by a glimpse into his soundtrack, offering a multi-sensory journey through his life. Gone are the quarterly and bi-monthly formats; now, each year is encapsulated in a single, sleek paperback volume, reminiscent of the series’ humble beginnings.
Buy Snake Pit 2007 from the RoosterCow Store.
Snake Pit: 2008
[Microcosm Publishing]
Embark on a journey through a transformative phase in Ben’s life, in his Snake Pit: 2008 comic. Ben kicks off the year amidst punks and puke. Things only gradually transition into quieter evenings of TV watching and early bedtimes. Ben’s lifestyle undergoes shifts, but his artistic portrayal remains consistent. It’s an honest, real, and delightfully sloppy rendition that captures the essence of Snakepit, endearing to readers familiar with his unique style.
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Snake Pit: 2009 comic by Ben Snakepit
In Ben Snakepit’s ninth year of diary comics, Snake Pit: 2009, witness his gradual descent into the realm of domesticity and responsibility. Fear not, for amidst the growing obligations, Ben’s signature overindulgence, penchant for partying, and unwavering love for punk rock remain ever-present.
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My Life in a Jugular Vein
[Microcosm Publishing]
Ben Snakepit’s My Life in a Jugular Vein comic portrays three more years of Ben Snakepit’s renowned autobiographical comic series. Each day across three panels Ben chronicles his adventures as a record store clerk and punk rocker touring the globe with his band, J CHURCH. Ben encounters whirlwind parties and heartaches, Ben’s journey is laid bare, captivating readers with its raw honesty and infectious energy. This edition includes a compilation CD featuring Ben’s daily listening picks, making it an immersive experience for fans. Recognized as Best Minicomic by Wizard in March 2006 and Best Local Comic by the Austin Statesman in 2006!
Buy My Life in a Jugular Vein from the RoosterCow Store
Manor Threat
[Microcosm Publishing]
In Manor Threat, Ben Snakepit’s fresh batch of daily diary comics unfolds. The events in this book take place in Manor, a cozy suburb nestled near Austin, Texas. Accompanied by his wife, Ben navigates the rhythms of rural life after purchasing a home. As he celebrates turning 40 and transitions through career changes, he faithfully documents each day’s highlights in three-panel comics. Through this consistent chronicle, the ebb and flow of daily existence is revealed. This offers readers a captivating and contemplative glimpse into the essence of ordinary life.
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One Hundred Columns for Razorcake by Ben Snakepit: The Complete Comics 2003-2020
[Microcosm Publishing]
The complete collection of Ben Snakepit’s comics from Razorcake magazine! Snakepit covers the basic principles of DIY punk living from 2003 to 2020. That includes everything from show reviews and scene reports to the fundamentals of budget touring and meeting people on the road. This collection, which includes retrospective annotations from the artist, demonstrates the evolution of one punk’s viewpoint.
Buy 100 Columns for Razorcake from the RoosterCow Store
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