In SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 from Image Comics, Gary breaks free of his bored existence and fully embraces his inner sexual omnivore. In a tale that criss crossed the fault lines of sexual America, Gary becomes the greatest porn star that ever lived, while educating the masses about sex. But will he find true happiness at the bottom of a condom? Find out in your next mighty Major Spoilers review!

Sex Criminal Sexual Gary #1 Review — **You can purchase this issue via the comiXology affiliate link**

SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Rachael Stott
Colorist: Enrica Eren Angiolini
Letterer: Chip Zdarksy
Editor: Thomas K
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: September 2, 2020

Previously in SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY: trapped in a boring subruban existence, yet keen to experience all that sex can throw at him, Gary yearns to break free and have it all. With an origin story that includes Aunt Bea’s Foot Lotion, Gary promises to have it all (and give his all) to experience every single sexual experience known to man.

CITIZEN KUM

SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 tells the story of the rise, fall and inexorable rise once again of Gary, a suburban loner who embraces his pan sexuality and embarks on a quest to experience everything that sex has to offer him. Matt Fraction has an absolute blast depicting GAry’s entry into the porn industry, his inevitable fall from the dizzying heights, his conversion into a purveyor of safe sex, before his dive into the nether worlds of cock fighting, before learning to love himself (and everyone else) by the end of the issue.

There’s such a dizzying array of humor in this issue it is difficult to know when to start. Gary is such a sweet character, too good for the porn industry that gobbles him up and spits him out. Working hand in glove with Rachael Stott, Fraction depicts an ingenue who just loves sex that he doesn’t care for creed nor color, nor size nor shape – Gary just wants it all, he wants it now, and he wants it good.

Some of the funniest scenes involve Gary’s agent dumping a load of porn videos on his lounge room floor, disgusted that Gary would betray him and strike out on his own. The covers and titles are fantastic – Doctor Whoa for all fans of the Time Lord, or Planet of the Gapes and Beneath the Planet of the Gapes for all those interested in those damned monkeys. Even when Gary is in the depths of depression, forced into darkened warehouses to cock-fight for the baying masses, his fall from grace, covered in (ahem) penis shaped bruises is hilarious. Even down, he knows who he is, and is willing to embrace himself for who he is.

Rachael Stott really comes (that’s gonna get lame after a bit, but it’s ride or die time) to the party, depicting Fraction’s insane story with verve and wit. Naked men running at each other with their genitals akimbo, no problem. Gary humping a couch to get his first porn gig – let’s do that with style. Gary selling the virtues of safe sex while wearing a stars and stripe hat (and only that) while yelling ‘I wanna ejaculate the Constitution!’, Stott is down for that. The artwork embraces everything that Fraction wants to depict about Gary and the lengths (and depths) his is willing to go to achieve sexual satisfaction.

I CAN’T GET NO…

There are some who would read SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 and think, yep, the fall of the Republic is at hand (with added foot lotion). But this special is just too fun for anyone with an agenda to drag down. Sex should be fun (as long as there is consent, as Gary notes early in the issue). All those hang ups that have been added to it should be swept away, allowing people to be who they are, when they want, with whom they want. Gary might rise and fall and rise again, and he might be a bit of an idiot, and he might embrace his dark side (really, that cock fighting sequence has to be seen to be believed) but in his heart of hearts, he just wants to have fun and enjoy life. Fraction and Stott bring that sheer joy for life in every panel of every page of SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 and if you don’t have a smile by the end of this ridiculously life affirming story, best check that all your extremities are in good working order.

BOTTOM LINE: LUBE’S UP!

A fantastic and frenetic sexual adventure, SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 is both hilarious and life affirming at once. Gary is a wonderful character, full of the joy of living, and an eager searcher after pleasure. In an increasingly dour world, Gary is the bright spark you need in your life (and frankly, pants!)

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