The Fat Lady Sings

"The Fat Lady Sings" introduces Frumpy, a decidedly unconventional clown who is more interested in anarchic mischief than balloon animals. This graphic novel follows Frumpy as he takes on suburban life, from substitute teaching to dishing out legal advice, always with a cynical, anti-establishment twist. It's a humorous and irreverent look at nonconformity and the challenges of fitting in, or refusing to. Parents should be aware of the "chain-smoking" detail, which is presented as part of his cynical persona rather than glorified. It's a great read for kids who enjoy quirky characters and stories that challenge the status quo.

Frumpy is not your typical clown. He doesn't do birthday parties, he isn't in the circus, and he's never run for public office. Instead, Frumpy is a chain-smoking, cynical anarchist who is more interested in sticking it to the stuffed-shirt establishment than making balloon animals or performing in the center ring. Whether he's filling in for the elementary school music teacher, dishing legal advice to the kids, or going paintballing with the guys, Frumpy entertains, enlightens and always surprises. Judd Winick's early newspaper work tells of one clown's attempts to assimilate into suburban life, or at least get suburban life to assimilate to him.