May 30, 2009: “Elevenses” is a fluffy, silly romp about the adventures of two spies named Agents 1111 (double eleven) and 711 (seven eleven). They’re just “sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time” when they spot a suspicious-looking boat, and a suspicious-looking crop-duster which is flying towards them. They quickly dive into the water to escape being dusted and swim for the boat. Once they reach the boat, things get really complicated.

Another reviewer compared this to a cross between “Get Smart” and “Animaniacs”. I would add Craig Shaw Gardner’s Cineverse series. The writing is surreal, fast and fun with lots of pop culture references. The situations keep getting more and more ridiculous but the plot and characters are really secondary to the gags. It’s the journey that’s important, and the journey is being made with various silly walks. The dialog elicited more groans than laughs but it’s a pretty good time waster.

I found I had to read “Elevenses” in small doses, otherwise the silliness got to be too much. On the other hand, it makes a great antidote to more serious (or depressing) reading. If you believe that everyone needs some silliness in their life you might want to check this story out. You’ll know by the end of the first part if it’s for you.

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Apr 12, 2009: When I was young(er than I am now) I found myself a fan of the cartoons "Tiny Toons" and "The Animaniacs." They would constantly riff on popular movies, like "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and even "Apocalypse Now" while doing inane jokes and insane pranks. As I got old(er than I was then) I still watched with my younger siblings, and started getting the adult references inside the jokes.

Well, "Elevenses" feels like an "Animaniacs" episode. Only, instead of Yakko, Wakko and Dot, you have spoofs of Agent 99 and Get Smart crossed with James Bond, acting zany in the midst of adventures that don’t make sense.

There’s Kentucky Solitaire, or "Tuck," who seems a lot like Harrison Ford, minus the sarcasm. There’s a strange chipmunk reminiscent of Yoda, but lacking any sense or the Force.

As a fan of random humour and parodies, I find myself really enjoying each chapter of "Elevenses," and it’s tongue-in-cheek tone. The story doesn’t make much sense yet, and I don’t think anyone should go into this story hoping for rich characterization or even much of a plot. It feels like the mysterious, unnamed authors are making this up as they go.

And I think that’s a recipe for tons of nonsensical fun.

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