Celebrating the Polymorphous Perverse, in Girly Porn Style

Gosh, I haven't had occasion to use the phrase "polymorphous perverse" since my 70's sociology days, and here it is in all of its splendor. The "perverse" part isn't judgmental; it just means beyond the usual social norms. To quote a Wiki summary, "Freud theorized that some are born with unfocused sexual libidinal drives, deriving sexual pleasure from any part of the body. The objects and modes of sexual satisfaction are multifarious, directed at every object that might provide pleasure...Lacking knowledge that certain modes of gratification are forbidden, the polymorphously perverse child seeks sexual gratification wherever it occurs."

Well, that's a little heavy, (actually way, way too heavy, but I really wanted to use "polymorphous perverse" in a sentence), but it gets across the idea. These stories simply celebrate the unbridled pleasures of sex, and are presented with joy, good humor, and cheerful abandon. Every article or blurb about Coover starts with a phrase along the lines of "lesbian-themed". Well, I guess so, but that's way too limiting. Our heroine is free, open and polymorphous, and since she's a woman and the characters in the stories are all women, I guess this is "lesbian-themed".

But the basic message and point here is joy, honesty and pleasure. Annie has been saddled with a miniature "guardian" because of her uninhibited ways. Fortunately for both of them, it turns out that Annie's guardian, Nibbil, is as sexually adventuresome and enthusiastic as is Annie. The two of them have a
riotously good time exploring each other's capacity for pleasure and satisfaction. As the story continues we pick up shy Sage and next door neighbor Yuriko, and then uptight Janus, which just serves to multiply the opportunities for coupling and play, (and for Annie and Nibbil to develop a more complex relationship).

This is remarkably explicit and yet totally innocent. The encounters are enthusiastic and one hundred percent consensual. Because it is drawn in an "Archie & Veronica comics" style, the explicit content seems cheerfully and wildly out of place, sort of as if Veronica and Betty had pulled out dildos at the malt shop.

"Small Favors" has been around as about seven comics, an individual color one-shot, and two volume collections. This Omnibus collects everything, so you get the full story arc from the two volumes that were collected, as well as the full color stand alone story, as well as a variety of bonus items, (prelim drawings and the like).

If you've ever wondered how explicit material can be "cute", "funny", "lovable", "sweet", "safe", "naughty", "filthy", "charming", "perky", and "sexy", (as various fans have described it), well, here's your chance to find out. This was a cheerful treat, which is saying a lot.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Adorable art and not much plot, but I don't think anyone is expecting otherwise.