Grab this one while you can! As those familiar with the strip already know, Ozy and Mille is a delight . . . and this reissue of material from the first two collections not only provides a brief background into the strips initial evolution (all too brief for my tastes, at under 5 pages), Mr. Simpson also offers commentary on each and every strip. If you dislike the commentary, just skip it . . . but I must confess to enjoying such insights. This book collects all the strips up until the author's revamp, which while providiing a natural stopping point, relates to the only flaw I felt was present . . . I think it would have been appropriate to include a sneek-peek at the new character images at the end, to encourage readers to get the next volume. The revisions DO grow on you quickly, and indicate just how far Simpson had grown as an artist, but by not displaying them, I worry that some who are new to the strip might hesitate before buying volume 2 (suggestion: buy it, you'll like it! *grin*).

If you don't know D.C. Simpson's Ozy & Millie yet, I envy you: you still have to discover that brilliantly funny comic book! The two fox kids, just like any 8-year-old kids, live part in reality, part in a world of imagination. Their run-ins with school bullies and school principals, the wisdom and weirdness of parents, the absurdities of the adult world, the much loved landscape of Washington state, home of the author: all those are ingredients of that collection of early Ozy & Millie stories, plus tons of music, poetry, pop culture and art references.

A very original creation, by a whimsical storyteller, with a gift for mixing poignant and sweet, absurd and wise. I take the bet Ozy & Millie and its author will sooner or later get the recognition they deserve!