I was ready to give up on Sam Kieth's newest series, Zero Girl, when it became apparent that he was once again tackling life through the eyes of freaks and geeks, much like the work he did on his previous outing, The Maxx. Fortunately for me, I didn't give up, because while there are a lot of similarities between the two series, Zero Girl has a charm and quirkiness all its own.

The story revolves around Amy Smootster, a young girl who has trouble fitting in with her peers in high school. The other students give her a rough time, and at moments of extreme embarassment, she generates puddles from her feet. But those are the least of Amy's problems since she seems to also have some strange connection to circles and squares, with the former being a helping force to her, and the latter trying to do her in. Everywhere she turns, squares are conspiring against her, and in the process of getting to the bottom of her predicament, she falls for her school guidance counsillor.

Strange, you say? Very! But strangeness is a trademark of Kieth's work. Not only is it his storytelling style of choice, but fans expect it of his stuff by now. And while I am still trying to make sense of the first Maxx storyline several years after the fact, I don't think anyone will have quite so much trouble with Zero Girl. Despite its 'weirdness', it is still a very simple, and relatively straightforward story to follow.

Kieth's idiosyncratic art and writing are what make this book one of the most unique reads on the shelves these days. By the end of the first two issues I found myself wanting to know more and more about these characters and the bizarre mystery behind the circles and squares. If you liked The Maxx, or just love a good brain tickle, try Zero Girl out. You just might find that yu like it. A lot!