Brace yourself for a cartoon collection that tiptoes along the edge of decency—and then gleefully cannonballs over it. Inside Rich Sparks’ Horseshoes and Tardigrades you’ll meet talking animals with questionable morals, women with stout hearts, stout men in tighty-whities, and, of course, Pinocchio.
It’s absurd, irreverent, and occasionally enlightening. Each page is a punchline wrapped in chaos, drawn with a boldness that makes senators clutch their pearls. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when lowbrow meets high concept in a dark alley, this book answers with a wink and a bodily noise. Not for the faint of heart—but perfect for the faint of shame.
Amazing Quotes from Impressive Folks!
Look who’s talkin’:
"Rich Sparks' stuff is much funnier than anything by Margaret Atwood or Joyce Carol Oates, and you can tell them I said so. Wait, don't. Please don't say anything.”
— Barry Blitt, illustrator and New Yorker cover artist
“Drawing after drawing, Rich stretches, twists, braids, then fillets puns into unexpectedly hilarious drawings. I would be proud to display this publication between other rare books on naked butts, gonads, and high-waisted dweebs.”
— Ric Heitzman, artist, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse
"Rich Sparks is one of the few artists who not only makes me laugh, but constantly makes me want to interact with his witty and beautiful drawings. I think the best art evokes interaction and Rich delivers. (He didn't pay me to say any of this, although I'm pretty sure I can get a beer out of him.)”
— Gary Taxali, international illustrator and painter
“Rich Sparks’ books are better than the other books.”
— David Yow, actor, frontman for The Jesus Lizard
