Simon Hanselmann
Simon Hanselmann is an Australian cartoonist known for his Megg, Mogg, and Owl series, which blends dark humor with themes of depression and substance abuse.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Bad Gateway
In this darkly comedic graphic novel, the reader is drawn into the chaotic and dysfunctional lives of a group of anthropomorphic characters navigating the trials of adulthood. The story centers around Megg, a witch struggling with depression and substance abuse, and her partner Mogg, a cat who is equally caught in the throes of apathy and addiction. As they grapple with their personal demons, the narrative explores themes of mental health, friendship, and the often harsh realities of life, all while maintaining a sharp, satirical edge that is both poignant and humorous.
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2. Worst Behaviour
In this graphic novel, readers are plunged into the chaotic and often absurd world of a group of misfit friends navigating the complexities of modern life. The story unfolds with a blend of dark humor and poignant moments, as the characters grapple with their personal demons, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of happiness. Through a series of misadventures, the narrative explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels indifferent. The vivid illustrations and sharp dialogue create a compelling and immersive experience that captures the raw and unfiltered essence of contemporary existence.
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3. Life Zone
In this graphic novel, readers are plunged into the chaotic and often surreal lives of a group of misfit friends navigating the complexities of adulthood. The story unfolds through a series of vignettes that blend humor with poignant moments, capturing the essence of friendship, existential dread, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels absurd. With its distinctive art style and sharp wit, the narrative explores themes of identity, mental health, and the struggle to find one's place in a society that seems perpetually on the brink of collapse.
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4. Megahex
Set in a world where magic and mischief intertwine with the mundane, this graphic novel follows the chaotic lives of a group of anthropomorphic characters, including a stoner witch, a depressed cat, and a hedonistic owl. Their adventures are a blend of dark humor and poignant moments, as they navigate the complexities of friendship, mental health, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels absurd. The narrative is both a satirical take on modern life and a heartfelt exploration of the struggles and joys of unconventional relationships.
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6. Crisis Zone
A sharp, darkly comic graphic collection that follows a cast of anthropomorphic misfits—two stoned roommates, their beleaguered owl friend, and a volatile werewolf—as they stumble through addiction, anxiety, alienation, and the slow unravelling of their world; equal parts tender and bleak, the book blends surreal humor, brutal honesty, and social satire to explore how damaged people cling to routine, each other, and small comforts amid escalating chaos.
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8. Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual
A darkly comic, offbeat collection of strips that follows a disheveled werewolf and his ragged circle of family and friends through a chaotic summer of petty disasters, substance-fueled escapades, and awkward attempts at connection, blending surreal visuals and deadpan dialogue into bittersweet, satirical vignettes about modern ennui and the messy bonds that hold this motley crew together.
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9. One More Year
A bleakly comic, illustrated collection that follows a group of misfit friends—Megg, a witch; Mogg, her cat; Owl; and other damaged companions—whose lives are marked by addiction, heartbreak, and existential malaise. Through interwoven short episodes and surreal, deadpan visuals, the book blends brutal humor and sharp social observation to explore mental illness, queer relationships, failed adulting, and cycles of self-destruction and tentative care. The result is a darkly funny yet unexpectedly tender portrait of companionship and endurance amid contemporary despair.
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10. Megg And Mogg In Amsterdam
A darkly comic, visually bold tale following a witch and her boyfriend cat as they bumble through a chaotic trip to Amsterdam with their dysfunctional friends, mixing heavy partying, substance use, and romantic friction with moments of quiet melancholy; episodes of absurd surrealism and sharp, cynical humor reveal loneliness, dependence, and the messy bonds that hold the group together amid self-destructive impulses.
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