The plot was clearer than that of Over Easy, although it had just as many characters, making it the more enjoyable graphic novel. At the same time, Madge’s cartoonist career may be taking off, which could lead to a move to NYC. While Madge and her manager, Lazlo, try to help the addicts get clean, readers learn that both Madge and Lazlo use “acceptable” 70s drugs, like pot and cocaine, so their do-gooder attempt to help their co-worker kick heroin seems hypocritical. One waitress, Camille, has an obvious drug problem that complicates Madge’s life when Camille and drug-addicted boyfriend Neville move in next door. The story line always moved forward, starting with Madge (Mimi Pond) dating a beautiful but crummy guy and getting readers back to the Imperial Cafe. Pond’s second graphic novel is tightly plotted.
Pond labels her books “fictionalized memoir.” It’s a term I’m hearing more often, lately from Lidia Yuknavitch, and I haven’t decided how I feel about authors messing with “The Truth.” Are they simply changing names and places? If so, why not note that instead? Or is the memory spiced up, whittled down, twisted around? Pond’s 2017 graphic novel is another glimpse into her life as a diner waitress/ unknown cartoonist in the 1970s. I was under the assumption that it took her a very long time to write and illustrate her first book, Over Easy, which I reviewed last year. I was surprised to hear Mimi Pond created this second book, entitled The Customer is Always Wrong (Drawn & Quarterly, 2017). Some insensitive portrayals of lesbian, gay, and transgender characters. Content Warnings: images and discussions of drug use, abortion, sex, over-dosing, and beating people up.
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