More Odds Than Ends

Left Field's Cartoon Gallery #10

Fiction - Humor/Comedy
212 Pages
Reviewed on 10/06/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

More Odds Than Ends is a collection of cartoon drawings by Randy Halford. The author pulls his readers into his work with quirky cartoons and witty remarks. The book marks his tenth successful collection. From funnies to “selfies” featuring modern art, the book will have readers smiling and laughing along as they turn the pages.

Starting with the foreword, the reader knows that the author and illustrator is a fan of certain pop culture. A lot of Randy Halford’s work could be easily recognized by younger generations, but some of the sarcasm and irony will be relevant to people who are more mature readers or have a firm grasp of older music and films. I have an old soul, and I read a lot, so I especially enjoyed the gentle nod to Patsy Cline and the “Snack Literature” and “Creature Literature” drawings. I was also a fan of the simpler drawings, with text that put it in an amusing light.

A reader doesn’t have to be up to date on pop culture, as most of the cartoons translate easily into a comical play on words. I noticed that the cartoons were drawn in 2014, and most of them reflect the general mood of people who were born on the cusp of “baby boomers” and “generation X” during that time. The drawings are easy to understand and fun, and the text that accompanies them is pertinent and laughable. I would recommend More Odds Than Ends to readers who enjoy outrageously funny cartoons.

Kimberlee J Benart

More Odds Than Ends: Left Field's Cartoon Gallery #10 is a collection of 200 cartoons by Randy Halford. This “Artsy Anniversary Collection” includes the debut cartoons of his “actors,” “literature,” and “selfie” series and covers a spectrum of topics. Some cartoons are primarily pictorial such as “Model Prisoners” where the prisoners are shown posing. Others include a few dialog or text boxes, such as “Crib Notes” with sticky notes labelled Goo Goo and Ga Ga. Many are plays on names or titles where the text is the humor, such as lists of films, books, actors, plays, and TV shows. “Gross” singers include Nat King Cold Sore and Susan Boil. “Number” films include Born Three and Ten Hur. “Bug” actors include Dennis Grasshopper and Pest Parker.

In More Odds Than Ends: Left Field's Cartoon Gallery #10, Randy Halford gives us a sizeable collection of witty cartoons representing an impressive cross-section of his self-described “out in left field” sense of humor. While many refer to celebrities, songs, or shows familiar to middle-agers, the “selfies,” apps, and social media humor span the generations. My favorites are the lists, but only because there are several chuckles in each. I can’t say that I have an overall favorite cartoon, there are so many, but The Doughnut Suicide Notes with a chocolate sprinkle doughnut jumping from a bakery tray, leaving a note saying, “Good-bye Cruller World!” did tickle my funny bone and my sweet tooth. Whether you’re a cartoon fan or looking for a book to gift to others, there are chuckles here for everyone.

Pikasho Deka

If you're a fan of cartoons or familiar with Randy Halford's work, grab a copy of More Odds Than Ends. This anniversary edition is the tenth book by noted cartoonist/author Randy Halford, who delivers yet another rip-roaringly hilarious and hard-hitting edition of the Left Field series. Containing 200 pieces of artwork and snippets, this book provides lovers of satire and cartoons with more than enough material to tickle their funny bones. Whether touching upon real-world issues or taking digs at celebrities and their whims, Halford never shies away from going after anyone and everything. Each cartoon brings something unique to the narrative. Yet they all carry a similar satirical tone and messaging that is prevalent in Halford's work.

A wonderful collection of cartoons that not only makes you laugh but will also leave you with something to contemplate, More Odds Than Ends is a gem of a book that any reader who loves well-written satire should not miss out on. Randy Halford's illustrations delve into a diverse array of themes and subject matter. But all of them are infused with an uncompromising voice and honest commentary that is the hallmark of great cartoonists. I was not previously familiar with Halford's work, but the fact that he has ten books in his repertoire means he probably has only gotten better with time. This being an anniversary edition of the Left Field series only makes the book all the more special. I had an absolute blast with More Odds Than Ends and recommend it to anyone who loves cartoons or any form of satirical fiction.

Joe Wisinski

More Odds Than Ends: Left Field's Cartoon Gallery #10 by Randy Halford is a collection of 200 single-panel comics. The comics are of the classic “oddball” type, an unexpected twist on the ordinary. For example, Halford addresses the old question, “If a tree falls in the woods does it make a noise?” by having other trees go “crash,” “boom” and “bang,” much to the annoyance of the tree that fell. Many of Halford’s cartoons are takeoffs on familiar words, phrases, or titles. One example is Creature Literature: ‘The Red Badger of Courage’ and ‘Warthog and Peace.’ Other cartoons contain surprising circumstances, e.g. who would have thought that Spiderman would be afraid of spiders? As the title states, this is Halford’s 10th Left Field book. Previous books include Which Way to Left Field?, Left Field Controls the Universe, Left Field Strikes Back! and others.

If you have an eccentric sense of humor and like reading cartoons that reflect this type of comedy, then you’ll like More Odds Than Ends: Left Field's Cartoon Gallery #10 by Randy Halford. I was reminded of work from cartoonists such as Gary Larson with The Far Side, Dave Coverly’s Speed Bump, and Dan Piraro’s Bizarro. Halford has an unconventional sense of humor that allows him to look at everyday, ordinary situations with a unique eye. His work is quirky, unique, and funny. You’ll find yourself smiling and at times laughing out loud as you read this book. It will be sure to brighten your day and send you on your way with a grin.