Luz: Girl of the Knowing
Do you find yourself reading avoiding this blog because it’s not cute enough? If so, I’ve got the perfect solution! I ran across the webcomic Luz: Girl of the Knowing a couple days ago and spent an hour or so reading the story thus far. You’ll probably want to start at the beginning.
Luz follows a young girl (the eponymous Luz) as she tries to learn all of the skills necessary to thrive after peak oil. Most of the strips offer a little piece of information (canning is a way to store food over winter) or observation about the current state of society (plastic is everywhere). Occasionally, Luz tries to convince other people (particularly her video game-obsessed friend Robert) about the importance of changing lifestyles, with predictably poor results.
It’s not a funny comic by any means. There are occasional funny moments, like when Robert has to go without Internet during a city blackout, but the majority of the story thus far consists of Luz exploring the benefits and drawbacks of local, environmental living from her open, accepting perspective.
The message of each comic is obvious but, like King Corn, Luz manages not to seem preachy. Partly this is because things don’t always work out the way Luz intends, to which I can certainly relate. If everything green makes you cringe, this isn’t the comic for you, but you probably shouldn’t be reading this entry either.
I’m also a big fan of the art. The simple line-work and duotone color recall old-time woodcuts while still retaining a fluid feel. After the jarring colors and sounds that assault us regularly, <i>Luz</i> feels almost soothing, which is a good mindset for learning.
Luz updates once a week, on Mondays, and started late in 2007, so there have only been 27 strips so far. Go check it out! You won’t regret it and you might even learn a little something from it (I know I have).
Student Doctor Green said,
May 2, 2008 @ 3:34 am
Awesome find. I’m hooked on Luz
Will said,
May 2, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
I was actually thinking of you when I put this up. I figure Luz is the perfect break from studying: calm, pretty, and short, so it won’t end up distracting you for too long.
Good luck on your exams!
Jessica said,
May 2, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
This is cute. Thanks!
Andy said,
May 2, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
I just read through it. It seems to hit the points well in a manner that keeps it short which I liked. I might add this to my rss feeds since it’s only once a week. Thanks for a neat find!
-Andy
Student Doctor Green said,
May 3, 2008 @ 2:17 am
THX!