The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal (TJ & Amal, 1)

Holy crap, it took me forever to find this! I found this when looking for suggestions for webcomics with an LGBT theme and I binge read the whole comic in one afternoon. When I learned it was available in book format, I had to have it, but the supply of the first printing was all sold out everywhere, so I was thrilled to see it come back (I emailed the creator and they told me to expect a second printing not long after I sent said email). It's an absolutely wonderful story with well-developed characters, a conflict steeped in reality, lots of humor and a little fan service. The artwork is all hand-drawn and it's GORGEOUS.The story revolves around a young man (I want to say he's probably early to mid twenties) named Amal who manages to alienate himself from his very traditional Indian family by not only calling off his arranged marriage, but coming out of the closet on the same day. He crosses paths with a young vagrant named TJ and the two of them set out on a spontaneous road trip to achieve their respective goals in the same town. While the two boys have somewhat different personalities, they bond pretty quickly. We learn later on that TJ is also gay and that his sunny personality hides a bit of a dark secret he's been carrying with them for the entire trip.I don't want to go into extraordinary detail that might possibly lead to spoilers, but what I will say is the conflict Amal faces is sort of resolved and the ending is such that it brings the story to a conclusion, but also feels open like there could be more to it. Not because I think it will be continued, but maybe so the reader can use their imagination to figure out where the story goes next. It's not meant to be a start-to-end tale, but just a single chapter in the lives of two people. Plus there's some bonus material included in the omnibus version of the series.Overall, it's a fantastic read and there's nothing I can complain about. The characters are likeable and some folks can most likely relate to them too. The situations they find themselves in are just kooky enough to be in a comic, but just believable enough to actually happen in real life. The whole thing reads like a really good indie flick and frankly, I think it would make a great movie in the right hands. I'd highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you're doing what I did and looking for a gay-friendly comic or just looking for a good read in general. For those who might be more skeptical of the romantic content if gay love stories aren't quite your cup of tea, it's not porn and doesn't constantly slap you in the face with sex. The romantic aspect is there (and there are definitely some things in the book that only adults should see/read), but it's more subtle.It's touching, it's funny, it's dramatic, it has a nice pace and it's believable. What more can you ask for?

I was so ecstatic when I saw I could support my favorite webcomic author; I had read this when I was in high school. This well written story has given me so many feels when I first read it, Leaving me a bit sad when their story ended. Now I can follow their adventure over and over again in this physical copy (which is quite Huge)The story follows A road trip journey taken by two men who Find Themselves and Where they want to be in life, while gradually falling for each other.I recommend The omnibus edition (You get little extras)

Yes, I read the whole thing in a day, because the story was so exciting that I couldn't put the book down. It may seem expensive for a novel, but it was definitely worth more than cash itself. The story is rich, the characters are relatable, and the hilarious mishaps that develop on their journey is priceless. I hope to have a relationship as meaningful as theirs one day, but until then, I'll keep on reading.

Legit one of my favorite comics ever, was very excited to see I could buy it here. Quality is amazing, the book is big and the cover texture is nice. Story A+, art even better. Definitely recommend if you're mlm looking for good mlm stories.

I read this comic as it was being released and had a great time re-reading it after I got this in the mail. The art is lovely and the characters and the world they live in feel very real.

Great book, beautiful illustration, compelling story, and adorable moments. Can’t recommend enough. When it comes to gay love stories this one feels real and organic, it’s truly amazing

I want to never leave this story. I’m OBSESSED with these characters. They’re flawed and real and amazing and everything I could want in characters. I’m also definitely in love with Amal and everything he is. I seriously would read comics about TJ and Amal until the time, I just want it to so bad.Full reviews posted at robinhoodreads.wordpress.com

Love this book. Camr in excellent condition. Truly one of my favorite webcomics of all time!

Such an amazing story. I bought it as a gift but now want it for myself.

Novela gráfica que nos habla del viaje que dos desconocidos emprenden, encuentrandose a sí mismos y el amor en el polo opuesto. Acabas por adorar los dos personajes. Artísticamente es de diez!

O produto veio em ótimas condições.Os personagens são muito bem desenvolvidos e originais.Há cenas quentes, o que não é muito comum pelo contato que tive com hqs, graphic novels e mangas e curti bastante esse aspecto do livro.

It's really good. Read it. Subverts a lot of tropes and negative stereotypes. Treats the characters as full, complex, layered human beings. Love it.

I love TJ and Amal so so much! The book is awesome and even the story.(*'ω｀*)