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Success Is 90% Spite: The Pigeon Gazette Webcomic
Based on the popular webcomic The Pigeon Gazette, follow artist Jane Zei through the everyday rollercoaster of a quarter-life crisis―when high-flying optimism meets cold, hard adulthood during the journey from college to a full-time career.
With favorites from viral webcomic The Pigeon Gazette, along with never-before seen comics, Success is 90% Spite is a reminder that there's nothing you can't achieve through hard work, persistence―and really wanting to prove someone else wrong.
A hilarious and high-energy collection that captures the all-too-real difficulties of life as a 20-something in a modern world, follow Jane's endearingly awkward and whimsical efforts to navigate adulthood—a range of topics in both short, four-panel, and longer-form comics.
When life gives you lemons... throw those suckers back into life's stupid face and make your own success. From choosing Lord of the Rings over love, to mastering pooping etiquette in the workplace, Jane's existential adventures are told with an extra dose of narrative imagination, extended jokes on inane topics, and daydreams.
With favorites from viral webcomic The Pigeon Gazette, along with never-before seen comics, Success is 90% Spite is a reminder that there's nothing you can't achieve through hard work, persistence―and really wanting to prove someone else wrong.
A hilarious and high-energy collection that captures the all-too-real difficulties of life as a 20-something in a modern world, follow Jane's endearingly awkward and whimsical efforts to navigate adulthood—a range of topics in both short, four-panel, and longer-form comics.
When life gives you lemons... throw those suckers back into life's stupid face and make your own success. From choosing Lord of the Rings over love, to mastering pooping etiquette in the workplace, Jane's existential adventures are told with an extra dose of narrative imagination, extended jokes on inane topics, and daydreams.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
126 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 25, 2025
I love Pigeon Gazette and this was absolutely adorable. Very relatable, very cute, 10/10 do recommend.
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July 18, 2024
2024: The Re-Read
This book is for anyone who ever had the urge to anonymously send an enemy (or just someone who randomly pissed them off) a piñata filled with 10% candy and 90% glitter...and the candy part is stale bubble gum, real black licorice, and that black and orange-wrapped Halloween toffee that is more trick than treat*
I've read so many snarky graphics since my first go with this book that all I could recall of it was the Deodorant Comic...which, as predicted, has haunted my Morning Bathroom Routine since I first encountered it (Point: Jane Zei). Fortunately a coworker knew what book I was talking about based solely on that vague description and supplied me with the title so I could find it again. And it was just as funny the second go-round. Maybe more so, because I'd forgotten enough of it so that it was like new again. So yes, I forgot about the angst, the snark, and ALL the hilarious awkwardness you just know is based in reality. Forgot about everything but the Deodorant. Shudder
Thoroughly enjoyable. Again.
* Not a prank to use on just anyone, mind you. In fact, there's only one or two people out there I'd actually consider, but trust me when I say they're very deserving! But of course I'm too mature to really do anything like that... Hmmmm....
Disclaimer: This reviewer claims absolutely NO RESPONSIBILITY for anyone who actually takes this prank and runs with it OR for anyone who is on the receiving end of said aforementioned prank. Do-ers are 100% responsible for their own actions. And receivers... WTF matter of evil did you do to deserve this?!?!?!?
2020
I present to you... My review. Also, I think this book is judging me...
Although I'm a couple years beyond the 20-Something State of Mind this book is geared for,
(Bull...a couple decades beyond)
I still snort-laughed at the memories. College, first real jobs, awkward dates...general awkwardness of having to adult and not being remotely prepared for it.
(Admit it. Some days You're still not remotely prepared for some of it!)
Because it wasn't that long ago
(Actually yes, it was)
that I too found myself in many a similar situation. And I can still actually relate to some of them,
(That is true...)
like living with cats, being freaked out by babies, Sources of Great Joy,
(Cat bellies... there's nothing like 'em. Just mind the claws. And the teeth. Like touching a time-triggered, furry bear trap crafted by angels)
and the always-present fear of parental judgement. Because some things never fade, even with time.
(you just learn to censor yourself better, because some things are better left unsaid)
Overall, this was hilarious. Reminiscent of . Because, let's be completely honest: Adulthood can be hard at ANY age
(True that...
Also, just so you know, you are never going to get that bit about the deodorant out of your mind. NEVER! This one comic has ruined your morning routine forever *MWAhahahahaha*)
You are truly diabolical, Ms. Zei.
(Touche)
This book is for anyone who ever had the urge to anonymously send an enemy (or just someone who randomly pissed them off) a piñata filled with 10% candy and 90% glitter...and the candy part is stale bubble gum, real black licorice, and that black and orange-wrapped Halloween toffee that is more trick than treat*
I've read so many snarky graphics since my first go with this book that all I could recall of it was the Deodorant Comic...which, as predicted, has haunted my Morning Bathroom Routine since I first encountered it (Point: Jane Zei). Fortunately a coworker knew what book I was talking about based solely on that vague description and supplied me with the title so I could find it again. And it was just as funny the second go-round. Maybe more so, because I'd forgotten enough of it so that it was like new again. So yes, I forgot about the angst, the snark, and ALL the hilarious awkwardness you just know is based in reality. Forgot about everything but the Deodorant. Shudder
Thoroughly enjoyable. Again.
* Not a prank to use on just anyone, mind you. In fact, there's only one or two people out there I'd actually consider, but trust me when I say they're very deserving! But of course I'm too mature to really do anything like that... Hmmmm....
Disclaimer: This reviewer claims absolutely NO RESPONSIBILITY for anyone who actually takes this prank and runs with it OR for anyone who is on the receiving end of said aforementioned prank. Do-ers are 100% responsible for their own actions. And receivers... WTF matter of evil did you do to deserve this?!?!?!?
2020
I present to you... My review. Also, I think this book is judging me...
Although I'm a couple years beyond the 20-Something State of Mind this book is geared for,
(Bull...a couple decades beyond)
I still snort-laughed at the memories. College, first real jobs, awkward dates...general awkwardness of having to adult and not being remotely prepared for it.
(Admit it. Some days You're still not remotely prepared for some of it!)
Because it wasn't that long ago
(Actually yes, it was)
that I too found myself in many a similar situation. And I can still actually relate to some of them,
(That is true...)
like living with cats, being freaked out by babies, Sources of Great Joy,
(Cat bellies... there's nothing like 'em. Just mind the claws. And the teeth. Like touching a time-triggered, furry bear trap crafted by angels)
and the always-present fear of parental judgement. Because some things never fade, even with time.
(you just learn to censor yourself better, because some things are better left unsaid)
Overall, this was hilarious. Reminiscent of . Because, let's be completely honest: Adulthood can be hard at ANY age
(True that...
Also, just so you know, you are never going to get that bit about the deodorant out of your mind. NEVER! This one comic has ruined your morning routine forever *MWAhahahahaha*)
You are truly diabolical, Ms. Zei.
(Touche)
May 7, 2020
I'm not sure why I didn't like this, I just kept comparing it negatively to Sarah Anderson.
May 9, 2022
Has a bit of a sarcastic edge I find relatable.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 4, 2024
Success is 90% Spite
I Picked Up This Book Because: The title is humorous.
Media Type: eBook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 5/27/24 - 6/4/24
Rating: DNF - No Rating
Narrator(s):
The Story:
I’m sure this is not the author's fault, but this is physically difficult to read. I’ve tried two different apps and am still nose to the screen and squinting. I’m just not entertained enough to struggle through 40% more of this book. It’s cute in some places but not “that’s so me� relatable.
I Picked Up This Book Because: The title is humorous.
Media Type: eBook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 5/27/24 - 6/4/24
Rating: DNF - No Rating
Narrator(s):
The Story:
I’m sure this is not the author's fault, but this is physically difficult to read. I’ve tried two different apps and am still nose to the screen and squinting. I’m just not entertained enough to struggle through 40% more of this book. It’s cute in some places but not “that’s so me� relatable.
April 28, 2020
It was okay. Honestly, it seemed like she was trying to copy a lot of other popular webcomics and I was really off put by that. Some of her jokes were original and funny, but for the most part they were kinda meh. Also, didn't really like the protagonist that much, she gives off that "not like other girls" vibe and, unlike the other webcomics, isn't able to pull it off in a way that's relatable.
July 25, 2020
Lots of comparisons to Sarah Andersen, which is apt. But I think Zei does have her own voice, and she reminds me more of Andersen in artistic style than anything else. This was probably a 3.5 star read for me, with some of the pieces falling short and some cracking me up, but overall, they were more good than bad.
July 24, 2020
So good. I'm in web-comic heaven.
I want to consume this forever.
I want to consume this forever.
Read
October 28, 2020What a cute compilation of comics. I recognized the art but hadn't seen any of the comics included before. This was given to me by a friend abd it was cute.
December 31, 2021
Vey funny. Felt personally attacked. Laughed about it.
August 7, 2023
I chuckled along with these comics, I saw this book first in Sweden and I've wanted it for a while, not as funny as I thought but still good.
December 12, 2024
Jane Zei has created a funny comic book about the foibles of being a young woman. She satirizes her anxiety, being an introvert and her (lack of a) love life. While the illustrated gags will make you laugh, it is often the sentence underneath the last box that will really bring the joke home. If you like Kate Beaton, Sarah Andersen and Debbie Tung's work, then these comic strips are sure to amuse you. (Actual review 3.5/5)
February 6, 2025
The millennial in me loved this.
March 12, 2025
Very relatable and funny
April 20, 2022
Jane may be the most relatable human ever.
I love the stories she told and the art style she used to portray them. The occasional panels in anime style were hilarious. I found the moments she illustrated to be unique which is rare since I've spent so much time reading webcomics and usually bump into recycled ideas. Jane's work in this collection has the perfect balance between originality and relatability. I highly recommend this book.
I love the stories she told and the art style she used to portray them. The occasional panels in anime style were hilarious. I found the moments she illustrated to be unique which is rare since I've spent so much time reading webcomics and usually bump into recycled ideas. Jane's work in this collection has the perfect balance between originality and relatability. I highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2020
I've been reading The Pigeon Gazette thru tumblr for a few years, now. So proud of, and for, Jane to have put together this awesome collection! <3
May 4, 2020
Fans of SARAH'S SCRIBBLES and similar slice-of-life comics will like this one. I agree with the other reviewer who said some aspects of this comic are a little too derivative of other comics with a similar theme.
Some of the humor skews too young for me-- I don't care about dating and Pokemon is not a treasured memory of mine--but other observations are more universal.
Some of the humor skews too young for me-- I don't care about dating and Pokemon is not a treasured memory of mine--but other observations are more universal.
February 9, 2024
This was hilarious and relatable! I loved it!!
June 26, 2024
Always enjoy her comics.
May 19, 2024
The Floor Is Lava!
I love The Pigeon Gazette on Tumblr and knew I needed this as soon as I heard about it! No matter how many times I reread it never gets any less funny. It's the perfect pick me up! The art style is great and so many of the strips are completely relatable and there's always something for someone. If you need a laugh pick this up!
I love The Pigeon Gazette on Tumblr and knew I needed this as soon as I heard about it! No matter how many times I reread it never gets any less funny. It's the perfect pick me up! The art style is great and so many of the strips are completely relatable and there's always something for someone. If you need a laugh pick this up!
July 10, 2023
This was neat, a lot of these little humour webcomic collections hit a cute niche and this follows suit. The art is clear, the printing was done well, and it made me laugh a few times, which is all it really needed to do. Solid!
September 15, 2020
"the floor is lava" is the greatest saga of our time
June 29, 2020
I snickered too many times while reading this, even if some of the more meme-y jokes went over my head.
September 15, 2020
Some chuckles, original stories, but I guess my interest in 3-6 panel relatable/funny introvert comics has faded.
July 3, 2023
I didn’t find it funny
October 16, 2023
I HAVE SEEN THE MEANING OF LIFE AND IT'S A VAPING PIKACHU
December 5, 2023
I'm glad I came across of this. I hadn't heard of Jane Zei before. I'm glad that's rectified! If I laugh out loud and show your comics to someone else I think will relate, I'm yours.
May 1, 2020
I don't think I've laughed so much at a comic in a while. Success Is 90% Spite is a collection of short comics (mostly one page each) about being in your 20s and full of anxiety, social awkwardness, and feeling like a failure. It's painfully relatable in how self-deprecating it is but always manages to squeak out the comedy in doing so. The art is cute, it very much looks like you would expect from webcomics- it's not trying to be too realistic and ultra-detailed but it's got a lot of hyperbolic energy and charm coming from the characters. I liked that the comics didn't try to stick to a specific format, panel count or arrangement (like some webcomics that try and stick to 4 panels each), some of them were only a few panels and some were longer stories. They were never too long or too short, the jokes were paced well and kept me entertained throughout.
September 28, 2021
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
A fantastic collection of comics. I've loved reading The Pigeon Gazette on Webtoons and was thrilled when Jane Zei came out with a book. This collection did not disappoint.
So much humor, cringe, relatable situations, and spite. From flirting fails and introvert problems to sibling shenanigans and the struggles of adulting, this collection covers a range of topics.
I also really enjoy Zei's art style. The range in the book is nice to see as well with her usual style mixed in with some more realistic bits, gritty stippling, and some anime stylings.
A hilarious collection that was a treat to read. Perfect for taking a break from adult life and sinking in to some relatable (and sometimes strange but always hilarious) humor.
A fantastic collection of comics. I've loved reading The Pigeon Gazette on Webtoons and was thrilled when Jane Zei came out with a book. This collection did not disappoint.
So much humor, cringe, relatable situations, and spite. From flirting fails and introvert problems to sibling shenanigans and the struggles of adulting, this collection covers a range of topics.
I also really enjoy Zei's art style. The range in the book is nice to see as well with her usual style mixed in with some more realistic bits, gritty stippling, and some anime stylings.
A hilarious collection that was a treat to read. Perfect for taking a break from adult life and sinking in to some relatable (and sometimes strange but always hilarious) humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
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