REVIEW: Slots #1

Writer: Dan Panosian
Artist: Dan Panosian
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Review: Madman

Every once in a while I come across a funny book I can really connect with on a personal level. For me Slots was one such book. I’ve never been to Las Vegas, nor do I have a desire to ever visit Sin City. It’s just not my cup of tea, but that’s where the majority of this first issue and presumably the issues to come take place. I’ve also never boxed professionally or otherwise, which we learn our main character, Stanley Dance, has indeed done. One would assume after reading this issue it will be a key element to the story as it unfolds. I have indeed been to a casino once in my life, and yes I did gamble. I cashed out ahead via the roulette wheel, which was probably a fluke. With gambling at a casino crossed off my list of life experiences I don’t see myself ever doing so again…
I mean, Hell, I don’t even buy scratch-off tickets or anything like that. Mr. Dance is no stranger to the casino scene, apparently, as we learn he has quite the list of contacts in the Vegas casinos, boxing rings, and back alley burlesque shows.

Other than the fact I have indeed stepped foot into a gambling establishment, I so far have nothing in common with our Mr. Dance. Why would I say I connected here on a personal level? I’ll answer that with Dan Panosian’s own words:   

“Everyone knows a guy like Stanley Dance. He’s the guy that listened to the devil on his shoulder, not the angel. He flicked him off like cigar ash and never looked back. He’s the guy that flirts with your girl when you leave the table, but has a drink waiting for you when you sit down. There’s a part of us that envies him. He’s carefree. He’s charming. A bon vivant. But somehow deep inside, you know his luck will run out. His choices are going to catch up with him. So at night—when you shut the lights off and tuck yourself in your bed—you smile. You may not have danced on the edge, but you sleep soundly knowing that even if you trip, the fall won’t kill you. I’ve known a lot of Stanleys. Maybe too many. It’s easy to get caught up in their world. It’s different. It’s addictive. These people know how to live, and it’s exciting. Even their failures are exciting.”

That’s how this book tickled my feels. I spent my late teens and most of my twenties Kerouacing around the Continental US, South America, and Europe. I met a few Stanleys along the way, although my bros and I didn’t refer to them as Stanleys, obviously. We called them dharma bums, and they always taught us a great deal about life and many other subjects. In fact I’d go so far as to say they were the greatest teachers I’ve ever had and the greatest influences in my life.

Granted, that kind of “On the Road” lifestyle was easy in my youth. Easy as far as the choice, not the actual living. Some days were rougher then others but no less valuable. Now it’s not so easy a choice with a mortgage, wife, and all other things that come in the adulting package, but I do find myself living in nostalgia from time to time. Slots threw me right back in to that foam pit of memory and guaranteed a spot on my pull list. Not only was Panosian’s writing and concept a grade-A representation, his artwork was outstanding as well and made the experience all that much more enjoyable.
I’d give Slots a solid 10 out of 10 on the Hell Yeah meter and a bonus catcall for good measure.