SCIENCE: Ruining Everything Since 1543
Year: 2013
Author: Zach Weinersmith
Length: 266 pages
One of the webcomics I regularly enjoy is none other than “Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal” (or SMBC for short). SCIENCE: Ruining Everything Since 1543 is a collection of some of the best science-related comics from SMBC that Zach Weinersmith has created over the years. Of course, much like his “Abridged” series—especially Science Abridged Beyond the Point of Usefulness—there are concepts presented in this book that go way over my head. Even as a mechanical engineer, there are still lots of scientific jokes that I didn’t understand in this book.
I do find it interesting how certain webcomic artists adapt to the printed page. Weinersmith’s comics vary in length so much that it can be challenging to contain these comics in such a limited space. Still, even the little secrets and jokes that hide on a webpage format find their way into this book in a way that works. Of course, another benefit of this collection is the inclusion of some comics that never made an appearance on the web. Sure, these comics were even more intellectually esoteric than the standard SMBC fare, but the ones I understood were certainly funny.
For those looking to start reading SMBC, this is a good primer for what to expect. No topic is off-limits here, and its irreverent take on science is definitely humorous for those who understand the joke. Since I had already read most of these comics before, I had already spoiled the jokes for myself. However, someone new to these comics will definitely find something to laugh about. If anything, even at 266 pages, it’s a quick read if you want to have a chuckle when there’s nothing else to do.
A good SMBC collection with some great jokes mixed in with some new comics, I give SCIENCE: Ruining Everything 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
