Monica's Story Way back before Monica's Story was a bestselling book and the butt of jokes on late night talk shows, it was a cool black and white indie comic from Alternative Press. The one-off book is a kind of Cliff Notes to the Starr Report, telling the story of Monica Lewinsky's relationship with Bill Clinton from shy smiles in the office up until the story breaks. The idea may seem like another in a long line of cheap shots, but if you pick it up just expecting one-liners, you'll be sorely disappointed. "We just went for the natural laughs inherent in the situation," says James Kochalka, who pencilled the work. "Overdoing the comedy would diminish the drama. But the level of comedy we use actually enhances the drama." Yes, he said drama. Rather than go for the easy laugh, scriptwriter Jon Lewis, Kochalka, and inker Tom Hart show Lewinsky as a flirty, flighty young woman entranced by how close she is to high-level political power. It would be impossible not to include a bit of double entendre - the creators are well aware of why this story broke so big. But Monica and Bill wind up being three-dimensional characters. The book is even censored with the Presidential Seal to tone down the graphic cigar scene. Judging by the sales, the sincerity isn't lost on readers. According to Kochalka, the book is already in its second printing - another 5000 copies. "People seem to really love it. I think they're attracted to the novelty but then are surprised to discover it's also a great story." The book hit the stands on February 5, beating Monica's own "Monica's Story" to publication, and also to the name. But there are no hard feelings, at least for Kochalka. "I kind of wish she would sue us. The poor girl." When the Barbara Walters interview aired, it was an event for Kochalka. "I watched it with a bunch of friends on a T.V. with bad reception," James says. "Just squiggly lines and her voice. It was kind of like a psychedelic radio. I noticed she didn't say anything about her affair that's not in the comic book, but also that she was less perceptive than we were." And when it's all said and done, what will people make of all the fuss? Says Kochalka, "History will remember the Monica Lewinsky scandal as a great comic book." -Nick	Home   Viewfinder   Presswire   Spotlight     Sounds   Films   What Bytes   Dead Trees     About Us