Never Been Deader: Lifeless Carl and the No-So-Sweet Embrace of Death by Tommy Devoid (2025)
Writer/Artist: Tommy Devoid
Rating: 
This week, I’m excited to dive into “Never Been Deader: Lifeless Carl and the No-So-Sweet Embrace of Death,” a delightful collection featuring the acclaimed strip by creator Tommy Devoid. It follows the hilariously relatable Lifeless Carl as he navigates the afterlife, and oh, what a journey it is! Most of Carl’s time is spent at Afterlife Industries, where he works in the Department of Intake for the recently deceased, alongside his equally reluctant colleagues who never shy away from sharing a grumble or two over a warm cup of coffee. Lifeless Carl’s complaints mirror those of any office worker, like being granted a half-day only to face double the workload in half the time. Thankfully, Carl has an amazing support team to help him through the daily grind: Myrtle, his best work buddy and confidant; Newbie, the often-confused trainee; and Furball, his sarcastic pet cat who’s always there at the end of the day.
This compilation explores the ups and downs of office life, while Devoid’s cynical humor brilliantly shines through, elevating the comedy to new heights. Readers will undoubtedly relate to the stressful situations he highlights. The sharp, witty dialogue that Devoid crafts flows seamlessly, reminding fans of classics like “The Office” and “Dilbert,” with just a dash of Adult Swim’s charm. By far, one of the most enjoyable aspects of these strips is how the afterlife is portrayed in a comically miserable way that anyone who appreciates irreverent humor will adore. Devoid’s sense of humor makes this compilation an absolute joy to read, effortlessly making you chuckle at the ridiculousness of Carl’s workplace while also sparking moments of relatable reflection. It’s pretty rare to find a standout, funny workplace comedy these days, but thankfully, Never Been Deader fills that gap brilliantly, showcasing a versatility that attracts fans of sharp, well-crafted comedy, all while giving a spotlight to our unlikely hero, Lifeless Carl.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around, and I look forward to seeing you all next time.
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