Relatively early entry in Foglio's career, but already the intelligent zaniness busts out. ( )

Fun, as always. The first, very short, story does a lovely job of introducing Buck (and Al, a bit) - it's only 6 pages, but displays a bit of New Hong Kong, a bit of Buck's style (anything for pay, but if his employer won't listen he's not obligated to do more). Oh, the text intro is very useful - I'd somehow never read it before. but it explains the general social setup both for humanity in general and on NHK. Second story - again, an amusing twist. She really doesn't want the 'honor', but it takes Buck to see the way out. The hint as to Lou's past is also highly amusing! Third story - it looks like it's going to be another standalone, with an interesting if minor villain and a neat punchline - but it also sets up the fourth, major story. In the fourth, Buck (yet again) displays his lateral thinking - he can even get into the head of a highly alien alien. Who is, in fact, other than its possession of an interesting technology, not all that alien. And if teleportation is a necessity for civilization, I'm surprised the Teleporter bothers to follow library rules - but then, it may feel that a civilized being behaves itself under all circumstances. Overall - fun! ( )