ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME by...

ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME by John McPherson (Andrews & McMeel: $6.95; 128 pp., paperback original). John McPherson’s comic strip “Closer to Home” recalls Jim Unger’s “Herman”: a single panel depicting the daily disasters of frowzy women, lumpish men and their dumpy children. A small boy goes through his dad’s ties while his older sister watches, holding Father’s Day wrapping and yelling, “For cryin’ out loud, just pick one! He’s never going to recognize it!” McPherson’s limited draftsmanship sometimes prevents his drawings from communicating as clearly as they should, but he’s often very funny, and the development of his personal style will be entertaining to watch.