The Archives is the collection that contains all of Kip Mayton's original work made more legendary by the delay of its release. Originally assembled in 1980, it was reported lost until Mayton re-released it in October of 1984.

"The Ordial of Quagmire" was Mayton's first single. This version is superior to the remake. It has freshness and originality its ancestor does not have.

"The Story of Algebra" is typical of all bad Mayton stories: Boring subject plus faceless characters yields Kipshit.

Probably the best aspect of The Archives is the material it contains that is unlike any other Mayton material. "Theories" and "Hunk Meets the Dogg" epitomize this aspect. "Hunk" is one of the best pieces of critical satire on a personal level in all of Keasman Literature. "Theories" is outstanding, unquestionably a hidden gem. It is an interpretation of Jones' material in early demented stages, and it works nearly as well as Jones' best material from this period.

The Archives becomes dull after "Theories". "The Dumb Sheet" is arguably the most fitting title in all of Keasman Literature. The previous review of "The Story of Algebra" applies well with "Munchkins", "Disco", "Teachers" and "Perfect Match".

"Killer Squirrels" may be the best of The Archives, if not Mayton's best comic work. This work is typical of good Mayton stories: imagination runs rampant with no definition given for subject or plot.

The Archives is by no means a great collection, but it is a good one. Perhaps it is more important for history than for quality. However, "Theories" and "Squirrels" are better than all of Mayton's following work with "The Ordial of Smedely Lipschits" and "The Legend of the Sleeping Cheltpile" in reserve. Mayton's prolific nature is first seen here, and, oddly enough, his ambition sometimes keeps him from excellence.

The Archives Volume II is probably the first conceptual collection in Keasman history. Mayton's idea was to record daily events during the graduation year of the majority of the Keasman and supplementing these with stories and Composite Files on each of the Keasman. Because of its ambition and length it sometimes meanders pointlessly and ridiculously, but when Mayton utilizes his imagination and sarcasm it works well.

The daily entries are nearly all done competently and are sometimes very funny. Composite Files are a spin-off of Jones' Species Report concept. Files 1, 2 and 3 are experimental and find no strong foundation. Mayton gets the concept down with File 4 and with it breaks some new ground. File 8 and 10 are the best of the rest. File 10 is a collaboration with Chris Martin and is probably Mayton's best file. The rest of the files are readable with the exception of "Composite File 7" which should be ingested by Mayton.

Mayton stories are as inconsistent as Tennessee Volunteer basketball. "Hole's Disciplining", "Gilligan", "Bone Heads" and "Captain Milk" are stories that simply should not have been written. The Captain Cock sagas, "Untitled", "School Day" and "Ode to English Class" find Mayton trying too hard with a half-good idea. "Red Food" and "Grocery Boy" are vintage Mayton stories where he doesn't really sound like he's pushing to come up with ideas. "Cheltpile" and "Lipschits" are the best stories here, particularly the later. The former is in the same vain as Jones' "The Late Manchester" with a host of new words. "Lipschits" is the best work Mayton has ever written. It is inarguably a personal saga where Mayton protests, criticizes and makes us laugh at the same time.

Two other highlights of The Archives Volume II are "Recipies" and "Skeeze". The former is an excellent and unique collaboration with David Taylor and the later is the worst Keasman work of all time.

This work is an ambitious reflection of Kip Mayton, and, at times, it is a powerful statement of purpose.

Mayton's post-archives career has so far been mild but consistent. All of these pieces are stories with the exception of "Nigeria". However, it appears at this point that Mayton has virtually written himself out; the work seems strained at times.

"Expensive Guy" is the funniest of all of these and his best story this side of "Lipschits". "Quagmire" is Mayton's ancient, self-proclaimed classic. The first version was thought to be lost, so he rewrote it for consideration in this guide. Boredom is its keynote, but I don't think he meant it to be that way.

"Keasman - A Breed Apart" is a sharp statement of purpose. "Quest" starts nicely recreating the feeling of traveling away from home, but as it continues it wanders pointlessly. "Cheese Wiz" rehashes Jones' formulas and promotes cavities.

With the release of "Nigeria" Mayton announced his retirement from Keasman Literature, fortunately he did not leave this work as his swansong (he is now "active" again). Here Mayton plunges into racial humor. For a racial joke it functions well enough, but if you are looking for that type of humor you are in the wrong book.

"Green Thumb" marked Mayton's entrance into the Demented Era. Though it is not up to par with most other demented humor, it is encouraging. However, Mayton should realize that vegetables are not the only aspect of Demented Literature.

CJ