 Since the book 's publication , Seth has achieved a particularly high level of critical and popular recognition compared to other Canadian cartoonists . According to academic Nick Mount , it is " the first Canadian graphic novel to ... make the crossover from underground praise to mainstream praise " . In 2005 he was the first cartoonist to have a solo exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto . By 2006 It 's a Good Life had sold 15 @,@ 000 copies in English . 
