Upon completing “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” in 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald declared it “the funniest story ever written&r...
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Aug 14, 2011
Andie
rated it: 
I couldn't seem to get over my first thought of, "How the hell did someone actually give birth to an old man? How would that work?"
It was an interesting, quick read. It's laid out very simply, and really more of an outline of a story.
I liked it, but I had a hard time getting past the unrealistic attitudes towards Benjamin Button.
It was an interesting, quick read. It's laid out very simply, and really more of an outline of a story.
I liked it, but I had a hard time getting past the unrealistic attitudes towards Benjamin Button.
Aug 14, 2011
with only 30 pages in all it is tough to not want more. The movie does a fairly good job of expanding the basic gist of the short story but, as usual, the book leaves things open to your imagination and all the actual events that went down.
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Aug 14, 2011
Emily
rated it:
Nunzio DeFelippis and Christina Weir transform F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” into an amusing and well-constructed graphic novel. To insinuate the setting of the book, beginning during the Civil War, artist Kevin Cornell puts in some ornate touches, such as the repeating wall paper design of hour glasses that separates the sections of the story and the very neat separation of panels on each page, the majority of which are rectangular. Cornell also does a
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Aug 14, 2011
Debbie
rated it: 
When Fitzgerald penned Benjamin Button in 1922, he enthusiastically called it “the funniest story ever written” and hoped to write more pieces like it and The Diamond as Big as the Ritz. Publishers and the public, however, had a different idea as evidenced by an anonymous letter by a reader in Cincinnati:
Sir–I have read the story Benjamin Button in Colliers and I wish to say that as a short story writer you would make a good lunatic. I have seen many peices (sic) of cheese in my li More...
Sir–I have read the story Benjamin Button in Colliers and I wish to say that as a short story writer you would make a good lunatic. I have seen many peices (sic) of cheese in my li More...
Aug 14, 2011
Beth
rated it:
The graphic novel is a great way to introduce the classic story to teens or those who don't necessarily like anything classics (like me). I really liked the illustrations; I thought the whole book was very well done.
However, there were two things I did not like: There is never a reason given as to why Benjamin Button was born a 70 year old man. I appreciate the authors giving a little information at the end. According to the authors, Fitzgerald was inspired by a quote by Mark Twain s More...
However, there were two things I did not like: There is never a reason given as to why Benjamin Button was born a 70 year old man. I appreciate the authors giving a little information at the end. According to the authors, Fitzgerald was inspired by a quote by Mark Twain s More...
Aug 14, 2011
Barky
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 14, 2011
Kelso
rated it: 
I received this as a birthday present. I enjoyed the movie, but with some reservations. The book I enjoyed quite a bit.
This graphic novel follows the original short story very closely. Which is to say that it differs from the movie in almost every detail. It is a bittersweet story, but it is not really a love story in the way of the movie. It is simply the story of a man traveling backwards through life, physically, mentally and emotionally.
I really enjoyed the sepia tone More...
This graphic novel follows the original short story very closely. Which is to say that it differs from the movie in almost every detail. It is a bittersweet story, but it is not really a love story in the way of the movie. It is simply the story of a man traveling backwards through life, physically, mentally and emotionally.
I really enjoyed the sepia tone More...
Oct 07, 2011
Shanna
rated it:
Obviously meant for pre-teens, the book isn't so bad. Once I got out of the mindset that the graphic novel might be somewhat intellectual, I really started to enjoy it for what it was. A lot of it is unrealistic (we the whole concept is), and the writing style is a bit amateur. The illustrations are beautiful. I loved the sepia look to it because it created the perfect 1930s-esque feel.
Oct 19, 2011
Erin
rated it:
At only 39 pages, there's no excuse not to read this short story. It always amazes me how much story can be packed into something so short. Very enjoyable under-one-hour read. Doh - just realized this edition I picked says it's the "graphic novel," but I just read the short story - no graphics. :)
Dec 21, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
I barely remembered the short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I only remember not enjoying it and hoping the graphic novel would help me grasp a better understanding. I know now, I just don't like the story no matter the format: short story, graphic novel or movie.
Aug 14, 2011
Needleroozer
rated it: 
I had heard the title of this book before, but didn't know anything about it until two days ago when Simon summed up the plot. (Simon said Brad Pitt is starring in the movie. Really?) Yesterday as I was pulling books, I stumbled upon this graphic novel version and decided to read it.
Well. This book left me with a lot of unanswered questions. So Benjamin Button is born an old man and gets progressively younger as he ages. But there is no explanation as to how an entire grownup old man More...
Well. This book left me with a lot of unanswered questions. So Benjamin Button is born an old man and gets progressively younger as he ages. But there is no explanation as to how an entire grownup old man More...
Aug 14, 2011
Poorfish
rated it:
Like any David Fincher fan, I enjoyed the movie adaption of this short story. And like any over extended/super busy reader I was curious about the original story. Luckily, someone adapted the short story into a very nice graphic novel, saving me from all of F. Scott Fitzgerald's extra words.
The art is great, very muted and subtle and a lot of the narrative seems to be pulled straight from the source material or slightly altered. If you are at all interested, I suggest checking out More...
The art is great, very muted and subtle and a lot of the narrative seems to be pulled straight from the source material or slightly altered. If you are at all interested, I suggest checking out More...
Aug 14, 2011
Nan
rated it: 
When I walked by the book at the library, it shouted, "I am a knock-off". It looked a little bit like Lemony Snicket and his unfortunate tales, so I picked it up anyway. That it was a graphic novel based on F. Scott Fitzgerald fantasy only added to my willingness to pick it up.
It was okay. The illustrations are well done, but have no wow factor to them. The history of the fantasy is competent. It's a good thing I didn't buy the book and can return it to the library. More...
It was okay. The illustrations are well done, but have no wow factor to them. The history of the fantasy is competent. It's a good thing I didn't buy the book and can return it to the library. More...
Oct 26, 2011
Kim
rated it:
Its a a little out there but a cute story with great graphics. I have never read the full version, but I have seen the film. Personally I like the film redention better, which completely surprises me.
Aug 14, 2011
Emma
rated it:
I liked but didn't love the drawings. This one loses lots of points for crap-o typography (why the text could not have been drawn I do not know, it would have looked heaps better). I hadn't read the story in its original form, but it felt much too abridged/compressed; for all I know, that's Fitzgerald's fault. But I think the drawings are too illustrative, too much telling not showing or something. It's maybe a fundamental problem with literary adaptations in the graphic form? Reading this one m
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Aug 14, 2011
Deb
rated it:
The medium-change for Fitzgerald's short story was well-done, but honestly, this story didn't gain anything by being illustrated.
The story itself is a classic, but I wonder why. If it's simply a classic because of its thoughtful subjects (aging, desire, time). Fitzgerald had a hard time selling this story in the first place, and I can see why. Although it's not nearly as much wool-gathering as Proust, the story's not engaging and nothing tries to hook the reader at all. This story le More...
The story itself is a classic, but I wonder why. If it's simply a classic because of its thoughtful subjects (aging, desire, time). Fitzgerald had a hard time selling this story in the first place, and I can see why. Although it's not nearly as much wool-gathering as Proust, the story's not engaging and nothing tries to hook the reader at all. This story le More...
Aug 14, 2011
Kayleigh
rated it:
This was interesting because it's so different from the movie, and i saw the movie first. (I know, sad, but true). This story makes Benjamin's life almost a tragedy- his father can't care for him, his son won't, and no one ever really takes him seriously. He's never treated like the adult or elder that he is, until the end, when his Nana cares for him as a small child. I think I liked the movie better- not for the ending or anything, but because it was more believable and he has both success
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Aug 14, 2011
Audrey
rated it:
One of those rare times when the movie adaptation excelled the written word. Takes Fitzgerald's bones of a short story and with script writer's vision fleshed out a memorable, heartbreaking tale.
Aug 14, 2011
Rob
rated it:
Preferable to the story's original form, this graphic adaptation is well-paced and beautifully illustrated (full disclosure: the illustrator is a good friend of mine), both preserving and enhancing Fitzgerald's winking, flowery prose. Kevin Cornell's loose lines and sepia watercolors strike a flexible tone that deftly manages the story's mood swings and evokes the era magnificently. The portraits marking Benjamin's progress in backward aging at the beginning of each chapter are an especially nic
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Aug 14, 2011
Renae
rated it:
Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books, so when I saw this, I had to have it. It's really very interesting and entertaining.
While the story has its humor, it also has sadness. It'll make you think.
While the story has its humor, it also has sadness. It'll make you think.
Aug 14, 2011
sisterimapoet
rated it:
My first experience with a graphic novel. I wanted to try one but struggled to find one (in my local library) that didn't just look a bit violent and boyish for my tastes.
I haven't seen the film of this yet - so I thought I'd give it a go. Neat little story. Fun and thoughtful at the same time. I like the simple sepia pictures, but had to remind myself to look at them as well as scanning the written word.
If I could find more to my taste I'd try other graphic novels.
I haven't seen the film of this yet - so I thought I'd give it a go. Neat little story. Fun and thoughtful at the same time. I like the simple sepia pictures, but had to remind myself to look at them as well as scanning the written word.
If I could find more to my taste I'd try other graphic novels.
Aug 14, 2011
Maurizio (matemati)
rated it:
Concordo abbastanza con Kelanth. La storia di per sé è piuttosto fiacca, le sue premesse probabilmente si potevano sviluppare meglio (anche se non saprei come): dovrei leggere il racconto originale per vedere come è stato effettivamente trattato il tema.
I disegni non sono proprio brutti, ma neanche belli: direi banali, non ci trovo nessuna ricerca o sperimentazione.
Un'operina che si può leggere per passare un po' di tempo e poi dimenticare.
I disegni non sono proprio brutti, ma neanche belli: direi banali, non ci trovo nessuna ricerca o sperimentazione.
Un'operina che si può leggere per passare un po' di tempo e poi dimenticare.
Aug 14, 2011
Joyce
rated it:
Benjamin Button, to his parents dismay, is born thoroughly grown - actually, he is born an old man. Unnaturally and disturbingly, as he ages, he grows younger.
This was a very quick read, maybe an hour or so. Definitely worth reading. The story is word for word the same as the story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but with pictures! Intriguing and entertaining short story by Fitzgerald. And great earth-toned pictures by Kevin Cornell.
This was a very quick read, maybe an hour or so. Definitely worth reading. The story is word for word the same as the story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but with pictures! Intriguing and entertaining short story by Fitzgerald. And great earth-toned pictures by Kevin Cornell.
Aug 14, 2011
Nux
rated it:
I would have given it a four star... but one question just keeps bugging my head: How the hell did the mother survive the pregnancy and birth, then?! Oh well, call me no fun and have no imagination, but it's just this one bit of the story that bugs me that does it. Otherwise the rest of the story's quite intriguing and a nice light read with some thoughts put into it. I would have given it four stars were it not for that one question.
Aug 14, 2011
Jacki
rated it:
Great art and adherence to Fitzgerald's witty original story make this book a light, fun read. It would make a great addition to a library or English classroom as a non-threatening way to introduce the classics, although 
isn't going to be able to compete for entertainment value.
isn't going to be able to compete for entertainment value.
Aug 14, 2011
Ann
rated it:
Another foray into graphic novels for me. I really liked this book.
I have not seen the movie and I am not likely to. This version stays close to the original by Fitzgerald, and it's a different kind of story from what we had read in high school. It's a fantastical story about a man born at 70 and aging in reverse, and the troubles he has, yet he still manages to live a full life.
I have not seen the movie and I am not likely to. This version stays close to the original by Fitzgerald, and it's a different kind of story from what we had read in high school. It's a fantastical story about a man born at 70 and aging in reverse, and the troubles he has, yet he still manages to live a full life.
Aug 14, 2011
April
rated it:
Alerted to this book by VSL.
This could have been executed better. The illustrations were okay, but sloppy at times. The story itself, also could have been better executed. Not having read the original FSF version, I can't say whether the relative boring-ness of what is a pretty fascinating premise is his fault or the adapter's.
One of the best things about this book: it's a quick read.
This could have been executed better. The illustrations were okay, but sloppy at times. The story itself, also could have been better executed. Not having read the original FSF version, I can't say whether the relative boring-ness of what is a pretty fascinating premise is his fault or the adapter's.
One of the best things about this book: it's a quick read.
Aug 14, 2011
Sarai
rated it:
I have not read the original F. Scott Fitzgerald text, nor have I seen the movie with Brad Pitt. I enjoyed this graphic novel tale of the man who is born old and gets younger through the years until he becomes an infant.
There was only one thing that plagued me, and I do not know if it was addressed in the book or movie, but how does a fully-grown man get born from a woman?
There was only one thing that plagued me, and I do not know if it was addressed in the book or movie, but how does a fully-grown man get born from a woman?
Aug 14, 2011
Heather
rated it:
I'd really rate it a 3.5 if I could. I've never read this storn nor seen the movie based on it, but knew the basic premise. I thought the graphic novel format was a interesting device used to tell the story of a man who is born old and ages backwards. I'm not in agreement with Fitzgerald, who thought it was one of his funniest stories; I found it to be rather sad.
Aug 14, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
A slight and silly story... I mostly enjoyed Fitzgerald's quoted hyperbole about its greatness. I can't imagine how this was translated into a "VERY SERIOUS FEATURE FILM," and I heard that the movie is excruciatingly long, so I probably won't find out. The art here is serviceable, but I was very distracted by the typed text, which seemed very low-budget here.
