Evan Dorkin's Milk and Cheese are archetypes for the kind of insane, violent, hilarious characters present in much of today's graphic and...moreMERV GRIFFIN!
Evan Dorkin's Milk and Cheese are archetypes for the kind of insane, violent, hilarious characters present in much of today's graphic and animated media, and while not originators of the style, they do it damn well. The psychotic nature of the duo, presented in pages saturated with dialog and beautifully detailed art, serves to bewilder, threaten, and indulge the reader with the raw chaos of absurd violence. Completely entertaining, this book will make you deep-belly guffaw, after which you'll feel bad for laughing at cartoon murder.
Cute, fun, hot, guilty pleasure. Tim Fish is known for his speed at churning out gay drama, and while not high literature in any way, he succeeds in c...moreCute, fun, hot, guilty pleasure. Tim Fish is known for his speed at churning out gay drama, and while not high literature in any way, he succeeds in creating fun romps through the lives of beautiful gay men. Delightful but frivolous. (less)
Fanservice at its finest. I absolutely loved the heartfelt charm of Card Captor Sakura – reading about these characters transported across various re-...moreFanservice at its finest. I absolutely loved the heartfelt charm of Card Captor Sakura – reading about these characters transported across various re-imaginings of the Clamp canon is super entertaining. The worlds visited, the characters imagined – it all comes together perfectly in Reservoir Chronicle. Well recommended for all manga readers.(less)
Spider-Man Noir explores an alternate history/universe for one of Marvel's greatest. With all the grit and steel of a noir pulp, Spidey encounters the...moreSpider-Man Noir explores an alternate history/universe for one of Marvel's greatest. With all the grit and steel of a noir pulp, Spidey encounters the usual rogues gallery with new origins amidst clever hints and nods to fans of the series. Unfortunately, Spider-Man Noir feels more like fan service, delighting readers with, "Hey, remember The Vulture? Well check out this guy..." more than a graphic novel that can stand on its own. In attempting to fit so many interesting ideas into one volume, the story becomes fragmented – still enjoyable, but relatively shallow compared to all this concept could have been.(less)
Somehow this comic blends quantum mechanics, comics, and a healthy dose of humor into one solid experience. Or several. An experiment that pushes the...moreSomehow this comic blends quantum mechanics, comics, and a healthy dose of humor into one solid experience. Or several. An experiment that pushes the format to its limits, Meanwhile is a thoroughly entertaining choose-your-own adventure exploring a series of parallel, alternate events viewed from many perspectives. And it all starts with the greatest choice of all: chocolate or vanilla.(less)
In Me Own Words is at once hilarious and charming. Through terribly misspelled words and improper grammar, Bigfoot shares his views on Feelings, Shitt...moreIn Me Own Words is at once hilarious and charming. Through terribly misspelled words and improper grammar, Bigfoot shares his views on Feelings, Shitty Cats, and 'Nam. Beautiful scribbles portray Bigfoot with an afro, extremely obese, and rocking out as the Tinkles frontman. A short read, In Me Own Words depicts not the yeti we need, but the yeti we deserve. (less)
Holy balls this is a funny book. Styled like a retro 70's pulp, Afrodisiac imagines a comic that should have been. Each story is unimaginably hilariou...moreHoly balls this is a funny book. Styled like a retro 70's pulp, Afrodisiac imagines a comic that should have been. Each story is unimaginably hilarious, and – eh, just buy it. Now.(less)
The Case of the Mummy's Gold is perfect for both those unfortunate bastards that have not had the pleasure to read the comic and those fanatical, grea...moreThe Case of the Mummy's Gold is perfect for both those unfortunate bastards that have not had the pleasure to read the comic and those fanatical, grease-pit stained fans that love the comic enough to buy a book containing (mostly) already published material one may peruse for free online. I am a member of the latter. If you're new to the series and prefer the tactile indulgence analog materials offer, I can certainly recommend this book. If you're already familiar with Gabe and Tycho's oeuvre and you know this is mostly comics you've already read, then you might as well buy this book. The commentary for each strip reveals new dimensions by which the graphic narrative may be appreciated, as well as several scribbles from Gabe's comicon sketchbook. But the real delight is having a reason to reread older strips. I had forgotten how weirdly poignant the Cardboard Tube Samurai arcs were, how amazing Fruit Fucker is, and how much I miss Twisp and Catsby. So pick up a copy, you trouser-less potato child, and reminisce with old friends!(less)
First of all, I have a deeply inappropriate infatuation with Bá, Moon, and Cloonan. In terms of execution, the three (plus Lolos) are incapable of bad...moreFirst of all, I have a deeply inappropriate infatuation with Bá, Moon, and Cloonan. In terms of execution, the three (plus Lolos) are incapable of bad work. The panels drip with beautiful art and the characters vary (seamlessly) from Bá/Moon's hyperbole and Cloonan's gorgeous realism, with a thick layer of horror permeating the entire novel. But graphic novels do not stand upon their art alone. The horror is the main character in the story – all the other characters exist as vehicles for the horror to be known, for us to see their eyes shocked wide and their bodies destroyed. We never get to understand them as characters we care about, as characters with depth. Because of this, it's hard to care what happens to them. Pixu is a wonderful book in terms of its beauty and the dissonant atmosphere it conjures, but with little empathy for the characters, its horror loses its edge. (less)
Graphic autobiographical novels are some of the most emotionally potent artifacts in the world. To view an author's life through their drawings, their...moreGraphic autobiographical novels are some of the most emotionally potent artifacts in the world. To view an author's life through their drawings, their forms and their words, is to gain deep insight into their psyche. David B.'s style is not terribly beautiful, not considerably elegant, but it is incredibly real. His figures are awkwardly contorted, abstracted, and visibly embody the ugliness they attempt to navigate. The prose is brutal, honest, some times hesitant, elusive, and other times starkly plain. This is not a book to read if you're looking for a giggle or two. Ultimately, as the author realizes, with some regret and anger, that he and his family are indelibly tainted by his brother's disease, the reader cannot help but feel themselves tainted as well, sharing in his guilt, hopelessness, and (just perhaps) his peace.
The key strength of autobiographies can at times be their downfalls: reality is immutable and honest. There are no neat stories, no clean narratives, only a imperfect reflections upon life.(less)
A wonderful take on the often maligned orc, this graphic novel holds its storytelling tight. The world is beautifully rendered with imaginative detail...moreA wonderful take on the often maligned orc, this graphic novel holds its storytelling tight. The world is beautifully rendered with imaginative details (magical flaming goblin armor!) and a pace that never falters. I would recommend this to anyone devoted to the underdog and those who love watching teams of misfits forged in the heat of battle.(less)
This is a very strange book for me to review, as I absolutely loved the characters and the world but found myself eagerly waiting for the book to be o...moreThis is a very strange book for me to review, as I absolutely loved the characters and the world but found myself eagerly waiting for the book to be over.
But first, a digression. There's something extremely beautiful in the way Murakami imbues his books with surrealism. Rather than point to the strangeness, loft it upon a pedestal, and call it a day, Murakami gently circumscribes the depth of his surrealism, nudges it quietly with a strange word or an inexplicable flashback. These hints are shadows of a larger world, something supporting but completely invisible to the story he is telling. Things are mysterious and ultimately unknowable in a Murakami novel. This will either comfort or annoy the piss out of a reader.
That said, 1Q84 involves two of my favorite Murakami characters. Both are extremely capable, focused individuals stained with loneliness and, fortunately, love. Their related journeys through a world with two moons, spiritual golems, and religious zealots describe a beautifully humble form of fated love, something that feels more romantic than the more dramatic examples of such.
Thing is, at 928 pages, this novel is a testament to endurance for the reader as well. With a third of the book left I felt the timing begin to stumble, and I forced a regiment of two hours a night to finish off the entire endeavor. Somehow, despite Murakami's masterful writing, wonderful characters, and enchanting world, reading 1Q84 became a chore. And just like many things in the book, I can't explain why.
If you accept the mystery, 1Q84 is definitely worth a read – if you're willing to put in the time.(less)
I'm a sucker for books like this. Fanciful adventures stocked with quirky characters, riddles, and buckets of mystery are really qualifications in the...moreI'm a sucker for books like this. Fanciful adventures stocked with quirky characters, riddles, and buckets of mystery are really qualifications in themselves for a good read. A prime example of good children's fiction, The Mysterious Benedict Society is as much about development of character, the value of friendship, and the ability to embrace one's weaknesses as it is about penetrating mysteries and beating the big bad. A superb series for any child or adult.(less)
Hot damn this is some good zombie fiction. While not exactly an average-Joe caught up in extreme circumstances (more of a well-trained, well-stocked s...moreHot damn this is some good zombie fiction. While not exactly an average-Joe caught up in extreme circumstances (more of a well-trained, well-stocked serviceman caught up in extreme circumstances), Day by Day Armageddon does a great job at documenting an engaging struggle against the undead. I began reading this book near midnight and finished around 4am. A must for any zed head.(less)
How can you combine two kickass genres and not get something doubly kickass? By not ensuring that all stories are supernatural and/or noir. There are...moreHow can you combine two kickass genres and not get something doubly kickass? By not ensuring that all stories are supernatural and/or noir. There are cases where the inclusion of a story seems to stem from a ticking publication deadline. Some of the stories are beautifully written, imaginative, eerie, and perfectly executed. And some are abysmal. Skip the stories that bore you after the first page and consume the rest like jewels caked in mud, if you were one to eat jewels in the first place. That metaphor went awry but my backspace doesn't work, so I'm sticking with it.
Anyway, if the idea of Supernature Noir interests you then you are sure to find something worthy of your attention in this collection.(less)
Is this book super fun? Yes. But also possibly infuriating. Within the covers of this book lie physical artifacts of a fictional world, clues to help...moreIs this book super fun? Yes. But also possibly infuriating. Within the covers of this book lie physical artifacts of a fictional world, clues to help you piece together an intriguing mystery and draw out its secrets. Thing is, you may find yourself finding a particular detail more important than it is, become myopic in your convictions, and unseal the envelope containing the solution only to find yourself dropping a Usual Suspects coffee mug as you realize it was Kevin Spacey all along. That is to say, I got this one completely wrong. I had a great time, but could not help but wish the evidence pushed a little more towards the solution.
But I might also just be a terrible detective.(less)
A book written about itself would most likely become so Borgesian as to become arrogantly pompous, but Yu brings a certain charming self-deprecation t...moreA book written about itself would most likely become so Borgesian as to become arrogantly pompous, but Yu brings a certain charming self-deprecation that elevates the story to something new, something playful, introspective, and clever. Still, despite having everything I should have loved about a book, How to Live at times digresses into a series of crazy-long-one-sentence-paragraphs that douse the brilliance of the book with mopey ponderings. Yu treads the territories of Murakami, Coupland, and Stephenson without quite surpassing any of them.(less)
Fairy tales tap into something deep in human nature, something dark. Connolly casts the pop culture polish from these well-known stories and weaves so...moreFairy tales tap into something deep in human nature, something dark. Connolly casts the pop culture polish from these well-known stories and weaves something much more ominous, entertaining, and meaningful. Well written and beautifully told, The Book of Lost Things is a brilliant read.(less)
A thoroughly engaging read, Zafón conjures a world of forgotten libraries, winding paths, and burgeoning adulthood in a world saturated with mystery,...moreA thoroughly engaging read, Zafón conjures a world of forgotten libraries, winding paths, and burgeoning adulthood in a world saturated with mystery, violence, and beauty. The book is written with love and care, and while reading it you cannot help but savor the experience. This book was recommended to me by three people and I am compelled to continue passing my copy around and continue the story.(less)
This is the best of all possible books: timeless philosophy couched in a clever narrative encased in beautiful, Euclidean Chris Ware comics, all foot-...moreThis is the best of all possible books: timeless philosophy couched in a clever narrative encased in beautiful, Euclidean Chris Ware comics, all foot-noted to fully understand the bite hidden in each phrase. A great read – I definitely was not bored out of my mind!(less)
I bought this book in a small Brooklyn bookshop during a rain storm. I was on vacation and felt like a little post-modern fiction. I'm writing this mo...moreI bought this book in a small Brooklyn bookshop during a rain storm. I was on vacation and felt like a little post-modern fiction. I'm writing this mostly for myself, so sorry if that doesn't add anything to the review. The book itself was exactly what I was looking for: a nerdy delight to make my brain hurt. The fashion in which Calvino weaves his narratives around the formation of tarot cards is masterful. The man is a storyteller by trade and a mathematician at heart. Or the other way around. Either way, this is a thoroughly Italo Calvino book, and if that means something to you, then you may love it. Or hate it. Or think it's just okay.(less)
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