Rating: 
Summary: Didn't want it to end
Review: The real-life-like story of Sherman, Ed, Dorothy, Jane, et al, is an incredibly gripping journey that I didn't want to end. Despite it's length of over 600 pages, the compiled Box Office Poison was a joy to read, and, due to becoming immersed in the story, very quick to finish. The characters and situations in BOP should be familiar to nearly anyone, and provide more lifelike scenarios that any book or movie out there.If you're the least bit interested in "alternative" comics without superheros or far-fetched storylines, this is your chance to pick up something amazing. Highest recommendation!
Rating:
Summary: Now, if only someone would do that Emma Goldman bio-comic
Review: There are so few total artistic successes in the comic book world these days I'd like to point to this one as the exception to the rule. Unfortunately, before granting an unqualified endorsement to BOX OFFICE POISON, a couple of observations must be made. First, and most problematic, is dedicating one of the two main storylines to the tale of a struggling comic book artist and his mentor, the exploited creator of a beloved superhero. Now, anyone familiar with the comic book industry is aware of the many controversies involving the important issue of creator's rights. Still, the end result is that you have a comic book that is about people that make comics. It's not a guaranteed route to failure, but, think about it, most of the movies that Hollywood makes about Hollywood are pretty lame, well, at least since SUNSET BOULEVARD. Actually, that's really all there is to complain about. Sure, the artwork isn't going to turn Alex Robinson into the next comic-creator/superstar, but this is clearly the best character-driven series in along time. If you've burnt out on the bad poetry that clogs the stranger competition this is really your new home. Robinson works hard to make sure that every character with a speaking line is flushed out with a personal history along with its attendant shames and glories. It's impossible not to react strongly to any of the people in this book because Robinson has the magic that brings them into your own world. How can Jane be so unforgiving? How can Dorothy be so irresponsible? Why doesn't Sherman quit his job at the bookstore and work for a benevolent on-line retailer? Because BOX OFFICE POISON collects the complete run of a series, Robinson has the decency to resolve just about every important storyline. The 602-pages gives the whole story an epic feel that ends just right. If only so much of it weren't industry in-jokes, I would hand this thing out to non-comic reading friends as one of the best in the form.
Rating:
Summary: delicious
Review: there is an epic sweep to this grand portrait of partial misfits realistically portrayed by the pen of mr. robinson. it's as if joe sacco's war zone mentality was transplanted to more familiar terrain--the domestic battlefront that is so much of everyday life: crummy jobs, crummy roommates, crummy dreams. there are bittersweet musings here, pitch-perfect dialogue, many hilarious digressions, and wonderful caricatures. mr.irving favor is my favorite; there is a meta-quality here since robinson also takes on the comic book industry. i consider this tome to be literature. it's a well-earned compliment.
Rating:
Summary: New to comic books
Review: This book caught me totally off-guard. I have never read a comic book in my life since I generally eschew fantasy tales and super-hero stories. However, this series of stories about young professionals in New York struck home with me; I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book, 3rd printing coming summer 2005!
Review: This book ranks up there with Blankets and Watchmen as one of the great true graphic novels. Unfortunately it's sold out as of Jan 2005 (I got mine used) but the Top Shelf website says it's being reprinted this summer. "An all-new edition of Alex Robinson's classic Box Office Poison will be released the same month of Tricked! With a new cover (still being designed), french flaps, and better paper to boot!" Don't miss it!
Rating:
Summary: ...absolutely wonderful!
Review: Was bored at a bookfair-sitting next to the Top Shelf table-and picked up Box Office Poison with some hesitation because I'm not one for comics. However, I just couldn't put it down. This book has real and honest insights into human behavior - that wouldn't be possible or readable as straight prose and it's hilarious, laugh-out-loud stuff. This book deserves to be a classic for our times. I hope there's another one soon. I'm buying it for birthday presents, I'm recommending it to everyone... buy it, you won't be sorry. Now I'm going to have to rethink graphic novels.
Rating:
Summary: so good!
Review: what an engaging read! i was so excited to find a big graphic novel (600 some odd pages). it's so easy to whip through graphic novels, that it's difficult for me to part with 15+ dollars to read something i know i'll finish in an hour. of course it wasn't the size that held my attention. 'box office poison' is riveting. robinson invites us into the world he has created, and let's us get to know the character's. it's so easy to know these people, never having met them! the story focuses on a guy that works in a bookstore, and another who wants to be a comic book writer. they interact with a variety of character's so real and engaging, you can almost hear them breathing. robinson is a talent to watch! i cannot wait until he writes another book! this is highly, highly recommended reading!
Rating:
Summary: ALEX ROBINSON RULES
Review: Whereas many recent graphic novels are mainly depressing, or mainly funny, or mainly artistic (or mainly UNartistic) -- Alex Robinson does everything in this outstanding graphic novel. It's a funny interwoven set of stories about characters with real depth ... and this book is funny! Great page design and terrific pacing. The dialogue is tremendously "real" and smart. This is a fat graphic novel I simply could not put down! Read this book. Then say along with me: "Alex Robinson rules!"
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