The Copybook Tales

Rating:
Summary: A Pretty Good Semi-Autobiography
Review: Hmm... Not bad. On the whole, this is how I would review this book. Torres' nostalgic trip down '80's lane makes a great companion piece to his present adult dilemma wherein he tries to make ends meet as a writer. The story recalls a time when Star Wars rocked, hair was big (and bad), and writing stories are fun and timeless. This was indeed a story about storytelling, and I suggest any aspiring writer to pick this up and give a good listen to your raging past; a past bursting with story. My only criticism about this book is that at times it could be a bit dragging. Especially at the end, where it all feels so open-ended and unsatisfying as a book. It didn't exactly give me the great accomplishment feeling when reading a book with a good ending (like WATCHMEN or even BOX OFFICE POISON). Otherwise, it's not bad.

Rating:
Summary: A Spectacular Nostalgia Trip
Review: The Copybook Tales, is the story of Jamie and Thatcher, two friends determined to make comics. After numerous attempts at pitching their superhero comic to publishers, the pair decides to tell a more realistic story. Jamie delves through his "copybooks", journals he kept through his teenage years, for source material. In doing so, he reflects on his past years, and his future.

It is a book full of genuine emotion that will resonate among those who grew up in the 80s. That having been said, one doesn't need to be a member of this generation to fully appreciate the depth and craft exhibited in this book.

With universal themes of acceptance, growth, self-consciousness, anyone can delve into this brilliantly written slice of life series. The reader can fully empathize with the characters when they are embarassed by their friends' words and actions.

Torres has an ear for realistic dialogue, and it shows throughout the book, in the characters interactions. The book has it's genuine laugh out loud moments, counterbalanced by a mature, serious reflection on growing into adulthood.

Levins excels in the design and presentation of the book, from the characters to the lettering. It has it's own unique look, while at the same time, echoing the ever popular animation style pioneered by Alex Toth and others.

All in all, this book comes highly recommended and deserves a place on everyone's bookshelf. This is a perfect example of what comics are capable of achieving with storytelling.

Rating:
Summary: A Spectacular Nostalgia Trip
Review: The Copybook Tales, is the story of Jamie and Thatcher, two friends determined to make comics. After numerous attempts at pitching their superhero comic to publishers, the pair decides to tell a more realistic story. Jamie delves through his "copybooks", journals he kept through his teenage years, for source material. In doing so, he reflects on his past years, and his future.

It is a book full of genuine emotion that will resonate among those who grew up in the 80s. That having been said, one doesn't need to be a member of this generation to fully appreciate the depth and craft exhibited in this book.

With universal themes of acceptance, growth, self-consciousness, anyone can delve into this brilliantly written slice of life series. The reader can fully empathize with the characters when they are embarassed by their friends' words and actions.

Torres has an ear for realistic dialogue, and it shows throughout the book, in the characters interactions. The book has it's genuine laugh out loud moments, counterbalanced by a mature, serious reflection on growing into adulthood.

Levins excels in the design and presentation of the book, from the characters to the lettering. It has it's own unique look, while at the same time, echoing the ever popular animation style pioneered by Alex Toth and others.

All in all, this book comes highly recommended and deserves a place on everyone's bookshelf. This is a perfect example of what comics are capable of achieving with storytelling.