Pedro and Me

Rating:
Summary: A stunning memorial -- and educational
Review: "Reality TV" isn't something I go in for, but I watched the San Francisco Real World episodes because of Pedro Zamora -- and because of an online friend I had who was living with HIV. When Pedro died, President Clinton commented that now we everyone who'd seen that show knew someone with AIDS...

But none as well as Winick, his roommate during the six months the show filmed. He tells the story of their friendship and how Pedro changed his life and that of fellow housemate Pam, who is now his fiancee. When Pedro died, Judd hit the speaking trail for him, talking to student groups, educating them about AIDS... and this book does the same. This doesn't feel like a dry textbook, but it's educational nonetheless... and that's as fitting a tribute as possible to a fallen AIDS educator.

Poignant. Humorous at times, heartbreaking at others. Nicely illustrated. This book will leave you thinking -- and feeling. If this doesn't win the Eisner awards next year, I'll be surprised. Another reviewer called it this decade's Maus, and I'd be inclined to agree.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning memorial -- and educational
Review: "Reality TV" isn't something I go in for, but I watched the San Francisco Real World episodes because of Pedro Zamora -- and because of an online friend I had who was living with HIV. When Pedro died, President Clinton commented that now we everyone who'd seen that show knew someone with AIDS...

But none as well as Winick, his roommate during the six months the show filmed. He tells the story of their friendship and how Pedro changed his life and that of fellow housemate Pam, who is now his fiancee. When Pedro died, Judd hit the speaking trail for him, talking to student groups, educating them about AIDS... and this book does the same. This doesn't feel like a dry textbook, but it's educational nonetheless... and that's as fitting a tribute as possible to a fallen AIDS educator.

Poignant. Humorous at times, heartbreaking at others. Nicely illustrated. This book will leave you thinking -- and feeling. If this doesn't win the Eisner awards next year, I'll be surprised. Another reviewer called it this decade's Maus, and I'd be inclined to agree.

Rating:
Summary: A completely honest and beautiful story
Review: After reading Pedro and Me (in one sitting, I found it impossible to put down), I felt as if I had gone on a journey. Throughout the story I was amazed by Judd Winick's honesty and was moved to near tears several times. I felt a connection with Pedro and mourn the loss of his life. I am impressed that Winick could even find the strength to tell such a personal and moving story. Even though I loathe Mtv and despise the Real World, this book (which takes place during the filming of Real World 3) moves past the setting. It is in no way a behind-the-scene look at that hideous show nor is it overly sentimental cheese. This is a glimpse into the life of man who died far too young and left the world a better place than he found it.

Rating:
Summary: Portrait of a Life-Changing Friendship
Review: Anyone who watched MTV's Real World- San Francisco remembers Pedro Zamora, the young Cuban housemate who had AIDS. Over the course of the season we learned about the Disease from Pedro, and watched him form friendships with the others in the house. One of those new friends was Judd Winick, an aspiring Cartoonist. Since the show ended, Judd has realized his goal: He's become a successful Comic Writer/Artist, working on books like Barry Ween, Frumpy the Clown, Green Lantern, and Exiles. He has also become an AIDS educator, carrying on the work of his friend Pedro, who has since passed away.

Pedro and Me is the story of their extraordinary friendship, told in Comic-Book form. Winick starts by giving us a brief background on himself, and then we learn about the amazing childhood of Pedro....I won't spoil anything; I'll just say that some of the facts we learn are incredibly interesting. Winick covers the Real World pretty well, thankfully not giving the loathsome "Puck" any attention at all, and moves forward to Pedro's death and beyond, letting us see how this courageous young man changed so many lives.

This is truly an amazing book, and hopefully it will reach an audience that generally doesn't read comics. Pedro seemed like a truly good person, and the world is a poorer place for his passing.

Rating:
Summary: A comic book that makes you cry.
Review: As a fan of MTV's The Real World, I grabbed up Pedro and Me as soon as I saw it, and read it cover to cover. It is a very sweet tribute to a friend. For those of you who don't know, Pedro Zamora was one of the cast of MTV's The Real World 3 in San Francisco. Pedro was an AIDS educator and very open about the fact that he was living with AIDS. He died shortly after the show aired. Judd Winick, the author, was also a cast member.

Judd Winick is a cartoonist, so the story is told in a comic book format. Though a bit too sentimental at times, and certainly a tear-jerker, Pedro and Me seems to be a sincere and realistic depiction of Judd Winick and Pedro Zamora's lives, their experiences with instant celebrity, and the ways in which HIV and AIDS affect peoples lives. In addition to some behind the scenes information about the filming of The Real World, you also get background information about Pedro and Judd's childhoods as well as an update of what has happened since. If you were a fan of Real World 3, San Fancisco, I wholeheartedly recommend Pedro and Me.

Rating:
Summary: Deeply Moving and Entertaining
Review: Being a fan of both the Real World and the comics of Judd Winick, as well as a "bed-wetting liberal" gay man, this book has been on my want list ever since I heard rumors about it. I was not dissapointed. Judd has a charming style of storytelling that is right up there with the best in sequential art. He has great pace and dialogue. The story of Pedro's life is heartwarming and heroic. There are several parts where you will need to put the book aside to cry or just reflect on what you just read.

Pedro was a unique spirit and Judd spreads his tale like a true bard. Buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Illustrations and Touching Stories
Review: Being a Real World fan, I automatically ordered this book. I was expecting the same MTV-like colorful photos and quirky tales. I was surprised - pleasantly. This book is fully illustrated by Judd, and although some of the stories are humorous, they are also very touching. It was interesting to read more about the lives of Judd and Pedro life as they grew up apart, and how their friendship flourished. I think any Real World fan will enjoy this book, and anyone who has (or has had) a person living with AIDS in their lives.

Rating:
Summary: VISUAL...
Review: I don't own this book - yet. I was in Barnes&Noble, using up my spare time, waiting to catch a movie when I picked up this book and flipped through it. I've watched the Real World since it debuted in 1992 with the New York cast, and watched it religiously until the London cast, after which I turned into an 'every now and then' viewer. BUT, I loved the San Francisco season, year three - it was like a new beginning.

When I picked up this book, I expected text. What I got was both surprising and familiar. What was so familiar? That Mr. Winick was (and is) a comic book illustrator! So I spent the next 20 minutes, flipping through, reading chapters at a time, amazed at how engrossing this work was. I already respected Mr. Winick tremendously while I watched the show, but this book/tribute has turned my respect into sheer admiration.

What Pedro Zamora did for gays in America, as well as people living with AIDS cannot be understated. For millions of viewers young and old, Pedro humanized what was (and still is to some extent) an experience largely rejected by mainstream media and mainstream society. You learn more about Pedro and his effect on his housemates (and many others) in this book, and for this I felt extremely privileged.

Normally, I finish reading a book, or listening to a CD before I review it, but for some reason this couldn't wait. From what I read, I knew this work was a treasure about a treasure. The way in which Mr. Winick illustrates the book, like a comic strip, makes it hard to put down. 'Pedro and Me' is so visual, and so in-your-face. It's real, and you can never have to much of that...thank you Mr. Winick. I'll be buying this one soon.

Knyte

Rating:
Summary: A book to be shared, A story of friendship to be treasured
Review: I first became aquainted with Pedro and Judd through "The Real World." Pedro shared his life with others every day. Making sure he made a difference in the world he lived in. Today Judd carries on his legacy in "Pedro and Me." Not only a story of friendship, but also a learning tool for thie kids Pedro worked so hard to get his message to. Pedro, I'm sure is looking down on Judd today and beaming with pride. This is truly the most wonderful tribute one friend can pay to another.

Rating:
Summary: Get to Know Pedro again
Review: I have been a fan of Judd Winicks since Frumpy the Clown was a daily strip. This is an incredible account of his relationship with Pedro Zamora. It reveals insights that weren't shared before - and it keeps the memory of a very special person alive. This is a well written tribute to a great man. I highly encourage anyone to read this book - and have an opportunity to see the talent that is Judd Winick.