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Writing: This satirical book could have been done in one of two ways. One would have been to subtlely splash movie and pop culture references throughout the book and let the reader find them. Luckily Dunlop didn't bother with Subtlety as he bludgeons us with so many satiracal references that you keep wondering who is going to get it next.
The story (which stretches over five comics) revolves around Tozzer a wannabe illusinist (though he really doesn't show any apptitude for the trade) who enrolls at the Boarbolis School of Drama. While at the school he and his friends run into many movie and real life characters who are looking to take over the school. Some of the characters that he runs into include Mad Jax (Michael Jackson), Morphine (Morpheus from the Matrix) and my personal favorite Jules. (Jules from Pulp Fiction) There are MANY more, but I'm not going to comment on each one. Lets just sum it up by saying that each character is a bit over the top and well written.
What ultimately happens in the story really isn't near as important as the humerous ride you get to take to get there. (how cliché does that sound!)
Artwork: The artwork works well in the story, you don't have any issues with knowing all of the well known characters and it seems the have the right comic feel that says they aren't taking themselves too seriously.
Overall: 4 stars. I really enjoyed the book and I'm going to give it 4 stars. Really the only
criticism that I'll mention is that I think Michael Jackson has been lampooned so much that he really isn't that interesting anymore, and the character that is modeled after Chucky (who is named with an F instead of Ch) was completely uneccessary and seemed
to be put in for a couple of cheap laughs.
Ron Miller
Writing: This one gets a big five stars from me and I don't give those lightly. I pretty much enjoyed the whole issue. Love the humor and even like the off the wall stuff. The humor in this peice had me outright laughing at points in the story. If you're fond of humor and satire read this book.
Artwork: Liked the artwork a lot. It contributed greatly to the story and the characatures were excellent. The art was more of a minimilistic flavor to it, but it fit the story well
Overall: 5 stars. This was a well done peice. I couldn't flaw much of anything in this issue and all I want to do is read more. bring it on...
Stefan Haas
Writing: I thought they did a nice job lampooning the movie industry.
Artwork: I really liked how the characters were drawn. Not quite full blown caricatures, but not straight up either.
Overall: 4 stars. While I was reading this, my wife asked me if I was keeping track of how many times I was laughing out loud. I lost count about halfway through the book, but it is easily one of the funniest books I've read in quite a while.
Robert Weiman |