iffer's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed these three stories; they were short and sweet. They were also refreshing insofar as they actually *graphically* told a story without too much text, which is more difficult than people realize, especially when the pictures are deceptively simple.
I liked the exploration of the idea of reality and escapism through technology and sci-fi/fantasy geekdom, but I felt that in some ways the stories and characters didn't have as much depth as I would prefer. Perhaps it's fine, because the type of people drawn to Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim's work are probably a bit similar to the three main characters and/or would have an enough of an understanding of geekdom to "get" it. However, I'm a bit disconcerted because I get the feeling that, to some readers, the characters just come off as losers even though stories end with the main characters taking ownership of themselves and becoming more assertive.
I liked the exploration of the idea of reality and escapism through technology and sci-fi/fantasy geekdom, but I felt that in some ways the stories and characters didn't have as much depth as I would prefer. Perhaps it's fine, because the type of people drawn to Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim's work are probably a bit similar to the three main characters and/or would have an enough of an understanding of geekdom to "get" it. However, I'm a bit disconcerted because I get the feeling that, to some readers, the characters just come off as losers even though stories end with the main characters taking ownership of themselves and becoming more assertive.
kstehel's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of stories is rather odd unusual. The subject matter ranges from fantasy to realistic fiction among the three short stories. There is mention of pornography, abuse, and religious mockery along with a few gruesome graphics. The author creates some interesting quirks, and the imagery is average. And, because I have an appreciation for weird stuff, this book deserves four stars instead of three. I would recommend this for 10th grade and up.
bluenicorn's review against another edition
3.0
Not the greatest or more memorable thing I ever read, but the story with the frog is EXCELLENT. The others are decent.
ajworkman77's review against another edition
5.0
If you read one graphic novel, read this one. It is full of sympathetic characters, great art, unexpected twists, and life lessons. A must for my High School library.
jasonfurman's review against another edition
5.0
Gene Luen Yang is one of the best graphic novelists around. This set of three stories written with Derek Kirk Kim sets out some of the themes he explores more fully in the stunning Boxers & Saints and the excellent American Born Chinese, specifically the way people's imagination creates worlds that have elements of fantasy and nightmare that intersperse effortlessly with the real world. The artwork in the three stories is completely different but done in a way the really complements the stories. And they also manage to inject humor and more interest in the plot and fully realized, sympathetic characters than most short stories in graphic novel form.
bookcub's review against another edition
5.0
This book is beyond good. When I read books for school, I don't expect much but I adored this. The stories continued to surprise me and subvert tropes and I don't know what to say except this book took maybe an hour to read and it was one of the best hours of my life, no joke. These stories I can reread endlessly and recommend to countless people. Go read it.
healnotslay's review against another edition
4.0
all of the stories was about wanting something more i relate to that
alfyasmeen's review against another edition
5.0
Even though it's just a graphic novel, it was very thought-provoking. This book tells three different short stories, and what they all have in common is the idea of escapism. The last story was absolutely amazing.