A review by robertrivasplata
Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball by Jon Chad

adventurous funny informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.25

History of Pinball going back to its (possible) ancient Greek origins through to the pinball Twitch streamers of the present day. Explains how pinball machines work, & how they have evolved since the 1930s when the game acquired the form we would recognize as pinball. Explains in detail how the garish art & elaborate effects of Pinball machines interact with the gameplay itself. Makes the case that pinball is an example of “an incredible intersection of all different art & design fields” which is a term I hope to apply to many different objects & situations going forward. The art is great, featuring lots of mushroom clouds emanating from minds being blown, & pinball grawlix. As with any good non-fiction “History of...” graphic novel, this one leaves me with a lot to look up & investigate on my own. My biggest question is about the world of Pinball repairmen. Is it like the dying world of typewriter repairmen? Or more like classic car hobbyists? Or are they more like IT folks with more of an “junk it -- cheaper to buy a new one” attitude?