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siriusbusiness's review against another edition
2.0
I would probably give it a 2.5 if I could, because it had a lot of potential. I really wanted to like this book, and to be fair there were some really fun campy parts and bits of the book I really did enjoy.. but there were some parts that just kind of killed it for me. I figured out the reveal pretty quickly, which I can sometimes forgive if I like the ride the book takes me on. However, I didn't really like the main character much, especially some of his thoughts on other characters (or even things he said to some of them). It pushed me out of enjoying the book too many times to justify rounding my score up to 3, so it's a 2/5.
niegle's review against another edition
2.0
I thought the characters to be shallow and the story a rip off of all the other superhero books out there. Nothing new. Given I figured out the twist about a quarter in, very predictable. Overall, I guess this book just wasn't my thing.
mad_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
The Great Depression and World War II saw the advent of the superhero with the introduction of Batman (in 1937) and Superman (in 1938 ), and Captain America and Wonder Woman (in 1941). The 1950s saw an explosion of new superheroes and their villainous counterparts that has continued to this day.
Now, in 2021, a new superhero swirls his blue-green, err… aquamarine, err… turquoise cape as he arrives on the scene to save the day in Centerport. Yes, it's turquoise people!
Hal Bodner brings a lot of humor and panache to this science fiction niche. It's a comic book without pictures except the ones that form in your mind.
Like all good superheroes, Whirlwind has an alter ego. His is the inimitable Alec Archer. Unlike other superheroes, Whirlwind is married which can be alarming when one of the baddies show up. This book's nemesis is Thanatos, but just who is under the terrifying mask? We are told that Whirlwind has saved Centerport from such malefactors as Erica the Eel, Momma Deadly, The Green Gecko, and Captain Dirigible. What these supervillains do will hopefully be described in subsequent books. Yes, hints are given, but we want details.
Whirlwind always makes an entrance, whether dashing into a burning building or standing atop a water tower. He strikes a pose and yells "Never fear! The Whirlwind is here!" Remind you of anyone?
FABULOUS IN TIGHTS is funny, irreverent, and action packed. Read it! You won't be disappointed!
Now, in 2021, a new superhero swirls his blue-green, err… aquamarine, err… turquoise cape as he arrives on the scene to save the day in Centerport. Yes, it's turquoise people!
Hal Bodner brings a lot of humor and panache to this science fiction niche. It's a comic book without pictures except the ones that form in your mind.
Like all good superheroes, Whirlwind has an alter ego. His is the inimitable Alec Archer. Unlike other superheroes, Whirlwind is married which can be alarming when one of the baddies show up. This book's nemesis is Thanatos, but just who is under the terrifying mask? We are told that Whirlwind has saved Centerport from such malefactors as Erica the Eel, Momma Deadly, The Green Gecko, and Captain Dirigible. What these supervillains do will hopefully be described in subsequent books. Yes, hints are given, but we want details.
Whirlwind always makes an entrance, whether dashing into a burning building or standing atop a water tower. He strikes a pose and yells "Never fear! The Whirlwind is here!" Remind you of anyone?
FABULOUS IN TIGHTS is funny, irreverent, and action packed. Read it! You won't be disappointed!
moonlight2's review against another edition
3.0
Fabulous in Tights is a simple easy read, transporting us into this alternate universe. With a fun premise, the novel delves into a world we do not see very often, having a gay superhero as the protagonist. Using many campy references and snarky jokes, we get to hear the many innermost thoughts of our imperfect and flawed hero. The descriptive imagery lets us imagine how everything plays out, set in plain language to be accessible and uncomplicated. Rather than starting with an origin story to ease us into the narrative, we are thrust right into the action, and just as quickly cut off with the abrupt ending. There is definitely more to unpack in the characterizations, especially after the reveal at the end, but while the escapist fantasy has the typical elements of a superhero story, and the plot is quite predictable, we can see how it could be extended into a series. Thank you NetGalley and Crossroad Press for the ARC!
inkedstoryteller's review against another edition
4.0
This was a mostly fun and slightly comical take on a gay superhero. Many clichés are embraced and celebrated. It’s kind of hard to take the main character seriously, but it’s a pleasure to picture him living his over-sexed life. I plan to read the sequel, and recommend including some photos or sketches.
jasonswrench's review against another edition
4.0
I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to evaluate Fabulous in Tights (Adventures of the Whirlwind Book 1) by Hal Bodner before publication.
Overall, the story centers around The Whirlwind, a gay superhero and escort service owner. The story starts with a bombing and things go a bit out of control from there.
As a whole, I found the book highly enjoyable. It's witty and fun. There are just enough sexual innuendos to make it fun without going overboard and making it erotica.
As for faults, I found the book unfortunately predictable. I don't know if the author intended to make who the villain is blatantly obvious, but I figured it out very early in the book. In that respect, I wish there had been a bit more suspense.
Overall, the story centers around The Whirlwind, a gay superhero and escort service owner. The story starts with a bombing and things go a bit out of control from there.
As a whole, I found the book highly enjoyable. It's witty and fun. There are just enough sexual innuendos to make it fun without going overboard and making it erotica.
As for faults, I found the book unfortunately predictable. I don't know if the author intended to make who the villain is blatantly obvious, but I figured it out very early in the book. In that respect, I wish there had been a bit more suspense.
roganshannon's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
hungryandhappy's review
medium-paced
1.0
Netgalley arc*
The story had potential even if it was quite predictable, even for me who never guesses things right. It was written in a way really easy to get into and it sounded fun.
Then the slurs started and it was one cringe moment after the other. One fatphobic mention after the other. Saying a girl panicking was hysterical. Making fun of a guy on a wheelchair guessing at his illness. Throwing slurs at every turn. And I just couldn't take it anymore.
I finished the book because I was genuinely curious to see exactly where the author wanted to take the story. And the ending was anticlimactic at best. Rushed, a bit absurd. And still with the slurs.
It was a big no for me.
The story had potential even if it was quite predictable, even for me who never guesses things right. It was written in a way really easy to get into and it sounded fun.
Then the slurs started and it was one cringe moment after the other. One fatphobic mention after the other. Saying a girl panicking was hysterical. Making fun of a guy on a wheelchair guessing at his illness. Throwing slurs at every turn. And I just couldn't take it anymore.
I finished the book because I was genuinely curious to see exactly where the author wanted to take the story. And the ending was anticlimactic at best. Rushed, a bit absurd. And still with the slurs.
It was a big no for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
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