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thisisstephenbetts's review against another edition
3.0
This is a collection of four shorter books by Norwegian cartoonist, Jason.
The first book consists of mostly shorter pieces - generally from a few panels to a few pages. These were the weakest in the book I thought. In some ways Jason's style is best suited to short strips, but for some reason the longer pieces seem to work much better.
The second piece in the book is the best in my opinion. It's a hard-boiled love story - featuring Jason's funny animals, obviously. This had the most narrative depth and characterisation. Not vast amounts, but what's there is very effective. Interestingly, similar to Shiga's Empire State Jason uses different page colours to indicate what bits are flashback.
The third is a monster story with a lot of humanity. Essentially a reinterpretation of Frankenstein story archetypes. I liked this one a lot too.
The fourth is a love story with zombies. Quite fun, but a little repetitive.
A good but somewhat uneven book. 3 stars is a little ungenerous - certainly the middle parts were worth more - but better to be pleasantly surprised.
The first book consists of mostly shorter pieces - generally from a few panels to a few pages. These were the weakest in the book I thought. In some ways Jason's style is best suited to short strips, but for some reason the longer pieces seem to work much better.
The second piece in the book is the best in my opinion. It's a hard-boiled love story - featuring Jason's funny animals, obviously. This had the most narrative depth and characterisation. Not vast amounts, but what's there is very effective. Interestingly, similar to Shiga's Empire State Jason uses different page colours to indicate what bits are flashback.
The third is a monster story with a lot of humanity. Essentially a reinterpretation of Frankenstein story archetypes. I liked this one a lot too.
The fourth is a love story with zombies. Quite fun, but a little repetitive.
A good but somewhat uneven book. 3 stars is a little ungenerous - certainly the middle parts were worth more - but better to be pleasantly surprised.
enml's review against another edition
3.0
Previously read The Living and the Dead and You Can't Get There From Here. This rating is only for Meow, Baby and Tell Me Something.
jekutree's review against another edition
4.0
As my second book from Jason, I’m not disappointed. This collection of mostly silent comics are entertaining, funny and well executed. I really like Jason’s layouts, they compliment the silent gimmick of the book really well by giving each page this certain flow to it. His storytelling for the most part is great, it was at a few times though, hard to follow.
8/10
8/10
octoberrust1108's review against another edition
5.0
Jason is a poet in the medium of comics. He possesses an articulate and deep knowledge of how to draw a streamlined page, allowing our eyes to glide from panel to panel effortlessly. This collection is focused on stories of his that feature little to no dialogue, allowing Jason to show off his skill in relying on strong visuals and cleverly placed motifs, as well as letting the reader soak in the artwork even more than usual.
His work is easy to get lost in, as I usually read each of them in one sitting, Almost Silent being the exception due to circumstance. “You Can’t Get There From Here” was probably my favorite from this collection, although I really enjoyed every story. I also deeply enjoyed the first half of the collection is fluid set of one-page comics that build a loose story, but serve as complete stand-alone pieces.
With a stronger emphasis on visual storytelling and a deeper focus on art, this makes for Jason’s quietest work yet. However, the style, humor, drama, and humanity remain. If you enjoy his work, you’re sure to love Almost Silent.
His work is easy to get lost in, as I usually read each of them in one sitting, Almost Silent being the exception due to circumstance. “You Can’t Get There From Here” was probably my favorite from this collection, although I really enjoyed every story. I also deeply enjoyed the first half of the collection is fluid set of one-page comics that build a loose story, but serve as complete stand-alone pieces.
With a stronger emphasis on visual storytelling and a deeper focus on art, this makes for Jason’s quietest work yet. However, the style, humor, drama, and humanity remain. If you enjoy his work, you’re sure to love Almost Silent.
just_fighting_censorship's review against another edition
3.0
Skeletons, zombies, vampires, werewolves, Elvis, and Frankenstein's monster.
This was really fun, although due to the art style, very minimal and black and white, and lack of exposition (or words in general) it can sometimes boarder on confusing if you aren't taking your time.
Jason's shorter gags were my favorite part, although the Igor-esque guys chatting over a meal in "You Can't Get There From Here" was delightfully clever.
This was really fun, although due to the art style, very minimal and black and white, and lack of exposition (or words in general) it can sometimes boarder on confusing if you aren't taking your time.
Jason's shorter gags were my favorite part, although the Igor-esque guys chatting over a meal in "You Can't Get There From Here" was delightfully clever.
levitybooks's review against another edition
3.0
No author I know right now is as gripping as Jason. I read these all right away in one sitting without feeling pressured. The idea of reading the entire collection of Jason's work in a single day does not sound all that masochistic.
But I don't like Jason's more silent works (I even preferred 'Shh!' to these, which was completely silent!) They rely more heavily on his distinctive fast-paced action scenes, which are brilliant, but that I enjoy most when they lead to the events found in stronger narratives of his, such as in 'Hey Wait' or 'Why Are You Doing This'. What can be seen by reading this is that Jason's dialogue adds. Without the narrative, this is passionless action, the comedy or tragedy of it is lost. I wish Jason would use more colour and words in his work, it does it justice.
But I don't like Jason's more silent works (I even preferred 'Shh!' to these, which was completely silent!) They rely more heavily on his distinctive fast-paced action scenes, which are brilliant, but that I enjoy most when they lead to the events found in stronger narratives of his, such as in 'Hey Wait' or 'Why Are You Doing This'. What can be seen by reading this is that Jason's dialogue adds. Without the narrative, this is passionless action, the comedy or tragedy of it is lost. I wish Jason would use more colour and words in his work, it does it justice.
roshonline12's review against another edition
4.0
This collection includes four sections - You Can't Get There From Here, Tell Me Something, Meow, Baby, The Living and the Dead. While the titles are forgettable, the stories and the art stay with you. They were hilarious, sad, thoughtful. You Can't Get There From Here was a new take on the Frankenstein monster story while The Living and the Dead deals with zombies. I found the short cartoon strips collected in Meow, Baby to be hilarious.
pataustin11's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide