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francisicus_rex's review against another edition
3.0
Neither great nor particularly bad, just a real breeze with a bit of questioning what is real and what is fantasy, and a little bit of feminism and gender politics thrown in. Not too much meat here--I read it cover to cover in about an hour. A decent way to pass the time, but nothing much more.
colapola's review against another edition
4.0
a really interesting journey into the ethics of fantasy/created worlds + a consideration of interiority of characters. Meta. So meta. Also, warning, v nsfw.
caitgoss's review against another edition
3.0
Read while killing time waiting for a meeting. A story about stories and also about creative blocks.
bookish_crafter's review against another edition
3.0
interesting though I may also just be avoiding my children
madeleinelaine's review against another edition
4.0
Engaging and witty characters. Serious discussion on art/passion enveloped in enjoyable fantasy.
zellreads's review against another edition
2.0
This doesn't really have much plot or resolution.... I was underwhelmed.
blairmahoney's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful new graphic novel from the unprolific but highly respected NZ comics artist/writer, author of the influential Hicksville. Blurbed by Alison Bechdel, Scott McCloud and Craig Thompson, which shows you the kind of people who like his stuff. Strangely enough it reminded me most of a children's book, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schleffer (of The Gruffalo fame), with its stories within stories.
sevenworlds's review against another edition
5.0
This started out as a magical little adventure tale that weaves together the dull horrors of getting older with the evolution of comics and entertainment. By the end it is a beautiful rumination on creativity, imagination, getting unstuck and loving this life. I'm a sucker for stories within stories, and Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen quite delivered on that front.
I enjoyed the earnest examples of how comics can benefit from more progressive views and how Horrocks was able to incorporate that philosophy into the book's action. The discussion of the morality of desire was thought-provoking and fascinating. I'll probably be thinking about that for a long time.
4 stars for Miki and Alice alone. One extra for a surprisingly lovely and touching ending.
I enjoyed the earnest examples of how comics can benefit from more progressive views and how Horrocks was able to incorporate that philosophy into the book's action. The discussion of the morality of desire was thought-provoking and fascinating. I'll probably be thinking about that for a long time.
4 stars for Miki and Alice alone. One extra for a surprisingly lovely and touching ending.
robin_dh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
piapoyopi's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0