So how are you doing this morning? Me? I’m still somewhat blue in the wake of Jim Korkis’ departure.
Which is why — when I was looking for a book to review this week — I tried to find something fun to read. Something that would hopefully lighten my somewhat dour mood.
Well … thank goodness for Mark Evanier, the webmaster of POVonline.com. You see, Mark has recently released yet another collection of his POV columns, “Wertham Was Right!” (TwoMorrows Publishing, June 2003). And burrowing through this pleasing paperback — with its snazzy selection of stories as well as its witty illustrations by Sergio Aragones — did do a lot to drive my blues away.
What is exactly that I found so entertaining about “Wertham was Right?” Well, as I was reading Evanier’s newest book, I couldn’t help but think of my old buddy Korkis. Why for? Well, Jim and Mark both have a true talent when it comes to telling a tale. They each can load an anecdote up with an extraordinary amount of info. Not to mention the gift of being able to find humor in even the most unlikely of situations.
But — then again — given that Korkis and Evanier have been pals for years, I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised that they share some of the same strengths when it comes to story telling.
Anywho … So how does “Wertham Was Right!” stack up? Particularly in comparison to Evanier’s earlier collection of POV columns, “Comic Books and Other Necessities of Life?” (Which is an excellent book, by the way. If you’d like to learn more about it, read my review of “Comic Books …” from the site back on February 20th.)
Well … to be honest, I think that I enjoyed “Wertham Was Right!” more than “Comic Books and Other Necessities of Life.” But that may be because Mark seems to be in a more expansive mood with this collection of columns. This time around, he doesn’t just restrict himself to stories that relate directly to some aspect of the comic book industry. So we get these wonderful off-the-wall yarns … like Evanier’s dogged pursuit of “Yum-Goodie” orange juice. Or about his delightful description of the memorable mammaries that Mark once saw hanging off of a hostess at a Love’s Barbeque restaurant in San Diego, CA.
Mind you, this isn’t to say that “Wertham Was Right!” is just some collection of silly stories about life in Southern California. Those of you who have previously enjoyed Evanier’s insightful writing about the comic book industry will NOT be disappointed with this book. For — in addition to the slice-of-life stuff — you’ll also get:
A thoughtful and fair look back at the career of the late Bob Kane, which tries to determine whether Kane really did deserve to be called Batman’s creator.
A flat-out wonderful article about Charles Schulz. This may be my favorite piece of writing ever about the man who drew “Peanuts.” About a what a hard working, decent guy Schulz was … right up until the day he died.
And — of course — the tale that gives this book its unique title: “Wertham Was Right,” which details Mark’s interaction with Dr. Fredric Wertham, one of the most infamous figures in comic book history.
There really isn’t a dud to be found in this entire collection, folks. Which is why I’m recommending — particularly if you’re in a really lousy mood right now — that you go pick up a copy of “Wertham Was Right!” Reading this book will really make you smile.
Don’t believe me? Then go buy “Wertham Was Right!” After you read it, I guarantee that you’ll say “Well, whaddaya know? Jim Hill was right about ‘Wertham Was Right!”
Alright. I know. That was a really awful joke. But this is a really good book. So go pick up a copy today, okay?
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If you’re planning on picking up a copy of “Wertham Was Right!” you can help support JimHillMedia.com by ordering your copy from Amazon.com by clicking the link to the right. Your cost will (unfortunately) remain the same; but – if you go there through us – we get a tiny cut of what you spend. So help keep Jim Hill behind the computer where he belongs and and pick up your copy of “Wertham Was Right!” through the link to the right. |
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