After establishing his bona fides, Jeff wrote, ". . . it is in these contexts that I experienced such joy and excitement upon discovering Brian Fies' wonderful graphic novel Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow? It was as if Fies had channeled so many of my passions--the '39 Fair, comic books, Disney and the space program, just to name a few--into 200 beautifully illustrated pages that chronicle the birth, death and potential rebirth of forward-thinking idealism."
And he concluded: "If Disney's original EPCOT film gave you goosebumps, or if you ever emerged excited and energized after riding Spaceship Earth or Horizons at EPCOT Center, you will no doubt be similarly thrilled and motivated by Brian Fies' amazing journey across the 20th century. It is a hopeful, happy vision, and one I intend to revisit many times in my own world of tomorrow."
Many thanks to Jeff for his generous review. By the way, as everyone knows, 2719 Hyperion was the address of Disney's original studio in California.
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Friend-of-the-blog Namowal kindly posted some thoughts about WHTTWOT on her blog "Tail O The Rat." She called my book "delightful," my drawings "cute," and concluded by saying, "Each time I look at it I find something new." I like that a lot. Thanks!
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Finally, a review of Mom's Cancer by Markus from the Philippines, who some may recall commented in my blog a few posts ago. I very much like the fact that people continue to discover my first book, and appreciate Markus mentioning it. He strongly recommended that everyone pick it up "immediately," and added, "For me, that is the strongest asset of the book--it’s unreserved honesty. Heck, I’d prefer reading this anytime than watching any of those 'reality TV' shows if I wanted to take a peek at real life." I appreciate that insight.
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8 comments:
From Jeff's review: "Fies then employs an odd yet ultimately ingenious storytelling device."
As one of the previewers who objected to the passage-of-time issue, I have to say publicly what I've told you privately, which is that the editor's note makes all the difference: Yes, the passage of time is not one-to-one. That's intentional. Relax and enjoy the story.
It's all you needed, but you needed it. And, as bothered as I was in the first draft by the disconnect, I had no problem with it in the final version. Intentional? Okay, carry on ... And I'd say that "odd yet ultimately ingenious" sums it up perfectly.
And, so, I'll say publicly what I've told you privately about this "device" also: I loved the moment when I realized what was going on with time and the hairs on my forearms and the back of my neck stood up. Anyone who reads the editor's note before reading the book is deprived of that moment.
But what do I know. I was on the losing side of the Great Rabbit Wars, too.
Just finished WHTTWOT.......
OUTSTANDING!
By leaps and bounds, the most quotable graphic novel I've had the pleasure of taking in!
Two of the many that stood out:
" ....like paddling a canoe around a pond after sailing a schooner around the world."
I've always had this nagging feeling that my generation was kinda cheated in the space program department. You've summed up that void in my life with one sentence.
Another:
"Even the most ordinary choice, like deciding to have a family, can be an extraordinary expression of resolve that tomorrow will be better than today."
Beautiful Brian.
And Timely.
Thanks so much for signing my copy.
I think I'm emotionally ready to start Mom's Cancer now.
By the way, does Phobos really weigh "TEN THOUSAND BILLION TONS" or did you just randomly choose a huge number? Dad and I had a back and forth about that in his blog comment section. He wouldn't tell me.
Speaking of the ol' man, you should really consider pushing him for a planetarium show. You won't regret it.
Nor will I, that would mean another show for me!!
Ad astra per aspera!
Duck Wars. Giant Duck Wars. No wonder I was on the losing side.
And, as long as I'm at it: the note in question is, of course, the author's note, not an editor's note, as Adam pointed out to me.
I really, really wish that Blogger allowed comments to be edited.
Mike, I appreciate your analysis. Sherwood, I just feel bad I keep letting you down. We'll always have the duck.
I'm also with you on the editing function. Many's the comment I'd like to have back or clean up.
Adam, I appreciate your reaction a lot, thanks! The mass of Phobos is about 1.08 x 10^16 kg, or 1.08 x 10^13 metric tons (tonnes). Luckily for me, a metric ton weighs roughly the same as a plain ol' ton (2200 vs. 2000 lbs.--close enough for comic book work), so I rounded off and called it 10^13 tons. Ten thousand is 10^4 and a billion is 10^9, so ten thousand billion is 10^13. A few percent off but definitely in the ballpark. I could've just said "ten trillion" (10 times 10^12) but thought the other sounded better.
Editors are a lot like ducks. Or rabbits. Wait, authors are like rabbits. No ... does this comment thingie have a cancel button ... is it this orange one?
Just take a couple of the Altoids you're handing out over on your blog, Mike. Everything will be clear then.
I am the rabbit
Coo coo ka choo
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