Concrete Volume 3: Fragile Creature (v. 3) [Paperback]

Paul Chadwick (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Series: Concrete | Publication Date: February 7, 2006

When you're seven-feet plus of walking, talking stone, you're bound to draw the media spotlight, especially when you live in Tinseltown. Concrete's celebrity status is sometimes a pain in the buttress... but it does bring the occasional paycheck gig. When the producer of a low-budget science-fiction film approaches Concrete to use his prodigious strength to help save money on the film's FX budget, the siren call of Hollywood draws Concrete like a moth to a flame... a seven thousand dollar a week flame, that is.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up–This book continues the story of the mild-mannered speechwriter who, after having his mind transferred to a superpowered, nearly indestructible body, finds his life changed forever. One of the central themes of this series is Concretes efforts to maintain some semblance of a normal life. Here, he hears the call of Hollywood. Faced with extreme budgetary issues, the producers of a fantasy/action film hire him–not as an actor, but to cut their special-effects budget by putting his abilities to use. Concrete spends his days tossing boulders, tearing down sets, and even powering the shell of a car careening through a city street. Much of the action works as wry satirical commentary on the art and fakery of filmdom. Chadwicks visual style is at the same high level as in previous volumes; black-and-white drawings lend an odd sense of realism to the impossible happenings. Originally published in four separate issues, Creature is the longest Concrete story to date. Chadwick makes full use of the extra space, working in layers of satire and mixing in a few subplots with side characters. But the heart of the story–and its main appeal–lies firmly within the well-developed, and ever-evolving, character of Concrete. Through it, the author continues to show what the medium of superhero comics can do in the hands of someone willing to push the boundaries just a little bit.–Matthew L. Moffett, Fords Theatre Society, Washington, DC
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

The being known to the world as Concrete is a gentle, reflective soul whose intelligence was transplanted into a seven-foot, granitelike body with astonishing strength and heightened senses. It's hardly surprising, then, when Hollywood comes calling in the form of the producers of low-budget fantasy flick Rulers of the Omniverse. They want Concrete not to star in their epic, however, but to use his powers to perform the movie's special effects. Far from the usual superhero challenges, those that Concrete and the rest of the crew face include an interfering new studio head, the director getting fired, and an on-set accident--for which Concrete is blamed--that threatens to shut down production entirely. Chadwick has dabbled in the movie industry, and his firsthand experience imparts behind-the-scenes verisimilitude. This 1991 story was the longest Concrete tale to date, allowing Chadwick additional room to emphasize characterization--his forte--as accentuated by his delicate, finely wrought drawings. A handful of shorter stories of the same vintage rounds out the book. Gordon Flagg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse (February 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593074646
• ISBN-13: 978-1593074647
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As strong as the first volume, August 1, 2007

By 

pataphysismo "pataphysismo" (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Concrete Volume 3: Fragile Creature (v. 3) (Paperback)

One of the best graphic series I've ever read, if not the best -- beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results. The series hasn't lagged at all in quality so far--this third volume is just as good as the first, sometimes even better.

5.0 out of 5 stars love this book, April 20, 2011

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Nor - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Concrete Volume 3: Fragile Creature (v. 3) (Paperback)

I love this series from Paul Chadwick. Concrete, the human turned into a concrete like superhero, now becomes more complex and unhappy about his condition. He is falling for Maureen Vonnegut. A scientist who is taking care of Concrete. But in the sidelines, she is secretly gaining information about Concretes condition to give some study for some group that wants to gain Concretes' power. I do not want to ruin the story. Overall a good read.