The Copybook Tales [Paperback]

J. Torres (Author), Tim Levins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2002

The Copybook Tales follows Jamie and Thatcher, two friends with a dream of making comics. When Jamie starts going through his "copybooks," journals he'd kept of his high school misadventures, the two find the inspiration to create stories all their own. Through ups and downs, accomplishments and setbacks, The Copybook Tales explores the story of storytellers. And while the tale is rooted in the culture that has arisen around comics, it's not about comics, it's about taking the chance to follow your heart. Reprinting J. Torres and Gotham Adventures artist Tim Levins' classic comic mini-series, all the mini-comics, and several unreleased pages and illustrations, The Copybook Tales is a must-have for any comic fan.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

J. Torres is the acclaimed writer of such comics as Alison Dare, Sidekicks, and Monster Fighters, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oni Press (March 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929998392
• ISBN-13: 978-1929998395
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,170,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spectacular Nostalgia Trip, April 10, 2003

By 

Travis W. Howard (Harrisburg, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Copybook Tales (Paperback)

The Copybook Tales, is the story of Jamie and Thatcher, two friends determined to make comics. After numerous attempts at pitching their superhero comic to publishers, the pair decides to tell a more realistic story. Jamie delves through his "copybooks", journals he kept through his teenage years, for source material. In doing so, he reflects on his past years, and his future.

It is a book full of genuine emotion that will resonate among those who grew up in the 80s. That having been said, one doesn't need to be a member of this generation to fully appreciate the depth and craft exhibited in this book.

With universal themes of acceptance, growth, self-consciousness, anyone can delve into this brilliantly written slice of life series. The reader can fully empathize with the characters when they are embarassed by their friends' words and actions.

Torres has an ear for realistic dialogue, and it shows throughout the book, in the characters interactions. The book has it's genuine laugh out loud moments, counterbalanced by a mature, serious reflection on growing into adulthood.

Levins excels in the design and presentation of the book, from the characters to the lettering. It has it's own unique look, while at the same time, echoing the ever popular animation style pioneered by Alex Toth and others.

All in all, this book comes highly recommended and deserves a place on everyone's bookshelf. This is a perfect example of what comics are capable of achieving with storytelling.

3.0 out of 5 stars A Pretty Good Semi-Autobiography, March 31, 2004

By 

Marco Panajon (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Copybook Tales (Paperback)

Hmm... Not bad. On the whole, this is how I would review this book. Torres' nostalgic trip down '80's lane makes a great companion piece to his present adult dilemma wherein he tries to make ends meet as a writer. The story recalls a time when Star Wars rocked, hair was big (and bad), and writing stories are fun and timeless. This was indeed a story about storytelling, and I suggest any aspiring writer to pick this up and give a good listen to your raging past; a past bursting with story. My only criticism about this book is that at times it could be a bit dragging. Especially at the end, where it all feels so open-ended and unsatisfying as a book. It didn't exactly give me the great accomplishment feeling when reading a book with a good ending (like WATCHMEN or even BOX OFFICE POISON). Otherwise, it's not bad.