From Publishers Weekly
Robinson (Box Office Poison, Tricked) returns with his latest, a high-concept graphic novella. In 2010, mild-mannered software engineer Andrew Wicks goes to a hypnotist to quit smoking, but wakes up from his trance to find himself in high school in 1985. While the Peggy Sue Quits Smoking premise could have been disastrous, with this slim volume, Robinson cements his reputation as a master cartoonist. The art is exceptional. His characters are all visually distinct, with subtle facial expressions and body language. He uses layout and even lettering to establish mood and keep the reader firmly fixed through complicated shifts in time, place and perception. Two sequences—the initial hypnosis scene and a later confrontation between two characters—are bravura performances, using innovative but still clear ways of depicting complicated inner monologues. Unfortunately, while Robinson has mastered the graphic, his skill with the novel lags behind, with some wordy dialogue and occasional narrative clunkers: one piece of foreshadowing is so clumsy it reads better as a typographical error. When Robinson the writer catches up with Robinson the artist, watch out. Even with its flaws, this is still a master class in graphic storytelling. (July)
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From School Library Journal
Grade 10 Up—Robinson is back with a concise gem that packs just as much punch as his lengthier titles. The premise here is nothing groundbreaking: Andy Wicks, a middle-aged family man, goes to a hypnosis clinic to break a 25-year smoking habit. As he mocks the ordeal as "mumbo jumbo," he is suddenly transformed into his 15-year-old self. With a 40-something mind still intact, he is forced to relive the horrors of algebra class, visits to the principal, elaborate social hierarchies, and, of course, intense sexual frustration. What makes Too Cool remarkable is the author's ability to revisit high school drama and reality bending in a lighthearted way yet with a depth and thoughtfulness that consistently underscore the plot. Robinson never trivializes adolescent angst. Instead, Andy's journey allows him to explore and understand the complex psychology behind his coming-of-age choices and behavior. That he has lived to see the results adds a compelling twist. Readers will gain perspective on mortality, family relationships, compassion, and love among bikini posters, gum-infested lockers, and family TV nights. As usual, Robinson's portraits perfectly underscore the intricacies of emotion in the story line, from the awkwardness of goofy permed-out and barely mustachioed teens to the anxiety of aging fathers with worry lines. Further, the artist's use of white pace, page composition, and flexible panels create a compelling sense of movement and a satisfying sense of flow. Teens are sure to have a lot of fun with the book.—Shannon Peterson, Kitsap Regional Library, WA
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Review
"This is Alex Robinson's best book, and one of the rare comics not written by Stan Lee to perfectly capture the tragedy and triumph of being a teenager. Totally recommended." —Brian K. Vaughan, author of Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, and Saga
"My favorite comic of the year." —Jeff Smith, creator of Bone
"With this slim volume, Robinson cements his reputation as a master cartoonist." —Publishers Weekly
"Touching and funny ... By the story's end, wish fulfillment has become something much more challenging and, frankly, beautiful. There's a lot going on in this little book." —Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing
About the Author
Alex Robinson has written and illustrated several graphic novels, including Too Cool to Be Forgotten, Box Office Poison, Tricked, and Our Expanding Universe. He and his work have won several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award and prize for best debut in Angouleme, France. Space considerations prevent us from listing the awards Robinson has lost, unfortunately. He lives in New York City with his wife and their pets, and hopes to have another book out soon.
