2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Marvelous..., Nov 23 2010
By Tim Lasiuta "Comic Fan 42" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tales from the Crypt #9: Wickeder (Paperback)
Who ever said that Mad magazine was dead? Whoops, they are now quarterly, but it seems that Papercutz has picked up the ball.
Tales From The Crypt gives us a twisted look at the hit Broadway play, Wicked and the stinky dead kid returns with a pet fetish. Wickeder is an entertaining look at what may have happened to Dorothy, the Great Oz, and a court room filled with wit, wisdom, and yes, wickedness. The trial of Dorothy for the death of Alfalfa, the wicked witch is not what you would expect. Dorothy IS not sugary sweet, but she is more sacarin sweet, filled with cancerous anger and attitude. Stefan Petrucha and daughter take the high parody road with great results. This is not the Oz of your parents, or grandparents...
Personally, I enjoy the stinky dead kid, and the adventures of a kid who just won't go away. His pet adventures are marvellous, and would garner the wraith of PETA, and pet owners everywhere. Good thing they don't read Tales From the Crypt. When is the Stinky Dead Kid going to tack American Awful??? Oops, that's my idea Stefan!
The weak point of the book is the Scott Lobdell and James Romberger entry, "Kill Baby, Kill." While I like the story, I dislike the art. Profit always reigns supreme over principles where politicians enter.
I love this series Mr Salicrup...you are wicked, and should be punished...now, go, and write some soap opera or something. Use lines like .."Roger, I'm...." and "a Comic Book Collector!"
Way to go men.
Tim Lasiuta
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stories for Children Magazine 4 Star review, Oct 21 2010
By Virginia S. Grenier "Children's Author & Stor... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tales from the Crypt #9: Wickeder (Paperback)
Reviewed by: Nancy Messmore
Synopsis: The Crypt-Keeper returns with his GhouLunatics for the ninth incarnation of twisted tales and peculiar parodies. Three tales are introduced by the Crypt-Keeper and friends in ghastly good humor.
The first tale is a sequel. Because the parody of Diary of a Wimpy Kid was so successful, Glugg returns in "Dead Dog Dies!" Celebrating his one year death day isn't all Glugg thought it would be--zombies don't do gifts. Thanks to his one living friend, Crowley, Glugg may still have something other than dirt to open.
In the second story, nature takes revenge after an oil spill at an off-shore drilling rig. "Kill, Baby, Kill!" pits big business, green advocates and a surprise avenger against each other. Who will win? The scariest part of this story is how close it hits home.
The graphic novel ends with the Crypt-Keeper's friend, the Old Witch, presenting a play. "Wickeder" is based on "Frank N. Balmed's Wizard of Ooze." The story follows Dotty's trial in the murder of Alfalfa, the Wickeder Witch. All preconceptions are destroyed in this retelling of a classic story.
Overall thoughts: Because this graphic novel continues in the Tales of the Crypt tradition, readers will expect a bit of guts and gore with a lot of tongue-in-cheek. All of that is served with illustrations that seamlessly shift styles to enhance each story. Add text that delivers shocks and laughs simultaneously and you've got a fun read for older tweens. Parody fans of all ages will find this a satisfying read as well.
For me, the word play was most fun. The Crypt-Keeper's puns were fairly obvious but still made me chuckle. However, the witticisms in the three main stories often had me laughing out, (I apologize to the people sitting near me at library). That wittiness is why I like this book so much: I think humor is the best way to coerce reluctant readers into picking up books. With the humor and terrific art, I expect many reluctant readers will be making friends with the Crypt-Keeper and his GhouLunatics.
4.0 out of 5 stars
hilarious, May 2 2012
By cpatino - Published on Amazon.com
I think this is the best issue of the new series. Diary of a stinky dead kid is my favorite part. Look closely at the illustrations. There are a few nods to the greats of zombie cinema.