Customer Reviews

Comic Toolbox

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've bought & read a lot of the comedy writing books out there. And I'm always wondering...If they really understand how to write comedy, then why aren't their books funny? I only trust people who are capable of practicing what they preach. VORHAUS PRACTICES WHAT HE PREACHES!!! ... This book IS funny, and he can articulate why. Not just for stand-up, but for any type of comic writing. If you only buy one comedy writing book, this is the one I'd recommend....especially at this price!

This book will teach you step by step how to construct comedy- whether that be a joke, a sketch, or a gag. This book will get you there. Oh it is work... make no mistake, but you WILL be funny. How many books do you own that you can say that about?

As a professional comedian I have shelves of books on comedy. I always enjoy exploring new books just in hopes to extract one or two useful bits of information. The comic toolbox has TONS of useful information. I have used many of the author's tools to review and rewrite my current material to make it stronger and in helping me develop new material. The author's writing style is very pleasant and gets to the point in a lighthearted fashion. Whether you are writing comedy for tv, movies, or the stage this book is worth the small investment into your career.

I use three of the tools. Great stuff, gets the mind working like I want it to work when it comes to comedy. Plus, he has some very positive words of encouragement. However, he spends a lot of time on the comedic story and sitcoms.........I was looking for comedy for the stand up stage. But.......I bought it, loved it...Actually, 3 1/2 stars would be about right.

I'll give this one five stars. I started to give it four because half of it is about writting sitcom comedy, which doesn't interest me, but judging by what it does have that interests me, I'd say those parts would be helpful for anyone interested in that. This book explains simply what makes something funny, without complicating things.
Good book!!!

I'm a professional comedy writer working on my first TV show, and I owe much of my success to this book. Like all crafts, comedy can be learned, and "The Comic Toolbox" is the best book for it. In "The Matrix", Neo learned Kung Fu by having the skills zapped into his brain. Well, this book is the equivalent. Vorhaus will zap funny into you.

If you ever thought being funny couldn't be learned then you would have to swallow your pride and change your mind after reading this book. Its full of hands on exercises to get your creativity juices going.

I have recommended this book and so have the WGA mentors so what other approval do you need!

Some people's books are sermonize without being convincing. Vorhaus does not take this path but his words are thought provoking and informative, as well as some of his natural wit chucked in as well for good measure (his chapter on practical jokes is evidence of that).

It's a journey through comedy starting from its essential nature to comic characters (writers ignore this chapter at their peril!!!!) to film scripts and more little words of advice to make you the next James L. Brooks.

And its not just about being funny but structure (yes that dreaded word again) his feature film paradigm is helpful and is just as good as buying books by Syd Field. Also a section on Sitcoms which just as good. It even has profound thoughts on creativity, which he has added to and exported in another of his books.

This book is so good it's worth 3 times its asking price. John Vorhaus is funny and full of warmth. You can do much worse but I doubt you can do much better (if you can get in contact with me immediately!!!)

Not just a great book on writing comedy, a great book period. John, please write more non-fiction!

Not just a great book on writing comedy, a great book period. John, please write more non-fiction!

Not just a great book on writing comedy, a great book period. John, please write more non-fiction!