"99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is truly a unique concept. Take a simple story of a guy turning off his computer, goes to his refrigerator but is interrupted by his girlfriend as to ask what time is it. The man responds, and goes back about his business only to forget what he is searching for. 

Now tell this story 98 other ways.  

I did not think it was possible, but there is! And they range from creative ways to draw or frame a scene to providing homages to some of the industries best and brightest (like Herge or Kirby). There are even parodies of the Charles Atlas ads and EC Comics’ horror titles.  

But not all are great, especially the calligraphy version, which seemed very long and tiring to read, much less understand. Thankfully, many of the complex techniques are explained in a glossary to help shine light on things. This should be essential readings for all comics’ fans- once you get to college, of course. There is some mild language and kids might not get as many of the styles being used and not appreciate what the writer is intending. And appreciation is key, especially in the parodies and homages. (And yes, even I didn’t get all of them!)