I'm beginning to post occasional entries of TRoOB -- The Review of Obscure Books. This is an on-again, off-again comic book review column that I've been doing occasionally for about fifteen years. It was originally created to highlight obscure independent comics that I didn't think were getting enough attention; over the years, it's broadened to review pretty much anything I feel like, good or bad. Reviews here are going to be strictly at whim.
I do finish every review with a grade. In the interests of clarity, here's the intended scale:A | The creme de la creme -- the reason I read comics in the first place. These are books that I recommend to anyone who thinks that comics are a valid medium for literature. (Yes, there is an A+, but it is reserved for the true landmarks of the field: stuff like V For Vendetta, Maus, or A Contract With God.) |
B | Solidly good reading, which I would recommend to anyone who finds this book's genre at least somewhat interesting. Well worth the time. |
C | I find that this book is worth my time; then again, my standards are lower than some peoples'. Remember, I read something like 75 titles a month. Decently entertaining, and worth a look, but nothing to write home about. |
D | I bought this, but I'm having trouble justifying the expense. I probably won't be buying it in the future. Generally not recommended. |
F | Avoid at all costs. The canonical example is Secret Wars II, for those of you who have been around long enough to remember that... |