Andy Fish

After the last couple of rather ponderous Early Reviewer books I received, I was pleasantly surprised by Werewolves of Wisconsin. This graphic novel harkens back to the mid-50s EC horror comics and those published in the early 70s. There is a 'ghost host' who narrates and provides commentary throughout, and whose identity is not revealed until the final vignette. That's the caveat here -- these really are quick bite-sized horror-tinged folklore nuggets rather than fully fleshed-out tales. show more The work doesn't aspire to be an indepth reading or well-researched record of these tales, but is closer to the way these stories are shared in elementary and middle school classrooms. I think that's fine.

I liked the artwork, especially the way it combined tinted photographs with comic art. Compared to other contemporary horror graphic novels (like The Walking Dead) the gore factor here is rather tame. In fact, I preferred the implied carnage, which I think is more in the spirit (ahem) of the long oral tradition of these tales, allowing the imagination to fill in the unseen -- much creepier if you ask me.

While the timing would certainly be better closer to Halloween, I liked that it arrived in time for a 4th of July quick read -- especially given the cross-country road-trip nature of the narrative. show less

What a wonderful surprise to read this graphic novel! A short overview of several urban legends, myths, and events, the format was spot-on for the length of each story. Narrated by Baron Saturday, he's an appropriate guide, especially for the "monster" stories. Living not too far from the titular story, I was initially just interested in Mr. Fish's telling of the tale. However, his evocative artwork (sometimes it was hard to tell if it was a doctored photograph or an original drawing - or a show more combination of the two) and the shortness of the tales zipped me straight through the book in one sitting. I'll be passing this along to friends for sure! show less

This book is a 120 page graphic novel or rather almost more closely a short story collection. It is told in short vignettes narrated and hosted by a Crypt-Keeper-eqsue Baron Samedi (Baron Saturday), the Loa of Haitian Voodoo (that's him on the cover).

It reminded me of the The Big Book Series that Paradox Press (AKA DC) (like “The Big Book of Urban Legends”) put out where each legend was presented quickly (usually one page). Andy Fish takes a couple more pages than that to introduce us show more to all sort of strange American culture myths and legends (like Lizzie Borden). The art is constantly changing throughout the book (to keep you on your toes); it is bloody, weird, jarring, strange, cool, rotoscope-esque, and bizarre.

I recommend it for those who are interested in an introduction to these legends and has a love for comics books. If you find something you’re interested in, there are entire books based on most of the legends presented in here.

I received this paperback for free via the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program. show less

An enjoyable read for my first graphic novel; plenty of spooky, creepy stories from across the United States. Narrated by Baron Saturday, (the gatekeeper of death) whom you officially meet in the final story, this novel takes you to creepy places around the U. S.. Sarting with a Witch in Tennessee, moving to a sanatorium in Kentucky, to hauntings in the White House. Up the east coast to Amityville and then the home of Lizzie Borden (Fall River, MA), west to Wisconsin, a haunted hotel in show more Denver (made famous in The Shining) and finally the deep south for Louisiana and Mississippi. While the stories don't go into depth, they peak the curiosity and leave the reader with many vacation ideas. The illiustrations are gorgeous with vibrant colors that help set the creepy atmosphere. I am proud to have this book in my collection. show less