... in which we could be heroes, just for one day

[soupytwist]

Last night I went to have a nap, forgot to set my alarm clock, and woke up 14 hours later. Um. o_O I do feel much better for it now, though, and after rushing a bit to do stuff, decided that I was going to treat myself to reading The Kryptonite Kid by Joseph Torchia over dinner. And, well, I'm damn glad I did.

Comments

[myf]

Hey.

I wonder whether someone more versed in Superman would get more out of it...
Well, I have practically no versing in the Superman canon (whatever that entails) - would I like it?

And *squee* over the greatness that is Flatland. It's really the oddest but most lovely thing I've read in an age.

[soupytwist]

Oh Lord yeah! It's very like Neil Gaiman in that respect; there are references, but the meaning doesn't depend on knowing the specifics, just that it's a reference. If that makes sense. Um, what I meant was "all you need is the concept of a superhero comic book called Superman and you're OK", anyway. :)

And YAY for Flatland. I was made to read it by jacinthsong, and I'm so glad for it. It's awesome.

[myf]

I think I've come to the conclusion that I don't get Neil Gaiman. I finished Stardust last week, and it was OK. There's just something that appeals to a lot of people, but which I don't get.

Oh well.

[soupytwist]

Have you read any others? Because if not, I'd recommend not giving up just yet - not that you won't end up deciding he's not for you anyway (though I will be said :(), but Stardust is, in my humble opinion, the least Neil-y of his works. It's a fairly traditional fairy tale in many ways, and not anything like either as funny, dark or interesting (to me) as pretty much all the rest of his works. If you don't like Smoke&Mirrors, though, which I'd say was the most representative of his works, then I'll admit defeat. :)

[myf]

Well, I quite liked American Gods, and enjoyed Neverwhere. I also read his short story collection... what's it called... wait, that one's Smoke and Mirrors, right? The one where the guy tries to bulk buy a hitman? Cos I also enjoyed that too.

I think what I'm trying to say is that I think he's a totally decent author who's written some totally decent books, but who I haven't been able to elevate to the level of OMG I LOVE HIM SQUEE FANGIRL and rush to read everything he's ever written. Which makes me sad because you and Nevvie and many others think he's the Bees KneesTM, and I trust your literary opinion.

[soupytwist]

Aaaaaah, got you. :) I'll add that the thing which really made me fall into OMG FANGIRL mode was Sandman, in my opinion the best comic in the world ever (and nothing like any other comic I've ever seen... while I love all Neil's work, this is the one I would seriously call genius), but I suppose not everyone can fall worshipping at the man's feet. :) Now we just have to figure out who you go OMG FANGIRL over that I just don't love that much. Hmm...

[myf]

Well, the trouble with Sandman is
a. I'm really not that visual. Really. I wonder if this would be a hindrance to appreciating the fangirl-inducingness of Sandman, as I often find myself thinking 'just dispense with the pictures and bring on the words!'
b. It's bloody hard to find Sandman, and I always get confused about the order in which it should be read.

I shall make a concerted effort to find/read/look at at least some of the Sandman series. Good?

I don't know if there is anyone who I fangirl over that you don't like... I loved The Eight, did you read that?

[soupytwist]

Just realised I never replied to this:

a. This may be an issue, but I'd say if any comic is ever going to get you to go wow, it'll be Sandman. Neil once said that if you see a really good picturee in Sandman it's because he couldn't think of the words, and that really shows: the words are... amazing, and the pictures and words go together in a way that makes me, at least, want to cry at the sheer perfection of it. It's literature on the War and Peace level, I'd say. Words are not lacking. :)
b. Meh, that does suck, but I can point you to this which tells you the order and where the side-volumes go and stuff.

*hugs you*

And I've never read The Eight, although I shall try to do so soon, since you're being nice and humouring me on the Sandman front. :)