Humor Books

I read the strip in the paper and occasionally he's hilarious, like the strip last month when Larry the gator's wife says she's leaving him, that was a classic. More often it's really nothing much and that's pretty much how this book is. I find myself pushing myself to keep reading rather than hungering for more. He just isn't as consistently witty as Dilbert or Get Bucky or Marmaduke. Just kidding Marmaduke sucks like a whirlpool, it's the same gag every frickin day, I wish they get it out of the paper already. I love off the wall humor, and he's got talent, so I'm glad he's around because it's one of the better strips today, but he too often just tries to pass off crassness as humor, which it seems is popular by the likes of many comediennes today, however I prefer more talented wit in my humor like his strip from last month I already mentioned.
I bought this book because it's a compilation and a good way to learn more about the artist and his art, so no regrets.

I love Pearls Before Swine, and this is a great compilation. I enjoyed it so much, I plan to send it to my son so that he can enjoy it as well.

Got this book for my daughter this Christmas because she loved the first one I bought, St. Piggy's Lonely Hearts Club. She loves reading the comics on the Sunday paper, and that's how she first asked for her first Pearls Before Swine book, because she was curious if the strips on the Sunday paper were all there was to it. Like the other book we have, the strips offer nuggets of humor with hints of worldly wisdom, cynicism, satire, hyperbole, analogy, smart-alecky and "That's life" kind of stuff that becomes part of our life experience as we go on living in this world. This book's characters somewhat epitomize how we should not take life too seriously so we don't go bonkers trying to live too hard!

I purchased this as a Christmas stocking stuffer for my beloved. I know that she is fond of this cartoonist's work. Now, when we have occasion to spend a quiet evening together watching TV, she amuses herself during bouts of advertising by perusing the cartoons in this book. She laughs out loud for several minutes at a stretch, until whatever show we were actually viewing returns to the screen, at which point she reluctantly puts the book back down until the next bout of advertising. I know from her laughter that she is enjoying the book, and I enjoy hearing her laugh, so its a win win. Plus she feels compelled to share some of her favorites with me, on the spot. They are really funny, and when she finishes going through the book, I will probably use it as she has been. If this catches on, I'm sure that television advertisers will put a hit out on this cartoonist.

This book is just the thing to pass the day and to bring some humor to
your day and to teach how to see the funny side of life as well.

What started as a project to print every single Spy Vs. Spy strip Prohias did (plus some that were done by his successors) evolved into a tribute to their creator.

The strips are all here, but there are also a couple of nice essays and rememberences detailing Prohias flight from Castro's Cuba and life in America. Plus they printed some of his pre-Spy Vs. Spy strips.

These strips were meant to be read once a month or more. I've noticed if you read too many in a row, they lose their edge. Still, that's no knock on the work. If you remember these strips from childhood or liked the animated Mad TV segments, this book is well worth a look.

Spy vs. Spy has always been my favorite section in MAD magazine since I first started reading it many years ago. Each new issue I got, I would immediately turn to the "Joke and Dagger Department" which is specifically reserved for this strip. It was not until I was much older however did I realize that Spy vs. Spy were really a parody of the cold war. This book is the complete collection of Antonio Prohias's iconic creation including every Spy vs. Spy he ever illustrated. Additional biographical and bonus information on Prohias is another amazing feature of this collection and his immense contribution to MAD magazine is truly shown. The Spy's elaborate methods of destroying one another will keep you laughing for hours with this book! Which Spy will win next? Black or White?!

I loved the unexpectited endings. I liked seeing them beet up each other. They also tell abought the auother`s life in the begening.

Classic book with background information. Creative, imaginary, entertaining & impossible enterprises detailed. Great for adults to younger teens. Originally purchased for my 12 year old and so popular he and his friends that we gave several as gifts to his friends. My 8 year old also picked up the book and spent time studying the pictures and laughing at the absurd lengths these spys go to.

"Spy vs. Spy: The Complete Casebook" collects the complete run of the late Antonio Prohias' comic strip from 1961-1987, published by MAD Magazine. The title characters are two equally sinister agents--one dressed in black, the other in white--who constantly war against each other with many a different scheme.
On occasion, the Spies are joined by the Gray Spy--a female operative who always triumphs over the Spies, who are blinded by their love for her. This book also contains artwork by Bob Clarke and Peter Kupfer. There are also extras in this book, including photographs of Spy merchandise, unpublished sketches and essays by Prohias' friends at MAD.
This book has a secret agent, film noir feel to it. It appears that the comics were easily inspired by The Shadow--but to a greater extent, the Cold War.

How can second-rate gory horror comics be so much fun? I reread THE ZOMBIE FACTORY three enjoyable times, and I still can figure it out!

If you enjoy violent and unsettling comics in the tradition of the legendary EC Comics, look no further. These classic 1960s' "wet" tales of undead rampages will surely satisfy your carnivorous comic book cravings.

THE ZOMBIE FACTORY, with its black-and-white retro horror comics, is a superb example of why the comic industry instated a Comic Code. Left to their own devices, it would have just been a matter of time before Bob Kane or Jack Cole had Batman or Plastic-Man disembowel or behead some hapless jewel thief. Fun, bloody, and a cool glimpse into a world of comics that might have been.

Crammed with all manners of undead evil, THE ZOMBIE FACTORY will most certainly delight the most discrimination horror comic reader with its tales of unbridled evil. My favorite story involves a nazi war criminal and a pair of gloves made from human skin.

These delightfully degenerate comics, the kind not suitable for the sensibilities of the easily disgusted, are deliberately designed to dishevel one's nerves with its relentless excesses of bloodshed at the rotting hands of the undead. Anyone of these blood-splattered tales would feel right at home residing a movie theater screen with the caption, "directed by George Romero."

James Thurber was one of the funiest authors of all time and this book cements his reputation. I enjoyed it many years ago and after re-reading it, I enjoyed it again.

Should be required reading for all folks of any age looking for an introduction to life in these United States, for those learning to overcome despair and disaster with humor and grace, for any and all learning the English language.

Thurber is a great favorite of mine, and this was another fun book to read.

Take your mind back half a century and read these mildly amusing essays about life in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is so different from modern prose, but it is well worth the read.

I am 52 yrs. old. I read this book in High School and couldn't put it down. When I read it again as adult, I laughed even harder because somehow it made having the weirdest family in the whole world a joke instead of a hardship. It made Thurber's family, the Coneheads, the Simpsons, and the Osbornes seem like life is good as long as you can laugh once in a while, and even better if you can laugh at yourself.

This is possibly the most beautifully rendered graphic novel (if something of these dimensions can be called a novel) ever. Dave McKean is best known for doing the cover art for all 75 issues of Neil Gaiman's landmark Sandman comics series, and as the director of the independent film Mirrormask. Not all of his fans may know about McKean's solo comics work. Cages, his magnum opus, was originally released in 10 issues, over a period of 6 years, dogged by publishing difficulties and McKean's busy schedule. It was worth the wait, for within it McKean shows himself to be an extraordinary storyteller in his own right, as well as being a wonderful draughtsman and illustrator.

Worth every penny of the fifty bucks.

I read this book a couple of years ago, and reread it a few weeks ago. I have never come across a story like this, in particular a story TOLD like this. With an incredibly impressive array of visual/narrative techniques, McKean presents an allegory (if that's what it is; the book can be ambiguous concerning certain developments) of creativity as well as despair, abandonment, frustration, and above all, the realization that things are actually pretty wonderful, if we can manage to alter our perspectives.
This is one of the crowning achievements of the graphic medium, and a landmark in literature.

I've bought this graphic novel 3 years ago.
I've just read it in past 4 days.
Why?
I don't know.
Maybe I was afraid of it, maybe I wasn't ready for it yet.
I didn't know what to expect from that pages, that cages...
When I finished it today I was just... it's hard to explain the combination of feelings in my head and soul.
As a painter, graphic novel artist and comic strip teacher, I use to search for a new worlds, to find some new stories to tell to my friends and people that surrounds me.
And I'm aware of numerous traps that lurking behind every corner of creation.
I use to tell my students: Be creative, free your mind and fly through the limitless fields of mind, through the many rooms and hidden windows.
And than again, I find myself captured in some sort of cage.
But the love always sets me free.
Dave McKean is one of my few favorite artists.
A genius that combines techniques, always searching for some new expression.
In this complex and moving book, you can find him using sometimes scratchy ink outlines an rapid brush movenents, everything black and white, (with some blue and greenish tone).
Also a few in colour painted panels, an photomontages.
The storyline is good, sometimes monotone but filled with phylosophy about God, art, creation, love, meanings of existence...
I think that I'm going to read it few more times... There's something left, hidden between those dark walls, and spattered lines.
But all I can do is recommend this amazing 500 pgs long book to you,
and you will be next to enter that other- but so close to us - world.

I passed this large 500pg graphic novel in my bookstore many times before i decided to 'staisfy my curiosity'. So i bought it. Upon opening the cover, I was awestruck at the pages in front of me. The book is simply (in my opinion) one of the finest examples of visual story-telling (in the comicbook sense) that I have ever seen. It's a book I can point to and say, "There, THATS how far you can go with the medium!".

Dave McKean is not one of my favourite writers or artists, but this is one of the best 'books' i have ever held in my hands. The story is interesting, layered & strange. This book is not a 'snack'. It's a big 'meal', that you'll put in the freezer & reheat again to consume over & over. The visuals are not 'text-book' comic style illustrations, but rather 'artistic'. It's stylised. The book is a piece of art. The quality of the book itself (Cover, inside pages & size) - is something you rarely (if ever) see on shelves. This book is not cheap, but once you open the pages, you wouldn't care if you paid twice the price. It's that good.

The often used cliche, "If you only buy one graphic novel a year, make it this one" is perfectly valid for this book.

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Okay, well there's lots of things to say about this book. On first glance, Dave McKean's artistic style seems rough and unskilled. But I knew him from the amazing images he put together for the Sandman series. And as I read this book, I saw how behind all the scribbly lines was a clear vision, and the ability to portray emotions and scenes with precision. And yet it's not beautiful. It's scribbly and rough.

His storyboarding is amazing. He can show time and movement and emotion incredibly well. He uses the medium of comics in an expert manner.

The characters are interesting, and the dialogue is very authentic and real. You can sink yourself into any scene and believe it. He paints the characters in terms of their words and emotions as well as he depicts their movement, the passage of time, and the images behind the images. It feels much like Gaiman's work. There's an intimacy of character that draws you in, past any dislike you may have of the artistic style at first.

But what I didnt like, and the reason I gave it a 3, is that there isnt an overall story. McKean hints at a story, and brings in elements with a lot of potential, from the supernatural to gods and conspiracies, but he doesnt go anywhere with them or attempt to explain them or justify their existence in the story. It's as if he read imaginative stories all day long and this was the confusing, odd dream he had afterwards. I kept hoping he'd weave it all together in the end, but he doesnt. It meanders without purpose. The telling is good, but what is it telling? I really dont know. And thus, it is unsatisfying.

I got this book for my friend as a Christmas present and I ended up reading the whole thing before I gave it to her. This book is hilarious how we all seem to function with the same hates on many tiny things.

It's just what you expect to get when you order the product, hilarious. The pages are filled with almost any awkward situation you have ever been in and then some. It's great to pick up and browse through for a few minutes when you want a good laugh.

I was overwhelmed and under pressure the day before Christmas Eve at Barnes & Noble. This seemed funny, but I started to put it back because it was just another one of the many useless gift-y books... but every time I flipped to a random page, I laughed hysterically.

It's just extremely witty and well-written. I've since decided to order more as gifts for friends of mine. These are the things we think but do not say, or sometimes don't even admit to ourselves because they're so obsessive or silly.

Worthwhile, humorous, and entertaining.

This is the only book I've ever read that basically gave me one long continuous laughing attack.

I bought this book for my parents as a Christmas gift and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting before I gave it to them. It completely cracked me up.

Flashbang is a humorous look at life and Christianity. It is entertaining, but it also has substance.

The book consists of various situations in the author's life, a humorous look at them, and a spiritual application. It is pretty subtle at times, but the point is made. The writing style is a bit disjointed and is a bit of an acquired taste.

The common theme addressed is that Christians aren't and don't need to be perfect. They just need to trust the Lord more to do His work. It is good, but certainly not great.

This book came highly recommended to me and it has exceeded my skeptical expectations. I love how Steele takes the lion share of the beginning of each chapter to recount hilarious personal stories and then takes the last few pages of each chapter to make challenging applications that I did NOT see coming. I have been so entertained and challenged- an unusual combination- by this book. The result is that I am now more challenged to live a life that will leave a lasting effect and NOT just a life that makes me FEEL like I am doing things that matter. Read it, you will love it!

I didn't know that this book was a "spiritual" type book. I usually don't read them....honestly, I didn't get the spirtual message....it's that subtle. The writer is awesome. Had me crying and doubled over in laughter with some of his stories. Will probably read this again....it's a quick read!

A

An awesome read... a must for anyone who wants to challenge their faith and grow. Taking the pain and living it, finding God in it. In getting over oneself. Unfortunately, it happens with hindsight... and I'm not there yet...

If C.S. Lewis had been a standup comedian, I think he would have written a book like this.

I've heard some people accuse this work as being too simple, but I disagree. It's easy to read, yes, because it's ridiculously funny. I've never laughed out loud so much during a book. But that is no indication of it's depth and rest assured, it gets deep.

Steele writes in a way that reminds me of a good sermon. His anecdotes and musings keep you entertained and interested, but then he brings it all together to show you the point he's making...and it's a wakeup call. One minute you're doubled over in laughter and the next minute you're in deep conviction.

Perhaps the most endearing quality the author possesses is his ability to be real. Steele shares his thoughts with no hint of finger-pointing, high-and-mighty theology. He simply bares his soul and tells his story, and he tells it in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to relate.

If you're looking for literary fluff, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a refreshingly humorous book with true Christian roots, get Flashbang.

I found "Your Disgusting Head" on the clearance rack and just had to have the rest of the series. These books make for great conversation and are actually interesting coffee table books. Giraffes Giraffes tickles funny bones you never knew you had.

This is art and one rarely comes across art that is this beautiful and this close to being relevant. It's hard to deny the randomness in the order with which thoughts, figures, questions and answers appear in this book but that's what makes it so much more enjoyable. The story seems to be powered by a secret source of energy that exists at the boundary between "real" and "imaginary." The authors frequently cross this boundary on either direction without missing a beat, reminding us how great it is to think freely. What's really great is that this story has no beginning and no end so you can really go back and read it over and over again. Just make sure you don't read it 12 times...

I bought this book yesterday and haven't stopped laughing. I work at a zoo and we just got Giraffes so I thought it might be educational. Boy was I right! It's the funniest book I've read in a long time. I highly reccommend it if you are wanting a good laugh or need to know how to make sandwiches for them.
As for the reviewer who gave this book one star (the only negative review I might add) Are you disappointed that you didn't read what the book was about ahead of time or just unable to laugh at anything? You act like this book was in the reference section! This book is hilarious to humans and giraffes!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R15GVECJQ1T8V5

Simply one of the most informative books ever written. I would recommend "Your disgusting head" as a good second read.

A story presented in comic book form that follows an ordinary Joe (named Gray)in uniting his company's division to make changes before the division is eliminated. Tremendous wisdom presented in thinking about others viewpoints and dealing with sensitive (ie aggressive) egos in getting things done. Humorous and engaging -it's a great way to introduce those who are entering the work world or the world weary who have forgotten the subtleties it takes to motivate others. Questionaires and questions, specific recommendations about what you can do to help with sales or cost savings.

"I never really wanted to be a PM but the company recognized my efforts in supporting Widgets XYZ and therefore they decided to promote me by becoming a PM!!" I am sure most of u ended up like that. Well I certainly did. I will tell you that this job is not easy and especially if u are not an IT background PM, u r in trouble!

This book believe it or not I used to read in between trips to Italy before I took this new job I am in. Forget PMI (well don't forget but ...) this book will give you're the instant PM Adernialin u need and it will also manage your expectations of how things should happen. It ahs a people side in this book which most other techs books fail to see. It was allot of fun to read. I have been 12 months on the job now and I think I like it now!

This is the first business book I've read that teach you great lessons about how to succeed in business and in your career in a humoristic manner.

It references stuff like the 8 commandments for selling people on your ideas, and the 7 Deadly Workplace Sins and how to overcome them.

This is definitely a must read book.

I approached this book with an attitude of "I know this content already," "I could have written this book". . . . But a few pages into the book, I realized I was learning.

The content is surprisingly complete. When skimming the Table of Contents, the topics did not seem comprehensive. But after reading this book, the important things were covered; including sensitive areas that are usually not discussed.

I appreciate that much of the content is in comic strip format. I know, I know, this doesn't sound good. But I have so many books that I've started and stopped because I don't have time to read it all. So it's very gratifying to get through the content of the book in one evening.

In summary, I learned some important stuff from this book and know that I can return to this book for reminders and details. Five stars!

Gray matters is disappointing in many respects. First, the cartooning is crude and not up to standards set by syndicated strips. Second, there's not a single laugh in the whole book -- this is no Dilbert. Third, the advice is common sense to the point of being patronizing -- it features such brilliant insights as "listen to people." Wow, who'd ever think of doing that? Finally, several character actions are highly unethical and could get you in hot water if you did the same, such as breaking into a co-worker's computer, or moonlighting without your boss's knowledge at a customer company strictly to get inside information. You want to talk lawsuit? Read "The Dilbert Principle" instead -- its insights are hilarious and telling.

When I contacted the author at his email address listed in the earlier review, he answered and said the book was guaranteed to work and if it doesn't he buys the disgruntled reader a new Cadillac. How To Marry Money is full of the same wry humor.

This is a book that whets the appetite for more light-hearted takes on American society, status and snobbery.
Pure entertainment, although I'm sure there will be those who take it as gospel.

I send it as a gift to my friends in Europe.

It took a while to get past the first few pages, but I kept reading and the remaining chapters had helpful pointers about life in general,love,work and self image. I called the author's publicist and received his email address kevindoyle42@earthlin.net and have been exchanging dialog since.

An easy, fun read, but the reviewer SOCIAL CLIMBER from Sonoma CA listed the author's email address incorrectly. It's kevindoyle42@earthlink.net. Doyle answered me with a list of other titles when I contacted him. HOW TO MEET BEAUTIFUL WOMEN and DATING YOUNGER WOMEN are also written with tongue firmly in cheek.

It was annoying to find my wife reading a book with a title like this but, after picking it up and reading it, I found it to be a lot of fun.
Now I take the advice of another reviewer (who found as "entertaining as it is instructional") and often give HOW TO MARRY MONEY as a light-hearted gift for clients, graduates & hostesses.