Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

Title:  Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

Author:  Tom Scioli

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  June 30, 2020

Genre:  Biography, Graphic Novel, Non-Fiction

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    Jack Kirby's life told in a graphic novel? Yes please!

-    I am a Jack Kirby fan. He does not get enough credit for his contribution to the world. Comic books would not be what they are today without this man! He worked for both Marvel and DC, and both companies wanted their artists to mimic Kirby's art style. His art is the OG of comic book art! 

-    I knew a little about why Kirby had a falling out with Stan Lee and left Marvel, but I loved getting Kirby's POV. I've only heard/read Marvel and Stan Lee's side. It would be super frustrating to not get the acknowledgement you rightly deserve. If Stan Lee had played nice with Kirby and given him the credit he deserved, can you imagine what they could have done together!? I feel like we were robbed of some amazing characters and stories. 

-    I am glad Kirby is getting more credit for stuff now, but it isn't enough, and I kinda feel like it is too little too late. 

-    I have always wanted an original Jack Kirby drawing. It would be amazing! I might have to just settle with some trading cards or reproduction though.

-    Just to be clear, I love both Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. I believe they both contributed to the characters and stories we love today. Just look at what they created when they worked together! 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Title:  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Author:  Marie Kondo

Series:  Magic Cleaning #1

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  January 15, 2011

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    I know I'm late to the party, but when this was at its peak in popularity, everyone recommended this to me, and everyone compared me to Marie Kondo. I should have been flattered, because I think Ms. Kondo is brilliant, but I was bugged by the comparison. Yes, I'm Asian. Yes, I love to organize, and it is a passion of mine. Yes, my methods of organizing and decluttering are similar to the konmari method. That doesn't mean we are the same. Not all Asians are the same!! I'm not Japanese! *deep breath, step off soapbox*

-    Anyway, despite my experiences, I am glad I read this book. I felt invigorated to declutter even more than I already do. I also picked up some great tips.

-    I don't believe inanimate objects have feelings, but I definitely project my feelings on to my belongings. Yes, I talk to my stuff, and I liked the idea of telling my stuff thank you. It has helped me let go of objects that I was unsure about because of emotional attachment. The fact that I could tell that thing that I appreciated it for bringing me joy when it did and let it go is very freeing.

-    I am experimenting with folding stuff. I kinda like it for certain things, but definitely not for everything. For example, I hang up my shirts. I prefer them hung up and not folded in a drawer, but I do love the konmari folding method for my socks. I no longer bunch them up into potato shapes, and I love it. 

-    How about you? Do you implement any of Marie Kondo's methods? 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

P.S. Just to clarify, I have nothing against Marie Kondo or her method. In fact, I admire it a lot, and have tried to implement certain things into my life. I also love the Japanese and their culture. It was just the constant comparison that irked me. I have faced a lifetime of "all Asians are/look the same." 

Deep Dark Fears and The Creeps

Goodreads Synopsis:    A charmingly creepy collection of 100 illustrated comics based on idiosyncratic and universal "deep dark fears."

We all have weird fears, from getting sliced to ribbons in subway station revolving gate to getting turned around by the wind while swimming and going too far out to sea. Based on the wildly popular eponymous Tumblr, Deep Dark Fears explores our odd, creepy, and hilariously singular fears. Animator, illustrator, and cartoonist Fran Krause brings these fears to life in vividly illustrated comics based on real fears submitted by readers (plus a few of his own). These "deep dark fears" run the gamut from unlikely but plausible to completely ridiculous, highlighting both our deeply human similarities and our peculiar uniquenesses.

From Goodreads:    Illustrator, animator, teacher, and comic artist Fran Krause has touched a collective nerve with his wildly popular web comic series–and subsequent New York Times best-selling book–Deep Dark Fears. Here he brings readers more of the creepy, funny, and idiosyncratic fears they love illustrated in comic form-–such as the fear that your pets will tell other animals all your embarrassing secrets, or that someone uses your house while you’re not home-–as well as two longer comic short-stories about ghosts.

My Thoughts:

-    Both books are full of irrational fears people sent to the author.

-    A lot of the fears were so outlandish that they were hilarious, but some of the fears were pretty dumb. When I say dumb, I mean there is NO possible way that could EVER happen dumb.

-    Both books were fun quick reads, and they were perfect for the 24 Hour Read-a-Thon.