The Copybook Tales

By J. Torres

The Copybook Tales follows Jamie and Thatcher, two friends with a dream of making comics. When Jamie starts going through his "copybooks," journals he'd kept of his high school misadventures, the two find the inspiration to create stories all their own. Through ups and downs, accomplishments and setbacks, The Copybook Tales explores the story of storytellers. And while the tale is rooted in the culture that has arisen around comics, it's not about comics, it's about taking the chance to follow your heart. Reprinting J. Torres and Gotham Adventures artist Tim Levins' classic comic mini-series, all the mini-comics, and several unreleased pages and illustrations, The Copybook Tales is a must-have for any comic fan.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1929998392
• ISBN13: 9781929998395
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Oni Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.1" x 0.6" x 6.4"
• Age Range: 13 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 11

Customer Reviews

A Spectacular Nostalgia Trip

The Copybook Tales, is the story of Jamie and Thatcher, two friends determined to make comics. After numerous attempts at pitching their superhero comic to publishers, the pair decides to tell a more realistic story. Jamie delves through his "copybooks", journals he kept through his teenage years, for source material. In doing so, he reflects on his past years, and his future.It is a book full of genuine emotion that will resonate among those who grew up in the 80s. That having been said, one doesn't need to be a member of this generation to fully appreciate the depth and craft exhibited in this book.With universal themes of acceptance, growth, self-consciousness, anyone can delve into this brilliantly written slice of life series. The reader can fully empathize with the characters when they are embarassed by their friends' words and actions.Torres has an ear for realistic dialogue, and it shows throughout the book, in the characters interactions. The book has it's genuine laugh out loud moments, counterbalanced by a mature, serious reflection on growing into adulthood.Levins excels in the design and presentation of the book, from the characters to the lettering. It has it's own unique look, while at the same time, echoing the ever popular animation style pioneered by Alex Toth and others.All in all, this book comes highly recommended and deserves a place on everyone's bookshelf. This is a perfect example of what comics are capable of achieving with storytelling.