In wry tones, T. Ryder Smith deftly narrates David Sipress's bittersweet and charming memoir about growing up in New York City in the 1960s and his rocky road to being a successful cartoonist for the NEW YORKER. Smith gives Sipress's father a brusque tone and Brooklyn accent that is in direct contrast to the relaxed tenor of the rest of the narration, artfully conveying Sipress's tenuous relationship with him. Smith's meticulous enunciation ensures that the listener doesn't miss a moment of this tongue-in-cheek, sometimes heartbreaking story, which reminds us that the greatest inspiration for humor is everyday life. The accompanying pdf, filled with family photos, textually appropriate visuals, and the author's cartoons--including his very first one, done as a child--is icing on the cake.
Pub Date: April 5, 2022
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063274150
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell narrates this audio adaptation of his graphic memoir with assists from his son (portraying himself) and two professional actors. Between them, Brittany Bradford and William DeMerrit realize dozens of fully individuated characters: Bell's younger self, along with his parents (an interracial couple), childhood friends, teachers, college classmates, professional colleagues, and even cops and schoolyard bullies. Complemented by thoughtful sound design, they deliver tour-de-force performances that bring to life Bell's dialogue and reveal the critical interactions that formed his identity as a biracial Black man in America. Sadly, Bell's own voice--a little nasal, largely without affect, and untrained in vocal arts--makes for a thin accompaniment. Nonetheless, the power of his story will carry listeners along.
Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250381248
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Marvel Comics fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at the creation of many of the company's lesser-known characters, such as Killraven, Man-Thing, Omega the Unknown, and others. Todd Menesses delivers a punchy, well-paced work with welcome enthusiasm about the subject matter. Clearly, he gets it. There is a slight problem with his pronunciation of some words like "genre," "analogous," and a few names, but it's a minor distraction. This is an audiobook for the true comics fan, not for the casual reader. The insights into creators like Steve Englehart, Steve Gerber and Don McGregor are worth the price of admission. For those who remember the era, this audiobook is a treasure trove of memories.
Pub Date: May 15, 2023
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798350804546
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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