The Big Viz Book of Adventure

Ok, being a long-time cheerleader of VIZ, through good times and bad, and knowing its pedigree I thought this latest release was going to be a compendium of newly released material similar to their 1993 "VIZ: The Bumper Book of S***e for Older Boys and Girls". I had ordered the title from Amazon prior to the release of the "products" details (I think - beers consumed *accuracy alert*), given my obsession for toilet jokes and farts, especially from the sanitary Antipodes where VIZ is only known through the existence of "ex-pats"; Geordie ones especially. So when this volume arrived I was a little disappointed for "shilling" out a large amount of money on postage only to discover that the "adventures" have been "ripped" from recent issues of the comic. However, my frown turned upside down quickly when I realised I had a handy compact of Simon Ecob's finest art work in my sweaty palms accompanied by the snappy dialogue of Thorp and Dury (including the recognisable genius of Davy Jones, as well as the echoes of the Donald brothers), some I'd already enjoyed and others that were new to me. For two weeks I laughed out-loud in Australian pubs over old and new strips of boys' own adventure stories re-imaged from the 1950s to the "current age" (whenever that is). The classic Jack Black (Shakespeare's "Silvio" *tears*) takes centre stage, as do the two world wars, but all kinds of offbeat subjects from history are tackled (including piracy and animal poaching). Some stories where football is the thread crop up a few times which makes for repetitive reading but the "in" jokes compensate for the alternative settings. I especially like the careers pages and the "see how it works" type montages as these are extremely cynical (but accurate) takes on what has screwed the world (e.g. builders, policemen, banking and the stock market etc). Overall, this volume got me through the turgid time that is Christmas, and kept me sane when interacting with "in-laws" that I don't know from Adam (and/or Eve). I think the best eulogy I can give to this latest tacky VIZ merchandising activity is from some random Geordie at the Golden Barley Hotel, in Marrickville (NSW/AU) yesterday after I've reached the end (with a few tears streaming down my face). In his incomprehensible accent, he observed me reading this filth and regaled me with an (unverified) story about how he was at a pub in Newcastle (place undisclosed) in the early 1980s to see the launch of The Stone Roses, which this mysterious stranger put down solely to VIZ's patronage and he confirmed that he was a massive VIZ fan (subscription status - unverified). True or not, the anecdote is testament to VIZ's continued popularity, global reach solid fanbase, quality output, and the ongoing need for toilet humour in this dark world. Long live the King!

Funny book, if you're a Viz fan then it's well worth being in your collection.

I love viz and this is just so good you have got to like this sort of thing make sure you know what type of comic it is before you buy , but I do like this so I would definitely recommend to all viz fans

Childish as ever.Simply great fun.

Great compilation of the comic strips that Viz is brilliant at doing without all the adverts or rubbishy filler pages. Don't expect pages of familiar characters (other than Jack Black & Silver) this is a compelation of all the spoof adventure stories in the style of the DC Thompson Comics of the 60s &70s (Beano, Dandy, Topper, Beezer, Hotspur etc etc). If you ever liked Viz this is for you.

As a fan of Viz, I am delighted to see this collection of some of the funniest "Boy's Own" adventures gathered together. The artistry is excellent and will remind readers of the stories as portrayed in Comics like "Commando" in the 1960's - however, the esoteric, sardonic Viz slant on the genre may not be to everyone's taste. Not suitable for children. Ideal for adults with a broad minded sense of humour.

Am half way through and very pleased with this book. The artwork is top notch and superbly conveys these salty pastiches of traditional comic strip action adventures. If you like a chortle - preferably at suppertime with a mug of steaming Ovaltine and a pipe - then buy!

This was a gift for my dad for fathers day, as I have said in previous reviews, these are great inbetween books to use inbetween annuals. I haven;t heard my father complain about any of them, and often hear him sniggering in his chair while he reads them!