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The Unwritten
The Unwritten, Vol. 4: Leviathan
This fourth volume in the acclaimed series sends Tommy Taylor into the world of Moby-Dick!
After the shocking return of Tommy's father, best-selling fantasy author Wilson Taylor, the mysterious Cabal audition a new assassin and Tom seeks out "the source". The source of what? He's not really sure, but it looks like a whale, and apparently it can be found in the Nantucket farmhouse where Moby-Dick was written. What he finds is a path into a whole different ocean, with more trouble (and more whales) than he could possibly imagine.
Collecting: The Unwritten 19-24
After the shocking return of Tommy's father, best-selling fantasy author Wilson Taylor, the mysterious Cabal audition a new assassin and Tom seeks out "the source". The source of what? He's not really sure, but it looks like a whale, and apparently it can be found in the Nantucket farmhouse where Moby-Dick was written. What he finds is a path into a whole different ocean, with more trouble (and more whales) than he could possibly imagine.
Collecting: The Unwritten 19-24
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2011
21 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read
About the author
Mike Carey
1,261 books2,965 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Mike Carey was born in Liverpool in 1959. He worked as a teacher for fifteen years, before starting to write comics. When he started to receive regular commissions from DC Comics, he gave up the day job.
Since then, he has worked for both DC and Marvel Comics, writing storylines for some of the world's most iconic characters, including X-MEN, FANTASTIC FOUR, LUCIFER and HELLBLAZER. His original screenplay FROST FLOWERS is currently being filmed. Mike has also adapted Neil Gaiman's acclaimed NEVERWHERE into comics.
Somehow, Mike finds time amongst all of this to live with his wife and children in North London. You can read his blog at www.mikecarey.net.
Mike Carey was born in Liverpool in 1959. He worked as a teacher for fifteen years, before starting to write comics. When he started to receive regular commissions from DC Comics, he gave up the day job.
Since then, he has worked for both DC and Marvel Comics, writing storylines for some of the world's most iconic characters, including X-MEN, FANTASTIC FOUR, LUCIFER and HELLBLAZER. His original screenplay FROST FLOWERS is currently being filmed. Mike has also adapted Neil Gaiman's acclaimed NEVERWHERE into comics.
Somehow, Mike finds time amongst all of this to live with his wife and children in North London. You can read his blog at www.mikecarey.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
December 10, 2022
The search for The Source, the coming of Rausch The Toymaker, The Cabal's reactions and more as Tom and co. venture into the Moby Dick reality and beyond! This highly original tale written across numerous literary realities and characters is a one of a kind trip, and actually a absolute must-read for fans of classic literature! A Four Star 8 out of 12 read. Collecting comic book issues #19 to 24.
2017 read; 2013 read
2017 read; 2013 read
April 9, 2017
A decent story, but when they start talking about all the existential stuff, my mind wandered.
If the stories are real, are we a story? What was the true meaning of the Leviathan? Does it represent all human consciousness working together to suspend disbelief in stuff n things. Is the whale really just a whale, or does it fart the secrets of the universe out of its blowhole...yadda, yadda, yaddda.
Shut up, Neo. It was cool when you were dodging bullets, but now you're boring me.
The best part of this title (so far) has been the mystery of whatever/whoever Tom is in relation to this secret cabal thing is, and what their plans are for him and the world.
What is Tom's actual power?!
It better be something cool, because so far all he seems to be able to do is conjure up and enter stories. And that's pretty neat! But unless that translates into the real world...
At any rate, a lot of this volume concentrates on Moby Dick, which (surprise!) I've never read. Maybe I missed out on some of the inside jokes because of that, but nothing that happened made me want to seek out this little gem and remedy my ignorance.
I really liked the introduction of this creepy puppet lady. She's fuckin freaky, and shit happens that will (maybe) have an impact later on in the story.
Oh, and you also get to see a bit more about Tom's past with his crazy-ass father.
Cool bedtime stories, bro!
The whole my BFF is a vampire thing, plus the sexy-times with the crazy girl thing were both very cool, as well.
And then it ends with another one of those awesomely fucked up rabbit stories, which was a nice way to go out.
Honestly, the time he spent on the ship and in the whale bored the shit out of me, but everything else was interesting enough to sort of cancel it out. Still looking forward to the next volume!
If the stories are real, are we a story? What was the true meaning of the Leviathan? Does it represent all human consciousness working together to suspend disbelief in stuff n things. Is the whale really just a whale, or does it fart the secrets of the universe out of its blowhole...yadda, yadda, yaddda.
Shut up, Neo. It was cool when you were dodging bullets, but now you're boring me.
The best part of this title (so far) has been the mystery of whatever/whoever Tom is in relation to this secret cabal thing is, and what their plans are for him and the world.
What is Tom's actual power?!
It better be something cool, because so far all he seems to be able to do is conjure up and enter stories. And that's pretty neat! But unless that translates into the real world...
At any rate, a lot of this volume concentrates on Moby Dick, which (surprise!) I've never read. Maybe I missed out on some of the inside jokes because of that, but nothing that happened made me want to seek out this little gem and remedy my ignorance.
I really liked the introduction of this creepy puppet lady. She's fuckin freaky, and shit happens that will (maybe) have an impact later on in the story.
Oh, and you also get to see a bit more about Tom's past with his crazy-ass father.
Cool bedtime stories, bro!
The whole my BFF is a vampire thing, plus the sexy-times with the crazy girl thing were both very cool, as well.
And then it ends with another one of those awesomely fucked up rabbit stories, which was a nice way to go out.
Honestly, the time he spent on the ship and in the whale bored the shit out of me, but everything else was interesting enough to sort of cancel it out. Still looking forward to the next volume!
February 7, 2017
December 2015:
This is the part of The Unwritten where everything crystallizes, and you go ohhhhh, that's what's going on! And the reveal happens in such a neat and organic way.
After the events of Dead Man's Knock, Tommy knows he has to find the source of his fathers (and his) mysterious power so he can learn to wield it against his enemies. The only clue they have is a drawing on a map with a whale on it, and the words "the source" printed inside. So of course, they start with THE whale, Moby-Dick. But of course it's not as simple as that, and even as Tom is sucked inside the story of Moby-Dick, Tom is ultimately destined for a much more complicated and enormous discovery (one that involves Pinocchio, Jonah, Baron Munchhausen and his stupid horse Bucephalus, and for some reason, a strange Highlander who is obsessed with his accordion).
While Tom is off looking for the source, Lizzie and Savoy (who is officially a vampire at this point, and has to drink blood for the first time) are waylaid by a corpse-faced nun with a fetish for puppets, and who seems to utilize the same power Tom is seeking, but instead of channeling it through words, she uses "the incarnation," aka puppets. And they are creepy as hell puppets, handcrafted by corpse-face herself in the likeness of the people she hopes to control. She is terrifying.
We learn about the real stakes here, that the two sides are fighting for no less than the control over the nexus between stories and the human subconscious, the Leviathan that Tom finds at the end of his journey. I'm not going to say very much more about the underlying implications of what happens here. I could probably go on forever if I did. It's somebody's dissertation just waiting to happen, but it ain't going to be mine.
November 2011: This series hurts my brain, but in a good way. I'm too hungover to say anything else. Wine is good, and wine is bad. That is my philosophical thought for the day.
Actually, I can tell you that when I went to B&N to buy this book, my boss said to me, "So I see you're still reading trash . . ." (because I told him a couple of weeks ago that basically all I've been reading since finishing my masters exams was YA and fantasy and mindless fluff), but when he said that I about bit his head off. "NO IT'S NOT," said I, "It's really really smart and good, so you can SUCK IT." I didn't actually tell him to suck it, but I think he could read between the lines. I mean, come on, dude works in a bookstore.
Good story.
"For by art is created that great Leviathan called a Commonwealth, or people . . . which is but an artificial man; though of greater stature and strength than any man might be."
This is the part of The Unwritten where everything crystallizes, and you go ohhhhh, that's what's going on! And the reveal happens in such a neat and organic way.
After the events of Dead Man's Knock, Tommy knows he has to find the source of his fathers (and his) mysterious power so he can learn to wield it against his enemies. The only clue they have is a drawing on a map with a whale on it, and the words "the source" printed inside. So of course, they start with THE whale, Moby-Dick. But of course it's not as simple as that, and even as Tom is sucked inside the story of Moby-Dick, Tom is ultimately destined for a much more complicated and enormous discovery (one that involves Pinocchio, Jonah, Baron Munchhausen and his stupid horse Bucephalus, and for some reason, a strange Highlander who is obsessed with his accordion).
While Tom is off looking for the source, Lizzie and Savoy (who is officially a vampire at this point, and has to drink blood for the first time) are waylaid by a corpse-faced nun with a fetish for puppets, and who seems to utilize the same power Tom is seeking, but instead of channeling it through words, she uses "the incarnation," aka puppets. And they are creepy as hell puppets, handcrafted by corpse-face herself in the likeness of the people she hopes to control. She is terrifying.
We learn about the real stakes here, that the two sides are fighting for no less than the control over the nexus between stories and the human subconscious, the Leviathan that Tom finds at the end of his journey. I'm not going to say very much more about the underlying implications of what happens here. I could probably go on forever if I did. It's somebody's dissertation just waiting to happen, but it ain't going to be mine.
November 2011: This series hurts my brain, but in a good way. I'm too hungover to say anything else. Wine is good, and wine is bad. That is my philosophical thought for the day.
Actually, I can tell you that when I went to B&N to buy this book, my boss said to me, "So I see you're still reading trash . . ." (because I told him a couple of weeks ago that basically all I've been reading since finishing my masters exams was YA and fantasy and mindless fluff), but when he said that I about bit his head off. "NO IT'S NOT," said I, "It's really really smart and good, so you can SUCK IT." I didn't actually tell him to suck it, but I think he could read between the lines. I mean, come on, dude works in a bookstore.
Good story.
March 29, 2015
Pinocchio playing cards with Sinbad in the belly of a whale while Baron Munchausen tries to load a cannon and blast his way out of the belly to freedom.
Yeah. That happens.
Fuck me, I love comic books.
Also, the final issue in this volume brings Pauly Bruckner (the foul-mouthed talking rabbit) back and his story is super freaking rad! I used to love talking animal stories (wind in the willows, Babar, Watership Down) when I was a wee little tyke, so Pauly's stories are always a hell of a lotta fun for me!
We also finally unravel Tom Taylors source of power and get an idea of what Wilson has been trying to protect and what the Cabal is actually after. It only took four volumes. :p
Oh yeah - and that crazy nun puppet lady? Yeah, she freaks the shit outta me!
Yeah. That happens.
Fuck me, I love comic books.
Also, the final issue in this volume brings Pauly Bruckner (the foul-mouthed talking rabbit) back and his story is super freaking rad! I used to love talking animal stories (wind in the willows, Babar, Watership Down) when I was a wee little tyke, so Pauly's stories are always a hell of a lotta fun for me!
We also finally unravel Tom Taylors source of power and get an idea of what Wilson has been trying to protect and what the Cabal is actually after. It only took four volumes. :p
Oh yeah - and that crazy nun puppet lady? Yeah, she freaks the shit outta me!
November 23, 2024
Moby Dick.. Frankenstein..Sinbad....Pinocchio...many many crossovers..
June 21, 2012
I'm not sure why I didn't like this installment as much as earlier ones. Perhaps one reason is I found its beginning chapters much more interesting (and funny) than the rest.
I enjoyed the Moby-Dick references (a book I've read and think is great) but I'm not as familiar with the stories of Baron Munchhausen (I'm not generally interested in tall tales) and I had to look up who the Irishman might be -- I'm thinking he's the one in this ballad.)
I especially liked the climax of this volume, when the meaning of "Leviathan" (think Hobbes) is revealed. Not only does it advance the story, it's creative, as has been the case with elements of the previous three volumes.
I enjoyed the Moby-Dick references (a book I've read and think is great) but I'm not as familiar with the stories of Baron Munchhausen (I'm not generally interested in tall tales) and I had to look up who the Irishman might be -- I'm thinking he's the one in this ballad.)
I especially liked the climax of this volume, when the meaning of "Leviathan" (think Hobbes) is revealed. Not only does it advance the story, it's creative, as has been the case with elements of the previous three volumes.
June 21, 2019
The main story was only 3-star for me, but the addition of another story about Pauly the F***ing rabbit at the end bumped it up.
December 31, 2016
One hand I was impressed with Thomas Hobbs' Leviathan references and weary with the Moby Dick ones. The series is extremely entertaining but my issue still persists: it isn't clean. There are many non-linear graphic novels out there that maintains hygiene while dealing with multiple perspectives, stand alone one shots and self referential meta. Unwritten isn't one of them.
Not yet at least.
Not yet at least.
March 11, 2018
This is, again, more of a 3.5, but I felt like rounding up this time so 4 stars it is. I think part of why it took me awhile to get into this volume is because I am really not at all familiar with Moby Dick. I mean if you asked me what it was about I'd be like 'um ...some dude is trying to kill a whale?'. That's literally the extent of my knowledge on the subject. However, partway through it kind of starts focusing more on common themes shared by several different stories and how stories linked together by these things so I thought that was pretty neat. Another thing I'm not thrilled about, even though we all saw it coming 50 miles away, is Tom and Lizzie finally getting together. Like, just for once, can we not. Kind of hoping that it will be explored more later on and not just be the standard 'hero must ~win~ the girl' crap, buuut I'm not exactly holding my breath lol
May 24, 2014
As with the last volume, I couldn’t immediately derive any rewarding meaning from this book. I normally read a few reviews to see what I might be missing and most reviews cover the obvious story, which in this volume is essentially Tommy looking for "the source”. Some mention that Carey is exploring “big ideas”, but fail to elaborate on what these “big ideas” are. Others see a continuation of the same theme now for four volumes in a row and would wish for the series to wrap up. So either it is so obvious to the average reader what these “big ideas” are, that they don’t need to put it into their reviews or they don’t see it at all. As the series continues to deal with different aspects of story-telling, I definitely need some moments to understand how this story is relevant to me (if at all).
In a way, volume 4 continues the theme of volume 3 of getting to the true nature of your story and we get plenty of these “origin” nuggets in this volume: the origin of why Tommy's parents split up, the remembering of a childhood friendship, how Tommy got his powers, etc.
The story illuminates another aspect of storytelling - how you impact a story when you get involved in it. The story doesn’t only affect you (as has been elaborated on in past volumes), but you affect it too (by using the same symbols and metaphors in your own story and continuing to build the symbol into the narrative of society - Tommy calls it the “fictional unconscious"). Stories converge at symbols - here in the form of a whale (and by knowing these symbols and manoeuvring these, Tommy can can literally work his magic and transcend worlds).
Sadly, although the book spends a lot of time on how stories converge (which I find highly intriguing), the actual story is not compelling enough that I want to dive in to the different clues to gain a greater overall satisfaction in a second reading.
The volume ends with a gloomy continuation of the story of the foul-mouthed rabbit Pauly. Far more emotional than the main story, we see how the narrative of a group of people is shaped by taking up the existing grand narrative, continuing it and through your actions shape the story for future generations.
Ultimately, the book leaves me on a hopeful note. One that celebrates reading, one that asks us to familiarise ourselves with our history of metaphors and using these when engaging in society.
In a way, volume 4 continues the theme of volume 3 of getting to the true nature of your story and we get plenty of these “origin” nuggets in this volume: the origin of why Tommy's parents split up, the remembering of a childhood friendship, how Tommy got his powers, etc.
The story illuminates another aspect of storytelling - how you impact a story when you get involved in it. The story doesn’t only affect you (as has been elaborated on in past volumes), but you affect it too (by using the same symbols and metaphors in your own story and continuing to build the symbol into the narrative of society - Tommy calls it the “fictional unconscious"). Stories converge at symbols - here in the form of a whale (and by knowing these symbols and manoeuvring these, Tommy can can literally work his magic and transcend worlds).
Sadly, although the book spends a lot of time on how stories converge (which I find highly intriguing), the actual story is not compelling enough that I want to dive in to the different clues to gain a greater overall satisfaction in a second reading.
The volume ends with a gloomy continuation of the story of the foul-mouthed rabbit Pauly. Far more emotional than the main story, we see how the narrative of a group of people is shaped by taking up the existing grand narrative, continuing it and through your actions shape the story for future generations.
Ultimately, the book leaves me on a hopeful note. One that celebrates reading, one that asks us to familiarise ourselves with our history of metaphors and using these when engaging in society.
January 2, 2020
Literary appearances in this volume included: Frankenstein's monster, the cast of Moby Dick, Sindbad the Sailor, Baron Munchausen, Babar, Pinocchio, the Wind in the Willows, Piglet (from Winnie the Pooh), and Jonah. There were probably more that I didn't recognize.
The world continues to be fleshed out interestingly. Tom continues coming to accept who he is and what he is destined for. Big Ideas are further explored, and cool weird things keep happening.
One of my favorite things about the series is that, despite all of the literary cameos, they don't usually seem gimmicky or thrown in for the hell of it. Usually they're thematically important to the plot, and there are clever and wonderful bits of writing and art. The voice of narration and characters is different based on whose fictional world they inhabit. Narration in Dickens's London is considerably more florid than that of Milne-inspired Willowbank Wood. Also, each time a work of fiction is entered rather than the real world, art style and fonts are different.
This aspect of the art differentiating between fictional worlds is very well done. However, much of the "real world" is illustrated pretty minimally. This works thematically to make the fictional worlds more interesting, but makes extended parts of the comic that take place in the real world fairly dull in appearance.
While I'm not crazy about the art in general, the covers are consistently lovely. They are stylized and strange, fitting perfectly with the weirdness of the comic.
Aside from my slight gripes about the art, I'm very excited to see where this series goes. If the interplay of different fictional worlds interests you, I would highly recommend it.
The world continues to be fleshed out interestingly. Tom continues coming to accept who he is and what he is destined for. Big Ideas are further explored, and cool weird things keep happening.
One of my favorite things about the series is that, despite all of the literary cameos, they don't usually seem gimmicky or thrown in for the hell of it. Usually they're thematically important to the plot, and there are clever and wonderful bits of writing and art. The voice of narration and characters is different based on whose fictional world they inhabit. Narration in Dickens's London is considerably more florid than that of Milne-inspired Willowbank Wood. Also, each time a work of fiction is entered rather than the real world, art style and fonts are different.
This aspect of the art differentiating between fictional worlds is very well done. However, much of the "real world" is illustrated pretty minimally. This works thematically to make the fictional worlds more interesting, but makes extended parts of the comic that take place in the real world fairly dull in appearance.
While I'm not crazy about the art in general, the covers are consistently lovely. They are stylized and strange, fitting perfectly with the weirdness of the comic.
Aside from my slight gripes about the art, I'm very excited to see where this series goes. If the interplay of different fictional worlds interests you, I would highly recommend it.
August 18, 2015
This volume took the series to another level. The interplay between Moby Dick, the One Thousand And One Nights stories and Thomas Hobbes Leviathan was absolute genius. Tommy finally comes into his power, at least the understanding of it. And as it was written, he has to come into his glory alone. It's cool see him try to figure out things on his own, without the annoying, can't seem to catch up Savoy, and Lizzie, who's always disappearing or running away. Wilson, though doesn't come out in a sympathetic light, he's cruel, and heartless and driven to achieving his goal. He's not the kind of father you'd want, but his the type of guy you'd want on your team if the stakes were this high.
Also, Lizzie and Tommy hooking up? Whoa! Awesome plot twist, just wondering why it didn't happen sooner.
Also, Lizzie and Tommy hooking up? Whoa! Awesome plot twist, just wondering why it didn't happen sooner.
July 27, 2022
This has been my least favorite of the series so far, probably because it has a lot of 'Moby Dick' on it, which is far from being my cup of tea (and yes, I read the entire thing), and also because there's too much shifting in the narrative point of view and an excess of pseudo-philosophy.
But, at the same time, we get some important insight on what might be the key of the whole mystery here, and, of course, the volume ends with another peek to the adventures of Pauly, the cussing grumpy bunny, so that by itself makes the whole thing worthy (hence the five stars).
And, all in all, this keeps being magical and intriguing, so into the next one sooner rather than later.
But, at the same time, we get some important insight on what might be the key of the whole mystery here, and, of course, the volume ends with another peek to the adventures of Pauly, the cussing grumpy bunny, so that by itself makes the whole thing worthy (hence the five stars).
And, all in all, this keeps being magical and intriguing, so into the next one sooner rather than later.
April 8, 2022
As with the previous trade, this exceeds the previous volume as more is revealed regarding the liminal space of story and what the cabal is up to. This time, though, Tom is thrust into an actual story: Moby Dick, as he searches for answers. Ritchie and Lizzie have their own story in the “real” world, and we meet a new faction. It ties things up with the continuation of the even more surreal Pauly story as well. The artwork of which is truly superlative.
February 20, 2023
4.0 // Felt a bit like a side quest, but I’m enjoying the deeper questions about this world that these issues are exploring. The connection between stories and the method of traveling between them is brilliant, I think, and creates lots of potential for future adventures. I’m less invested in Tom’s companions though, and the fact that they were separated from him the whole time didn’t help. Still very much enjoying this series though!
August 22, 2012
The Leviathan story line felt a little flat to me. It has moments that I've experienced earlier in the series where I think "Wow, this is fantastic writing." Occasionally, Carey has a turn of phrase or dialogue that makes you set the book down in your lap for a minute so you can roll it around in your head for a while and try to mentally digest it.
Unfortunately, those moments were fewer and farther between than they had been in prior issues. For most of this collection I found myself just not drawn in as much as I had in the past. I also found myself facing that dreaded feeling you experience with some TV series that start out strong and then, after 2 or 3 seasons, you're thinking "Okay, I'm starting to doubt that you have any direction with this."
The power of stories to shape the world continues to be the dominant theme in The Unwritten.
With three prior volumes that I very much enjoyed, I feel I still owe Volume 5 a read. But I can't lie - I'm feeling like the series should get wrapped up. And soon.
Unfortunately, those moments were fewer and farther between than they had been in prior issues. For most of this collection I found myself just not drawn in as much as I had in the past. I also found myself facing that dreaded feeling you experience with some TV series that start out strong and then, after 2 or 3 seasons, you're thinking "Okay, I'm starting to doubt that you have any direction with this."
The power of stories to shape the world continues to be the dominant theme in The Unwritten.
With three prior volumes that I very much enjoyed, I feel I still owe Volume 5 a read. But I can't lie - I'm feeling like the series should get wrapped up. And soon.
January 11, 2018
First, let me just say :whale penis. I saw it, I knew what it was, and hahaha, yes, let's all have a laugh that you put it in your book.
Now that that's out of the way...in this book, we start learning more about Wilson Taylor's plan for his son Tommy & how far back it goes. Let's just say that while Wilson Taylor doesn't appear to be outright evil, he's not above playing dirty to thwart his enemy's goals. The cabal has undergone new management and have brought a 'neutral party' in to try to deal with Tom...a woman who also has power over stories through marionettes (I hope we see more of this character). Tommy finds "the source," but what will he be able to do with it? He and his companions continue to be hounded by a large, well-funded cabal and try mostly to survive and stay out of sight.
Again, I'm fascinated by all the multitude of story lines playing throughout these books. I can't wait to see how they all get drawn back together to make one cohesive whole.
Now that that's out of the way...in this book, we start learning more about Wilson Taylor's plan for his son Tommy & how far back it goes. Let's just say that while Wilson Taylor doesn't appear to be outright evil, he's not above playing dirty to thwart his enemy's goals. The cabal has undergone new management and have brought a 'neutral party' in to try to deal with Tom...a woman who also has power over stories through marionettes (I hope we see more of this character). Tommy finds "the source," but what will he be able to do with it? He and his companions continue to be hounded by a large, well-funded cabal and try mostly to survive and stay out of sight.
Again, I'm fascinated by all the multitude of story lines playing throughout these books. I can't wait to see how they all get drawn back together to make one cohesive whole.
March 3, 2012
Just when this series was really getting good in the previous volume, we're back to "what the heck is going on here?" territory, especially in the last issue in this collection, a return to the foul-mouthed talking animals that made an appearance earlier on. It's interesting, but I want things to move along more clearly. What is really up with that rotten rabbit? I like the journey up the stairs, but what is that all about? And, who was that Scottish guy in the whale's belly? The others were all clarified--Pinocchio, Sinbad, Jonah, Baron Munchhausen--but not that guy. Oh, well, I'm looking forward to the next collection (this is a good comic to read in collected volumes--I'd really be perturbed at the slow pace of the story if I was buying this in single issues).
April 6, 2015
I get the feeling that I may have to binge read the Unwritten trades I have to get back to the metafictional feel that this series had for me in the first three volumes (which were pretty good). After reading this volume I can't decide if the problem is Mike Carey's writing to trade, or DC/Vertigo for releasing such a thin trade. This is a very small chunk of story, and I think both parties could learn from Scott Snyder (American Vampire) and Bill Willingham (Fables) and give readers more story per trade.
To Carey's credit he does a good job of playing with the symbolism of Moby Dick here, but that is about all the credit that I can give him when it comes to this volume.
A short review for what is a short piece of story telling.
To Carey's credit he does a good job of playing with the symbolism of Moby Dick here, but that is about all the credit that I can give him when it comes to this volume.
A short review for what is a short piece of story telling.
January 21, 2021
Still enjoying this. The leviathan concept is interesting and complicated, but well-told. Finally some characters that move me have appeared - but unfortunately they are cannon fodder, as a two-bit thug manipulates and destroys the innocence of every talking animal character from multiple worlds. I feel for THEM, at least. I'm not certain how that's going to tie back in - or why talking animals are shunted away from other literature and its crossovers from reality altogether. At least in Fables there was a clear reason for that. Maybe it will be come more clear here as well.
Onto volume 5! I think I own like 1-8, and the "The Apocalypse" origin story book. But, I also think there are 11 or 12 or 14 trades out in general now.
Onto volume 5! I think I own like 1-8, and the "The Apocalypse" origin story book. But, I also think there are 11 or 12 or 14 trades out in general now.
April 1, 2013
Kind of disappointed with this one. This volume is kind of broken into chapters some of which are only a page or two, most are only three or four. While these chapters made the book a fast read, it also made the story feel somewhat disjointed. Also, I feel like the story is being revealed too slowly, I need more action. I’m waiting for our main character, Tom, to do something. I feel like he is just reacting, being pushed and pulled by outside forces, I get the reluctant hero aspect, but this is book 4!
The art was great and the literary references make it fun, but overall kind of a bore.
The art was great and the literary references make it fun, but overall kind of a bore.
April 1, 2020
Great scenes, exciting plot and side story and horrible pseudo-philosophy. But well, still a great read.
Read
October 27, 2025Primarily knowledge-gathering here, but by the end we seem to be gearing up to move more into plot again. Also curious exactly how the evil rabbit-man story is going to tie in.
December 10, 2022
This volume moves at a snails pace. Tom hopping between books is terribly tedious and doesn’t advance the story enough to matter. This is saved however by the introduction of crazy puppet lady, who is a nice original villain. And I’m not sure if it’ll have anything to do with the main story but the Pauly Bruckner stuff is fucking rad.
March 10, 2017
This series.
So maybe the things I love are things that are true for all of these comic book series things. I wouldn't know. This series has been such a gracefully suspenseful yet satisfying series of revelations--plot twists and images that eventually make sense, soon enough that you remember, but eventually enough that you have to live in confusion for a while.
Some people probably got it way before I did--I'm not really one for philosophy. But then I got it, and the revelation was both powerful and deeply cool.
I am going to be recommending this series to so many English teachers.
So maybe the things I love are things that are true for all of these comic book series things. I wouldn't know. This series has been such a gracefully suspenseful yet satisfying series of revelations--plot twists and images that eventually make sense, soon enough that you remember, but eventually enough that you have to live in confusion for a while.
Some people probably got it way before I did--I'm not really one for philosophy. But then I got it, and the revelation was both powerful and deeply cool.
I am going to be recommending this series to so many English teachers.
January 21, 2018
Tom finally understands the source of his power, so he needs to find his purpose next. The way the power works is underwhelming, but it might be more spectacular in future story arcs.
Savoy is turning into a vampire after Ambrosio's bite while he, Lizzie and Tom are following the next clue on the map. It's supposed to lead them to the source of Wilson and Tom's power. The path leads Tom away from his friends and into the book Moby Dick where he is mistaken for one of the characters. He is worried this will lead to his death, given the events in the book.
Savoy is turning into a vampire after Ambrosio's bite while he, Lizzie and Tom are following the next clue on the map. It's supposed to lead them to the source of Wilson and Tom's power. The path leads Tom away from his friends and into the book Moby Dick where he is mistaken for one of the characters. He is worried this will lead to his death, given the events in the book.
February 28, 2012
Tom Taylor, Lizzie, and Richie are on a quest to find a great white whale – following the clues Tom’s father left behind. Tom ends up trapped inside the story of Moby Dick. He’s visited by Frankenstein who helps him understand a little better how the book world works and how it intersects with the real world. Now he’s got to figure out what his *own* purpose is, what he was created to do. Gossipy spoilers from this volume: Lizzie sleeps with Tom!! Richie is becoming a vampire!!
Unwritten continues to be a compelling tale. This volume includes a side-story from the book world, “Stairway to Heaven,” where a bunch of talking animal book characters have escaped from their stories and are attempting to find the golden door that leads to the promised land. They are joined by a power-hungry rabbit, Pauly, who leads them ever onward, ever upward – telling them whatever it takes to keep them going. When they are attacked by pixies, however, Pauly disappears. Some believe he is a traitor, some think he’s fallen from the stairs to his death. But really, he disappears into a magic hat. Hm…
Unwritten continues to be a compelling tale. This volume includes a side-story from the book world, “Stairway to Heaven,” where a bunch of talking animal book characters have escaped from their stories and are attempting to find the golden door that leads to the promised land. They are joined by a power-hungry rabbit, Pauly, who leads them ever onward, ever upward – telling them whatever it takes to keep them going. When they are attacked by pixies, however, Pauly disappears. Some believe he is a traitor, some think he’s fallen from the stairs to his death. But really, he disappears into a magic hat. Hm…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2012
Another excellent volume! Granted, I am just the type of reader Carey is writing for, a graduate student in English (i.e. one conversant with and actively reading in established classic literature) who still buys and reads comic books in great numbers (a reader who has a great love for the romance [as a genre] as opposed to the novel [as a genre]).
In volume four we learn the source of Wilson (and Tom) Taylor's power, and, at least it seems, by extension the power of this cabal that seeks to control all writers etc. And it's a really cool idea that I won't spoil for you here.
Carey et al provide another excellent round of funny books in what is fast becoming one of my favorite comic stories ever.
Incidentally, this volume closes with another Pauly (the ferociously swearing white rabbit) story, the best one so far. It had some punch to it beyond the irony of super cutesy storybook animals swearing like special forces troops in a firefight. It is, perhaps, not as funny as at least one of the previous issues in this storyline, but for me the fact that the story is beginning to mean something is worth far more.
In volume four we learn the source of Wilson (and Tom) Taylor's power, and, at least it seems, by extension the power of this cabal that seeks to control all writers etc. And it's a really cool idea that I won't spoil for you here.
Carey et al provide another excellent round of funny books in what is fast becoming one of my favorite comic stories ever.
Incidentally, this volume closes with another Pauly (the ferociously swearing white rabbit) story, the best one so far. It had some punch to it beyond the irony of super cutesy storybook animals swearing like special forces troops in a firefight. It is, perhaps, not as funny as at least one of the previous issues in this storyline, but for me the fact that the story is beginning to mean something is worth far more.
September 17, 2012
This series started out as a really interesting mystery/fantasy surrounding a man who wrote a insanely popular book series around a boy wizard (a la Harry Potter) who highly resembles the man's son. The father has since gone missing, is thought to be dead, and suddenly his son Tom is able to do magic in real life, has thugs chasing him, and has no clue whats going on.
Then you get to this installment which all of a sudden gets all philosophical and preachy about belief in books, the role of the reader, and their impact on the stories. All in all super weird. The authors did try to intermingle all this crap with some action, but it just didn't make sense.
All in all this installment alone has totally ruined the series for me, and I don't see myself reading any more of it. Who knows, maybe other people 'got it' more than I did though, so that allowed them to enjoy it more. Meh. I don't care enough about the characters to try again with the next volume.
Then you get to this installment which all of a sudden gets all philosophical and preachy about belief in books, the role of the reader, and their impact on the stories. All in all super weird. The authors did try to intermingle all this crap with some action, but it just didn't make sense.
All in all this installment alone has totally ruined the series for me, and I don't see myself reading any more of it. Who knows, maybe other people 'got it' more than I did though, so that allowed them to enjoy it more. Meh. I don't care enough about the characters to try again with the next volume.
April 12, 2012
like a few other comics, for years the buzz never let up about "The Unwritten". i picked up the first issue, but wasn't into it. i picked up this trade hoping to get hooked. and it is inspired and inspiring. gorgeous illustration. its main attraction for me being a story of a storyverse. at its best it reminds me of borges. but, just like with the single issues, i remain out of the loop of the larger plot, so it drags a lot too. guess i just have to decide if i want to read all the trades in sequence someday. not sure about the payoff. but worth mining for inspiration.
this is also one of the finest examples of the public domain trend in comics lately: fables, peter panzerfaust, lost girls, extraordinary gentlemen, oz, etc.
too bad we don't have our hands on superman, batman, and mickey mouse yet.
this is also one of the finest examples of the public domain trend in comics lately: fables, peter panzerfaust, lost girls, extraordinary gentlemen, oz, etc.
too bad we don't have our hands on superman, batman, and mickey mouse yet.
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