Blob, The

by David Bischoff

The horror creature that menaced American moviegoers in the 1950s returns in a chilling story of a creeping, crawling, seeping, mauling monster

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Monsters

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1988

About the author

aka Mark Grant (with Bruce King), Brad Quentin (with Terry Bisson)

Born in Washington D.C. and now living in Eugene, Oregon, David Bischoff writes science fiction books, short stories, and scripts for television. Though he has been writing since the early 1970s, and has had over 80 books published, David is best known for novelizations of popular movies and TV series including the Aliens, Gremlins, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and WarGames.

Reviews

[Kooshmeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Film novelizations. I love collecting them. David Bischoff's book here is the 1988 remake of 'The Blob' in book form and for the most part that's pretty much it.

It appears Bischoff's novel is based on an earlier draft of the script since it contains a few minor differences from Darabont's film, which I will detail here for prospective buyers who might want to own this book - The town is called Morgan City instead of Arborville, Paul's last name is Tyler instead of Taylor (I guess Bischoff misplaced an "a"), Dr. Meddows is named Bruno Trimble, and possibly the biggest difference (which ain't saying much), the character of Anthony isn't Eddie's brother, is the same age as him and Kevin, and isn't an usher at the theater.

Beyond this differences Bischoff's book follows the same basic plot as the film, and like most decent novelizations it gives backstories to the various characters, major and minor (including the ill-fated Can Man, whose real name the book gives as Jimmy Nick). Learning about Brian Flagg's past in particular was nice. Some parts of the book are the ones told from the blob's point of view. Or at least as much of a point of view as a mound of carnivorous sludge can have. Sadly, the blob's thought processes are about what you think: all it does is think about eating.

Anyhoo, David Bischoff's 'Blob' makes a fine companion piece to the '88 film, but unless you're really into collecting movie novelizations like me this might not appeal to you.

[Naja Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining! The character development was intriguing and funny. I enjoyed the jokes throughout the novel and was pleased with the ending that is satisfying but also leaves room for a sequel. The characters in the book are likeable, the plot moves at a fast pace, and there is plenty of action to keep me entertained throughout.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satisfyingly high level of deaths by voracious blob. Would recommend.

[Bryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Actually a decent novelization of the movie... nothing spectacular but it serves its purpose. And you can read it in less than 90 minutes, so it never outstays its welcome.

[Seanda Jágr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually far better than the movie! As much as I love the movie, and don't honestly read a whole lot, as it is; this book is a most unique one. Every so often I will go back and read it. Recently, I have acquired the German version "Der Blob" (from a dear friend) as a side-piece companion to it, as I am trying to learn German. The reason why I love this book so much!? Well, until about like maybe 12 years ago, I had a fear of the Blob. I was always fascinated by it, but still feared it regardless. I happened upon my copy at a Goodwill for 99 cents, about 12 years ago. I read it, thus overcoming my fear. What the original, or the remake films fail to showcase, is that the Blob does have feelings, and can very much think. It does have a mind. And, to read with the Blob's thoughts and personality traits in mind, that in itself was enough to help me conquer my fear. I have always loved the Blob, and for about 12 years, I can finally love and respect the Blob for what it is, without fear. David Bischoff is a might, fine writer, and he did an exceptional job at staying pretty much as true to the movie as possible, with the bonus added exception of portraying so perfectly the Blob with significant thought and feeling. If you love the 1988 remake movie, you def will love the movie tie-in novel. Highly recommend!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected, but my expectations were rather low. After all, its novelization of a re-make of a classic B-movie from the 50s. (Don't get me wrong; I love the original movie.) I've not seen the re-make yet, but if it has half the charm of the book it's probably worth a watch. There's a wry sense of humor cooked into the book and just enough characterization to make you care about citizens of Morgan City, CO.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Don't get attached to too many of characters.

***END SPOILER***

All in all it was a fun read and a nice way to pass a wet and stormy weekend.

[Alain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this over a weekend. Saw this movie first way back in high school (the reboot I mean).

Nice adaptation. Fairly fast paced with an antagonist that's truly vicious and voracious, but not inherently evil. Lots of funny internal dialogue ("animate bags of blood" hahaha!) even while horrible things are going on.

The scares (book wise) were visceral enough to entertain. Much better than most similar offerings out there. Not classic horror but served its purpose. Enjoyed it.

[airy frier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book read like a shitty 80’s horror movie 😚 great kills

[Richárd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it will be one of these mindless, not entertaining piece of popular fiction, but it turned out to be a rather OK book which is still a mindless one, but in a better meaning. I can only recommend this to you, if you want to laugh or to disgust.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in an evening. It was just as entertainingly mindless as I remembered from when I was young! *lol* Def brought back good memories of watching pointless "horror" (read: silly!) movies as a kid!

[Mikepottz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gory, visceral ride of a blob hunting for prey and feeding on humans and growing each time. So much fun. A guy getting sucked down a kitchen drain pipe and a person in a telephone booth being totally covered by a blob is a winner.

[Noel · Rating 3 out of 5]

good and gory fun