Beanworld, Book 1

by Larry Marder

Book by Marder, Larry

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Larry Marder is the creator of Tales of the Beanworld.

Reviews

[Jeff Lewonczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd run into images and panels from Beanworld over the years and never quite knew what it was all about - the mystery of these weird, glyph-like characters and situations was enticingly mysterious. Now that I've read a handful of Beanworld stories, I'm excited to say that this vibe hasn't been dispelled - this is truly weird yet accessible stuff, using a stark graphic and narrative simplicity to weave wonderful fairy tales about a quasi-abstract ecosystem where every detail matters. Sometimes it feels like an allegory for earth, other times it's a strange experiment in relatability - can you identify with a bean? - but it's always fun and interesting. Can't wait to read more!

[Aivija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. The black and white art is great, the art direction is really strong - simplistic but full of character, reminding me of Bone in the best ways. I really enjoy the underlying themes of ecology, the writing did not feel dated at all.

[Bill Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larry Marder likes to say that his Beanworld isn't a place, but a process, and while that may sound a bit high-fallutin', it's an accurate description. The Beanworld is a completely symbiotic place, with the survival and well-being of each of its races completely dependent upon one another, and while the story focuses on the Beans themselves (especially Professor Garbonzo, Beanish, and Mr. Spook), we definitely get a feel for the entire place as the story progresses. It's part ecology lesson, part parable for the progress of a society (the development of tools, specialized jobs, the invention of art, etc.), but mostly it's fun.

And now that Marder no longer works for Todd McFarlane, he plans to return to Beanworld, with new stories and plans to collect the remainder of the original stuff that has yet to be reprinted. Fantastic news.

[charlotte Phillips]

great comic book. Marder creates an entire world with its own interconnected ecosystem and history that is at once incredibly simple, self-sustaining, and productive, while containing a complexity that keeps things from getting boring. Funny too. Thanks Alec!

[Patricia Barrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the first several issues of the comic book from way back when. I've always loved the Beanworld series. Unfortunately, I gave my set of hard cover books to my oldest son and he's read them to pieces. I need to order a new set for myself.

[Lea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

whahoolazooma! beanworld cannot be explained. but as someone who has had her own breakout, it holds a great fascination for me.