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Comedy of Doom
Comedy of Doom is a collection of essays, parodies, and true stories covering every major topic in geek culture. Including smart, funny takes on video games, Star Wars, vampires, Doctor Who, Jane Austen, a complete guide to emotional preparation for the zombie apocalypse, instructions for the new sport called Competitive Hugging, and more.
- GenresHumor
272 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 4, 2014
I had some iTumes money so went ahead and got the more expensive audiobook version which I was glad about because you really need to hear Scrimshaw's voice in these bits. I've caught him at DragonCon for the last few years and he's always hilarious. The only bit I've seen him do better live was the "Competitive Hugging" one. It's a funny idea in the book but to see it done with audience volunteers is absolutely hilarious.
March 22, 2021
[4.5]
You've heard him on Wits and Obsessed, you've watched him rock the Rockstar Storytellers, you've seen him in acclaimed Fringe Fest shows like An Inconvenient Squirrel and plays like Sexy Librarian: File Under Rock Musical; now read the book! After having sampled and been very impressed with all of these wonderfully delicious offerings from the fecund imagination of Joseph Scrimshaw, I was looking forward to digging into this hotdish of nerdy humor. "Comedy of Doom" is a highly amusing and compulsively readable collection of the wit and wisdom of the “geek flavored” writer, comedian, and Minnesotan, Joseph Scrimshaw. For Scrimshaw, it is a flavor seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of absurdity, introspection, and pop culture references, proving that Minnesota might just be a state slightly geekier than most.
These stories, essays, and asides are chock full of self-depreciating personal stories, ruminations of Lovecraftian hopelessness, vampire ponies, and a whole bunch of Star Wars/Dr. Who jokes. I particularly appreciated the writing advice. While not every piece is a masterpiece, most hit a glorious level of geekitude without becoming so widely obscure that a tourist into geekdom might be lost (though, by the end of it, the reader will have become deeply steeped in “nerdlore,” as Scrimshaw terms it). In particular, I enjoyed his definitions of the term(s), some of the most inclusive, positive explorations of geek culture I have seen, and one that I think I’ll stick with; “an intelligent person who likes something.” I also really liked the checklist of geek topics at the end of each essay, as, of course, it draws in my own obsession with lists and cataloging stuff. I, for one, am really looking forward to the “Tragedy of Hope!”
You've heard him on Wits and Obsessed, you've watched him rock the Rockstar Storytellers, you've seen him in acclaimed Fringe Fest shows like An Inconvenient Squirrel and plays like Sexy Librarian: File Under Rock Musical; now read the book! After having sampled and been very impressed with all of these wonderfully delicious offerings from the fecund imagination of Joseph Scrimshaw, I was looking forward to digging into this hotdish of nerdy humor. "Comedy of Doom" is a highly amusing and compulsively readable collection of the wit and wisdom of the “geek flavored” writer, comedian, and Minnesotan, Joseph Scrimshaw. For Scrimshaw, it is a flavor seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of absurdity, introspection, and pop culture references, proving that Minnesota might just be a state slightly geekier than most.
These stories, essays, and asides are chock full of self-depreciating personal stories, ruminations of Lovecraftian hopelessness, vampire ponies, and a whole bunch of Star Wars/Dr. Who jokes. I particularly appreciated the writing advice. While not every piece is a masterpiece, most hit a glorious level of geekitude without becoming so widely obscure that a tourist into geekdom might be lost (though, by the end of it, the reader will have become deeply steeped in “nerdlore,” as Scrimshaw terms it). In particular, I enjoyed his definitions of the term(s), some of the most inclusive, positive explorations of geek culture I have seen, and one that I think I’ll stick with; “an intelligent person who likes something.” I also really liked the checklist of geek topics at the end of each essay, as, of course, it draws in my own obsession with lists and cataloging stuff. I, for one, am really looking forward to the “Tragedy of Hope!”
December 1, 2012
My primary criticism of this book is that it is too short. When Scrimshaw is "on", he is immensely enjoyable. As with most humor books, there are a couple of places where the humor doesn't quite take off. But overall, it is a joy to read his reminiscences about the place of Star Wars and Doctor Who in his childhood and, consequently, his life. Sci-fi nerds of all ages can certainly relate.
January 10, 2021
Second time reading (first was several years ago) and I really don't find any of the long stories funny. The one sentence "tweets" are the best bits but it's kind of disappointing to have so much build up in the longer stories only for some simple sarcastic joke or observation for the punchline. I couldn't wait to be done with this book. Stick with Scrimshaws twitter instead
August 17, 2012
If you're not familiar with Scrimshaw through his blog, plays, or podcasts, this is a wonderful collection to get to know his nerdy and poignant humor.
If you are familiar with him for any of these reasons, you already know you love his stuff, so why not keep it in on easy-to-find location?
Fast, fun, and smart.
If you are familiar with him for any of these reasons, you already know you love his stuff, so why not keep it in on easy-to-find location?
Fast, fun, and smart.
May 2, 2017
I've really enjoyed Scrimshaw's comedy and this book was no different. I liked the variety from psuedo fictional to personal narrative to the short offhand comments in between the longer pieces. The choose-your-own adventure was quite enjoyable. If you like geeky things and laughing, a definite must-read.
September 10, 2013
If you're a geek, or, like me, have "geek tendencies," you'll love "Comedy of Doom" from fellow Minnesotan Joseph Scrimshaw. Takes on Star Wars, Harry Potter, vampires, video games, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, JANE AUSTEN ... even a choose-your-own-adventure story. Funny and clever.
July 17, 2012
Very funny!
July 21, 2012
Fun, fast read from MN comedian. Geeklopedia of sorts.
March 31, 2013
Hit and miss, more hits than misses. The shortest bits were the funniest; his longer form stuff tended to drag.
July 26, 2016
A little short...but not surprisingly so, as it is a book of comedic musings. In other words... I want more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews