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Storm
A storm is brewing at a London Dinner party. When Tim meets the mysterious fifth guest at the table, small talk descends into a battle between science and belief.
Audiences around the world have been wowed by the lyrical wonders of Storm in its viral smash-hit animation form. Now fully reimagined with original artwork, this sparkling ode to scepticism by multi-award-winning comedian and musician Tim Minchin is brought to life for the first time in a book.
Audiences around the world have been wowed by the lyrical wonders of Storm in its viral smash-hit animation form. Now fully reimagined with original artwork, this sparkling ode to scepticism by multi-award-winning comedian and musician Tim Minchin is brought to life for the first time in a book.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Tim Minchin
33 books143 followersTimothy David "Tim" Minchin is an Australian-British comedian, actor, and musician.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Minchin
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Minchin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
December 3, 2015
A very Tim Minchin-esque rant aimed at a 'hippy' named Storm who argues alternative medicine and auras while Tim shoots her down with logic and wit. No doubt some people out there will be offended by this, but if you're the type of person who's offended by Tim Minchin's many intelligent, humorous rhymes then you probably shouldn't bother picking it up in the first place.
I'm a fan, just in case that wasn't clear.
I'm a fan, just in case that wasn't clear.
April 6, 2015
If you've ever had to spend time with someone who:
- spouts platitudes that fly in the face of logic and refuses to see reason even when irrefutable scientific evidence swarms around the room like a cloud of angry bees.
- concludes every argument with "Because it's God's will" or "Because God designed it that way."
- insists that suffering through a seriously infectious disease is safer than getting a vaccine because some bimbo who once posed naked sitting on a toilet says it's so.
BUT, for the sake of politeness, courtesy and just plain getting through the evening without bursting any major blood vessels in your brain, you've choked it down and sat quietly nodding rather than standing up for your beliefs and getting into a pointless argument, then spent the ride/walk home railing to your spouse/significant other/total stranger about all the things you should have said . . . this is the book for you.
Tim Minchin has suffered through an evening like this, holding a conversation with the New Agey/daydream-believin' Storm. Tim Minchin will say all those things you wish you'd said, AND he says them in rhyme.
When Storm says, "You're so sure of your position but you're just close-minded
I think you'll find that your faith in science and tests is just as blind as the faith of any fundamentalist."
Tim replies, "Wow, that's a good point. Let me think for a bit. Oh wait, my mistake. That's absolute BULL SHIT!
This one has the look of a children's book, and though I think it is important for children to learn all of the reason and logic set forth by Minchin, you may not want to have your kiddies read about a man offering to carve words into his cock, so discretion is advised.
Otherwise - EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
- spouts platitudes that fly in the face of logic and refuses to see reason even when irrefutable scientific evidence swarms around the room like a cloud of angry bees.
- concludes every argument with "Because it's God's will" or "Because God designed it that way."
- insists that suffering through a seriously infectious disease is safer than getting a vaccine because some bimbo who once posed naked sitting on a toilet says it's so.
BUT, for the sake of politeness, courtesy and just plain getting through the evening without bursting any major blood vessels in your brain, you've choked it down and sat quietly nodding rather than standing up for your beliefs and getting into a pointless argument, then spent the ride/walk home railing to your spouse/significant other/total stranger about all the things you should have said . . . this is the book for you.
Tim Minchin has suffered through an evening like this, holding a conversation with the New Agey/daydream-believin' Storm. Tim Minchin will say all those things you wish you'd said, AND he says them in rhyme.
When Storm says, "You're so sure of your position but you're just close-minded
I think you'll find that your faith in science and tests is just as blind as the faith of any fundamentalist."
Tim replies, "Wow, that's a good point. Let me think for a bit. Oh wait, my mistake. That's absolute BULL SHIT!
This one has the look of a children's book, and though I think it is important for children to learn all of the reason and logic set forth by Minchin, you may not want to have your kiddies read about a man offering to carve words into his cock, so discretion is advised.
Otherwise - EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
December 16, 2014
This comedian Tim Minchin
Wrote a poem most bitchin’
Of a dinner party that went down the crapper
When he met a young hippy named Storm
Whose beliefs he battled all evening long
The two rhyming as they argued like a pair of battlin’ rappers
Storm believed in horoscopes and holistic medicine
To the exclusion of science, knowledge and wisdom
Why learn? Why educate?
Why not just love and feel stuff, she pontificates
While Minchin kept schtum out of politeness
Though he couldn’t
Keep quiet for long, in the face of such madness
And thankfully he didn’t
What follows is a beat poem of a unique kind
Where Minchin pushes back against ignorance and wilful stupidity
And celebrates the achievements of mankind
With an energy and passion and a little bit of crudity
But it’s wonderful and clever, drawn beautifully too
And his arguments so well argued they’re very convincing
Pick up this delightful book today, you owe it to you
To enjoy the delights of Storm by Tim Minchin!
Wrote a poem most bitchin’
Of a dinner party that went down the crapper
When he met a young hippy named Storm
Whose beliefs he battled all evening long
The two rhyming as they argued like a pair of battlin’ rappers
Storm believed in horoscopes and holistic medicine
To the exclusion of science, knowledge and wisdom
Why learn? Why educate?
Why not just love and feel stuff, she pontificates
While Minchin kept schtum out of politeness
Though he couldn’t
Keep quiet for long, in the face of such madness
And thankfully he didn’t
What follows is a beat poem of a unique kind
Where Minchin pushes back against ignorance and wilful stupidity
And celebrates the achievements of mankind
With an energy and passion and a little bit of crudity
But it’s wonderful and clever, drawn beautifully too
And his arguments so well argued they’re very convincing
Pick up this delightful book today, you owe it to you
To enjoy the delights of Storm by Tim Minchin!
December 20, 2015
Read this one in something like ten minutes while I was at Foyles in Charing Cross - which has everything, btw, but, you know, gotta watch that wallet, and I really didn't feel like shelling out thirteen pounds for what is basically a pamphlet.
Which, it turns out, was a wise decision.
It's nice, it's really nice - very musical and clever, and I love the dark colours and expressive faces, but I expected something a bit deeper and more complex. I reckon most of the people who'll read this already have a modicum of grey matter in their skulls, so it doesn't exactly give anything to the world in such a short, essential version. It's an intelligent idea in a kids' book format, which might seem brilliant to some, but doesn't really do anything for me.
Which, it turns out, was a wise decision.
It's nice, it's really nice - very musical and clever, and I love the dark colours and expressive faces, but I expected something a bit deeper and more complex. I reckon most of the people who'll read this already have a modicum of grey matter in their skulls, so it doesn't exactly give anything to the world in such a short, essential version. It's an intelligent idea in a kids' book format, which might seem brilliant to some, but doesn't really do anything for me.
Read
January 4, 2015I'd love to say this should be required reading for anyone who's ever argued against or refused the MMR vaccine. But I think that is exactly the person who wouldn't be convinced by this fabulous rant.
I particularly loved the "Isn't this enough" section - isn't this mysterious, complex universe amazing enough without adding in the supernatural? I'm not sure I agree with it, as a reader and writer of fantasy myself and therefore guilty of illogical thought - and as a folklorist I still love the idea that science and magic can exist side by side. The Scopes trial argument that science doesn't contradict the existence of God is one that pleases me. "What is the meaning of all these wonderful things? Both can be true."
I sure wish I could channel my own rants this creatively!
I particularly loved the "Isn't this enough" section - isn't this mysterious, complex universe amazing enough without adding in the supernatural? I'm not sure I agree with it, as a reader and writer of fantasy myself and therefore guilty of illogical thought - and as a folklorist I still love the idea that science and magic can exist side by side. The Scopes trial argument that science doesn't contradict the existence of God is one that pleases me. "What is the meaning of all these wonderful things? Both can be true."
I sure wish I could channel my own rants this creatively!
April 15, 2015
Have always loved Tim Minchin, and still do. I had issues with the fictional protagonist feeling it's okay to yell at the only unaccompanied woman - a new arrival in the country - at a party, goading her about the 'tattoos on her titties' or about 'etching words into his cock'. And all just because she's a (albeit VERY annoying and deluded) garden variety hippy? The characterisation of Storm was sharp and amusing, and the writing was good. Some of the illustrations (the zoom-outs of the universe) were also excellent.
August 6, 2020
Man creates a graphic novel so he can win an argument against a woman that he couldn’t win irl. He does so rudely, insulting her appearance and talking about his own dick. I did like some of the illustrations and the beat poetry style, however I thought it lacked depth or class and its main point seemed to be self-glorification.
December 1, 2014
It's hard to give this anything less than five stars, because Tim Minchin's Beat poem Storm is a five star work of comedic literature.
I saw Tim perform Storm live, and it was one of the greatest things I've ever seen on stage. The animated movie which can be viewed free on Youtube was a perfect companion to it with stunning animation, and this graphic novel adaptation is yet another worthy companion. It shares its art style with the animation, but has its own design perfectly developed for the format.
I think it would be difficult to truly enjoy without having experienced Minchin's performance of it, either in the animated short film or on stage, as so much of it relies on his delivery and tone. I couldn't remove his voice from my head while reading it and so the two are inextricably linked for me. The artists have managed to perfectly visually convey his words however, and what more could any true fan ask for?
Any Tim Minchin fan will love this, and it's certainly something to appeal to all rational minded people. I mean, let's face it, we all know a Storm.
I saw Tim perform Storm live, and it was one of the greatest things I've ever seen on stage. The animated movie which can be viewed free on Youtube was a perfect companion to it with stunning animation, and this graphic novel adaptation is yet another worthy companion. It shares its art style with the animation, but has its own design perfectly developed for the format.
I think it would be difficult to truly enjoy without having experienced Minchin's performance of it, either in the animated short film or on stage, as so much of it relies on his delivery and tone. I couldn't remove his voice from my head while reading it and so the two are inextricably linked for me. The artists have managed to perfectly visually convey his words however, and what more could any true fan ask for?
Any Tim Minchin fan will love this, and it's certainly something to appeal to all rational minded people. I mean, let's face it, we all know a Storm.
October 12, 2014
I have the signed limited edition slipcased hardback of this book, so not sure if it has extras that the paperback doesn't have. But it's a truly beautiful looking, interesting and thought-provoking poem, and the rest of the book (introduction, afterwards and bits and pieces about how the animation and this graphic novel were made) is a real bonus that gives the poem that extra special something. All in all, this graphic novel is really worth the money and I will be showing it to everyone who comes to my house! Really love it. (And the fact that it's signed isn't bad either!)
December 22, 2018
The artwork is great and I agree with the message but I disagree with how it's being presented. Yelling at someone and being rude to them won't change their mind and as he even says at much at the end.
May 15, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this one. Illustration are great and funny, but the story is about pointless quarrel with flawed arguments on both sides.
November 7, 2016
Amazing!
June 25, 2019
First there was the song, then there was the short animated film, this is the graphic novel!
In the quest to find uplifting graphic novels and because Tim Minchin is a top person, when I saw this.......just had to borrow it from the local library.
I'm a bit of a Tim fan, but obviously not as committed as I could be.
This had been completely off my radar....and it's brilliant!
If I believed in the holy grail, this could just be it......... for uplifting (totally brilliant) graphic novels and it teaches you how to deal with nutters at dinner parties with a beat poet type of delivery.
If anything has convinced me that a touch of Jazz added to the moment improves it no end then this is it. At least, this gives you a natty internal dialogue to entertain you while you're being polite on the surface :D
If you can't get a copy of it then watch the film, you won't be disappointed :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGuX...
And if you end up on a Tim Minchin youtube spiral, there are worse ways to spend your time.
Enjoy! :D
January 18, 2025
Efter Tim Minchins framträdande på Waterstones kom jag att tänka på ur imponerad jag blivit tio år tidigare av hans moderna beatdikt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGuX...
Fann den i grafisk roman-form och den har fortfarande verkligen något att säga i vår delvis återförtrollade era.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGuX...
Fann den i grafisk roman-form och den har fortfarande verkligen något att säga i vår delvis återförtrollade era.
November 29, 2025
Concise and cogent graphic novel about the lack of evidence for the existence of a god. Powerful in the short form.
October 26, 2014
I have been waiting for this book for so long! I have seen the animated version of 'Storm' numerous times and love the message and the wit. This book is a perfect adaptation of that short animation.
This book has the poem 'Storm' illustrated in a beautiful graphic novel full-colour style as well as an introduction by Neil Gaiman, interviews with the creators and also sketchbook images of the making of the book and animation. I own the Limited Edition signed copy (number 588 if you're interested!) so I'm unsure whether the normal edition is the same so bear that in mind.
Usually I'm not too much into poetry but this is one that I think about all the time, especially when people start talking about horoscopes and such! I think if you believe in science over things like homoeopathy than you should definitely pick this book up and also watch the animation.
Overall this is a short read that took me less than an hour to get through but it is something that I will definitely be returning to again and again. I couldn't help but hear Tim Minchin's voice as I was reading it - maybe that shows how many times I've seen the animation? I just loved the art style, the poem, the additional information included and overall, just the way this book is produced. I would definitely recommend it and think it'd make a great gift too.
This book has the poem 'Storm' illustrated in a beautiful graphic novel full-colour style as well as an introduction by Neil Gaiman, interviews with the creators and also sketchbook images of the making of the book and animation. I own the Limited Edition signed copy (number 588 if you're interested!) so I'm unsure whether the normal edition is the same so bear that in mind.
Usually I'm not too much into poetry but this is one that I think about all the time, especially when people start talking about horoscopes and such! I think if you believe in science over things like homoeopathy than you should definitely pick this book up and also watch the animation.
Overall this is a short read that took me less than an hour to get through but it is something that I will definitely be returning to again and again. I couldn't help but hear Tim Minchin's voice as I was reading it - maybe that shows how many times I've seen the animation? I just loved the art style, the poem, the additional information included and overall, just the way this book is produced. I would definitely recommend it and think it'd make a great gift too.
January 1, 2015
Tim Minchin's Storm is the response I wish I could give whenever anyone around me starts banging on about homeopathy, psychics, auras, or worrying about when The Rapture is due to start, instead of the oh-so-mature eye-rolling and proclamations of 'Yeah, well Gandalf says...' that I usually tend to indulge in.
A brilliant beat-style ode to critical thinking that works just as well in graphic novel form as it does when performed, with the wonderful illustrations flowing as well as the words and underscoring Minchin's arguments well, if you've not yet encountered Storm you can do so here.
**Also posted at Randomly Reading and Ranting**
A brilliant beat-style ode to critical thinking that works just as well in graphic novel form as it does when performed, with the wonderful illustrations flowing as well as the words and underscoring Minchin's arguments well, if you've not yet encountered Storm you can do so here.
**Also posted at Randomly Reading and Ranting**
October 16, 2014
Great idea but poor poem and flawed argument... except it isn't an argument in the sense that the cover seems to promise, between Storm and the author. Just a polemic which is neither original nor up to date.
I got the feeling that this has been a pet dinner party rant of the author for some time. It feels like a years-old spiel, dated by things like describing Storm as a "hippy" and suggesting that homeopathy isn't "proved". In fact mainstream medicine isn't proved, only evidenced, and if Tim Minchin isn't aware of the current body of evidence for homeopathy or other alternative medicines he should be doing some research on PubMed.
This should have been interesting, and it would have been if it had had more perspective and been a genuine exploration of both sides.
I got the feeling that this has been a pet dinner party rant of the author for some time. It feels like a years-old spiel, dated by things like describing Storm as a "hippy" and suggesting that homeopathy isn't "proved". In fact mainstream medicine isn't proved, only evidenced, and if Tim Minchin isn't aware of the current body of evidence for homeopathy or other alternative medicines he should be doing some research on PubMed.
This should have been interesting, and it would have been if it had had more perspective and been a genuine exploration of both sides.
January 17, 2016
Literally a card-carrying sceptic, I just couldn't bring myself to like this. Perhaps it was the doggerel? More like the verse doesn't go with the panels. 2 stars because I can get behind the intent and I did finish it.
January 25, 2015
I was hoping that this would be persuasive to those who hold a different view point but as is often the case, it is preaching to the converted.
July 31, 2018
The beat poem called Storm, by comedian Tim Minchin, has long been one of my favourite bits of comedy. I have seen Tim perform it and I have watched the animated movie. I love the way it flows and the sentiments it purveys.
Now, I have finally read the comic book as well and it just made me feel so happy! I could hear Tim’s voice reciting it in my mind and I know I could never seperate it from the performance. I will treasure this comic book forever!
I am not sure how it would feel to someone who has not heard it performed (which is the only reason I am not giving it full marks). But then, I guess it is aimed at people who have and love it! Like me 🙂
Now, I have finally read the comic book as well and it just made me feel so happy! I could hear Tim’s voice reciting it in my mind and I know I could never seperate it from the performance. I will treasure this comic book forever!
I am not sure how it would feel to someone who has not heard it performed (which is the only reason I am not giving it full marks). But then, I guess it is aimed at people who have and love it! Like me 🙂
September 2, 2021
I've loved Tim Minchin for so long now, that when I saw the graphic novel in Waterstones I couldn't not pick it up! Storm is a fantastic beat poem that sums up so many thoughts and feelings, it is as though Minchin had read my mind. Funny, witty, and with great artwork by DC Turner and Tracy King, if you're a fan of Tim Minchin, science, or empirical knowledge, this graphic novel is definitely for you.
March 17, 2020
I knew the song quite well before reading this but holy shit I have a new appreciation for what Minchin actually does with the rhymes in this. It's incredibly clever and the art fits everything said perfectly. I wouldn't pay a lot for this (I borrowed this from library) but if you can find a cheap copy, pick this up and look at the way the words are weaved together to conjure something so witty and humourous while still hitting the nail on the head with every point he makes.
August 23, 2021
I can’t believe that it has taken me this long to discover that my favourite work of the incredible Tim Minchin had been made into a graphic novel! Absolutely fantastic *chefs kiss* of a rant/poem, with brilliant illustrations. If you love Tim Minchin, you will love this!
December 10, 2025
That was the book that I needed to read right now! I loved it. Sahar you have got to read this
October 24, 2014
Storm is my favourite Tim Minchin piece, who is in turn my favourite comedian. When I have the time, usually once a day, I recite the whole thing from memory. So having this ten minute beat poem about rationalism in the face of stout opposition as a book was an essential purchase for me. And the book is simply gorgeous. I plumped for the hardcover limited signed edition, because hey, why not? This is less picture book than objet d'art, and I intend to treat and keep it as such. Recommended for all us hard-nosed cynics tired of "Magic Happens" bumper stickers and homeopathic lollies for kids in chemists!
January 19, 2015
Brilliant. Sharp. Extremely funny and deadly accurate.
My son gave me this for Christmas or I would never have discovered it. Next I am going to watch the animated version on YouTube which preceded the book and then watch more of Minchin.
I have heard him on the radio talking about Matilda the Musical (from Roald Dahl's Matilda) and seen that he was performing in concert with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, but didn't go to the concert! Bad mistake, I now think.
My son gave me this for Christmas or I would never have discovered it. Next I am going to watch the animated version on YouTube which preceded the book and then watch more of Minchin.
I have heard him on the radio talking about Matilda the Musical (from Roald Dahl's Matilda) and seen that he was performing in concert with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, but didn't go to the concert! Bad mistake, I now think.
May 3, 2015
Obviously I have been living under a rock for the last four years as I only stumbled across Storm in my local library and until reading it, I had never seen the YouTube video!
This is awesome and I so wish that I could come up with arguments like these when faced with someone who tries to convince me on the various shortfalls and evils of science rather than bumbling like an idiot like I usually do!
This is awesome and I so wish that I could come up with arguments like these when faced with someone who tries to convince me on the various shortfalls and evils of science rather than bumbling like an idiot like I usually do!
October 20, 2014
I think I'm into Tim Minchin a lot more than I've made time for. His rational approach to life, captured in this graphic novel where the scientific character Tim intellectually tussles with the belief-fuelled character Storm, is a call to live based in reality. The YouTube video of the book (search for "Storm The Movie) is worth watching.
November 2, 2016
A man meets a woman at a dinner party in North London; they don't agree on anything. Sharp, witty, pertinent and passionate, this is an ode to rational thought written by the awesome Tim Minchin. Graphic novels are not usually my thing, though even I can see how the illustrative style enhances the message here. Do not read if the written swearword will offend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews