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Pop Art
A beautiful story about Art; a living, breathing boy in all respects - who happens to be made of inflatable plastic. POP ART is an exceptional, must-read of a short story.Joe Hill is the New York Times bestselling author of NOS4A2, Horns, and Heart-Shaped Box, and the prize-winning story collection 20th Century Ghosts. He is also the co-author, with Stephen King, of In the Tall Grass.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2007
20 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
504 books30.1k followersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 3, 2015
One of the most original and one of the best short stories I've ever read. It's the story of two young boys, schoolmates, both misfits, especially Arthur who is an inflatable boy. A very moving story with an ending that may bring a tear to your eye. What an imagination to come up with the idea for this story. Then after I finish I learn Joe Hill is really Joe H. King, the son of Stephen King. I think that apple didn't fall far from the tree.
May 28, 2023
Starting to listen to some of Joe Hill's short stories.
This one was a little weird but was a good story even if I had some questions about the characters.
This one was a little weird but was a good story even if I had some questions about the characters.
August 1, 2025
“Something that can’t be measured or seen could still exist and have meaning.”
“I’ve decided. I’m going to see how high I can go. I want to see if it’s true. If the sky opens up at the top.”
“I’ve decided. I’m going to see how high I can go. I want to see if it’s true. If the sky opens up at the top.”
February 4, 2015
UPDATE: 04/02/15
I have just found out that this short story was actually made into a very short movie as well! It's only fifteen minutes long and it is free on youtube right now! I know what I'm watching on my dinner hour! :-D
If you want to check it out, you can find it on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK8Is...
I really enjoyed this short story so I'm looking forward to this little movie! If you're interested in my thoughts then you can find my original review below.
When I started reading this I thought it was going to be awful! Like some terrible porn or something. A boy and his inflatable friend!!!
The thing is bough, this is actually a really good story about friendship and life in general. It does start to pull on the old heart strings a little bit towards the end.
It's a short story, only takes maybe half an hour to read but it's definitely worth checking out.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
I have just found out that this short story was actually made into a very short movie as well! It's only fifteen minutes long and it is free on youtube right now! I know what I'm watching on my dinner hour! :-D
If you want to check it out, you can find it on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK8Is...
I really enjoyed this short story so I'm looking forward to this little movie! If you're interested in my thoughts then you can find my original review below.
When I started reading this I thought it was going to be awful! Like some terrible porn or something. A boy and his inflatable friend!!!
The thing is bough, this is actually a really good story about friendship and life in general. It does start to pull on the old heart strings a little bit towards the end.
It's a short story, only takes maybe half an hour to read but it's definitely worth checking out.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
December 29, 2023
weird but good!
October 30, 2020
When I first read the short story Pop Art I was hit with an intense feeling of sorrow. How could such a short, almost silly premised story blow me away like this? Reading it again now, for the umpteenth time because I’ve asked others to read it, I find myself on the verge of tears, AGAIN. And this time, like every time except the first, I knew what was going to happen!
The plot is a common trope of YA fiction; new kid gets relentlessly bullied because he’s different, but then, new kid makes a friend. Not so common is that the new kid also saves his savior, while still being very, very fragile himself. Hill perfectly captures a simple, no holds barred, on-point description of the hell that high school is for some: crummy or absent parents; disability; religion; earning and giving trust, albeit reluctantly; bullies; and dealing with death before teen minds can accept, much less understand, it.
The boys, being outsiders together, support each other, strengthening their dependence on one another. By making Art something completely foreign to us Hill is able to access tough, basic emotions like love, empathy and loss in a way we can hold separate from ourselves, at arms length. We feel for Art and his friend, deeply in my case, but this is fantasy, so it’s not really real feelings. But… it is.
Pop Art, although included in a horror anthology, is probably more like science fiction. What makes it such a transcendent story is that Hill relays the unknown, loss, endings, and the absolute horror of living on this planet without someone who understands, maybe even loves, us. Despite the tragedy of Art, Hill leaves us on a hopeful note. Perhaps there can be more than one someone and we simply need to wait for them.
The plot is a common trope of YA fiction; new kid gets relentlessly bullied because he’s different, but then, new kid makes a friend. Not so common is that the new kid also saves his savior, while still being very, very fragile himself. Hill perfectly captures a simple, no holds barred, on-point description of the hell that high school is for some: crummy or absent parents; disability; religion; earning and giving trust, albeit reluctantly; bullies; and dealing with death before teen minds can accept, much less understand, it.
The boys, being outsiders together, support each other, strengthening their dependence on one another. By making Art something completely foreign to us Hill is able to access tough, basic emotions like love, empathy and loss in a way we can hold separate from ourselves, at arms length. We feel for Art and his friend, deeply in my case, but this is fantasy, so it’s not really real feelings. But… it is.
Pop Art, although included in a horror anthology, is probably more like science fiction. What makes it such a transcendent story is that Hill relays the unknown, loss, endings, and the absolute horror of living on this planet without someone who understands, maybe even loves, us. Despite the tragedy of Art, Hill leaves us on a hopeful note. Perhaps there can be more than one someone and we simply need to wait for them.
July 24, 2017
I wept at the end of this. Some of the most horrific acts in life don't come from monsters or serial killers- they happen every day in the people around us.
October 2, 2014
This story was so very odd, and I liked it so very much. At it's heart, it was just a great coming of age story, but it had a strange twist that made it a one of a kind read. It also made me laugh several times.
November 17, 2012
A bizarre, touching story that is far more than you think it's going to be. Very interesting.
November 13, 2020
How tender and beautiful.
September 29, 2014
I would have to say if you are going to read one short story in the collection of 20th Century Ghosts then Pop Art should be it. Not really a horror story at all, but more of a tragic fantasy about two best friends growing up together. Both of their lives aren't perfect, yet their friendship is extremely believable and horrifyingly heart warming. Who would of every thought a story about a child born with a genetic inflatable condition could become a masterpiece.
Listen well to the other readers who are praising Pop Art for it's originality and heart warming tenderness. Because it deserves every bit of compliment and five star review it received so far. In case you couldn't tell from my massive amounts of gushing and praising I give Pop Art a much deserved perfect score of five out five stars. If you are a fan of Joe Hill's work do yourself a favor and buy this on your kindle right now. You owe it to yourself to have this story be a part of your life.
Listen well to the other readers who are praising Pop Art for it's originality and heart warming tenderness. Because it deserves every bit of compliment and five star review it received so far. In case you couldn't tell from my massive amounts of gushing and praising I give Pop Art a much deserved perfect score of five out five stars. If you are a fan of Joe Hill's work do yourself a favor and buy this on your kindle right now. You owe it to yourself to have this story be a part of your life.
November 29, 2011
one of the best short-stories I've read in recent years!
I actually cried at the end of it...
5/5
I actually cried at the end of it...
5/5
February 27, 2022
This book almost made me cry in public. It is so profoundly sad
April 8, 2014
I realize that I've already rated the collection that this short story comes from, but I have to single this one out. EVERYONE should read this story. It is undoubtedly the best short story I ever read. Before I read "Pop Art" my 3 favs were "Jefty is Five", "Casting the Runes" and "The Open Window" but now "Pop Art" is #1 with no competitors...as close to perfect as a short story can get. Please read this.
September 30, 2016
Author: Joe Hill
Length: 38 Pages (Short story from 20th Century Ghosts)
Genre: Fiction
Where did it come from? Barnes and Noble
Why do I have it? Recommended by Wes Brown
Summary: Art is an inflatable Jewish boy. It's almost impossible to say more without saying everything.
Review: This is about the best short story I've ever read. I am not usually a big fan of short stories, I usually feel as though something is missing, but Pop Art is a complete story, one that won't let go of you.
Joe Hill is a fantastic story teller and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Recommendation: Anyone who knows that friends are often hard to come by and sometimes hard to recognize at first.
Length: 38 Pages (Short story from 20th Century Ghosts)
Genre: Fiction
Where did it come from? Barnes and Noble
Why do I have it? Recommended by Wes Brown
Summary: Art is an inflatable Jewish boy. It's almost impossible to say more without saying everything.
Review: This is about the best short story I've ever read. I am not usually a big fan of short stories, I usually feel as though something is missing, but Pop Art is a complete story, one that won't let go of you.
Joe Hill is a fantastic story teller and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Recommendation: Anyone who knows that friends are often hard to come by and sometimes hard to recognize at first.
December 14, 2020
Really surprised by this short story. The premise is kind of ridiculous and incredibly original but it was such a great story with lots of emotion and humor. It's the story of two young boys, schoolmates, both misfits, especially Arthur who is an inflatable boy. I highly recommend this one if you can find it outside of this collection.
November 21, 2014
This was a bizarre, yet very touching story about an inflatable boy and his only friend
July 9, 2013
One of the best stories I've ever read. Seriously.
March 27, 2014
Best short story I have ever read. I only wish Hill would've written more fantasy novels. I haven't read any of his horror yet, but I've been on a big sci-fi/fantasy kick. WAAAAAAAAANT! (more)
May 30, 2017
This was an interesting story, and I wasn't expecting the spiritual depth of the tale. It didn't quite hit home as strongly as I had expected from a Joe Hill story, but it was still entertaining.
October 28, 2021
I feel compelled to leave a written recommendation.
Simply put, this is probably the best story I've ever read.
Simply put, this is probably the best story I've ever read.
February 19, 2024
The idea that a short story as far fetched as this is able to illicit so many emotions really took me by surprise, from laughing out loud at some of their conversations to feeling genuine sadness leading up to the conclusion. I purchased the book originally to read ‘The Black Phone’ but this has been the real standout for me.
February 9, 2024
I absolutely love this short story! I read it in a sci fi class when I was in college and just reread it today on Tumblr! Absolutely beautiful and lovely!
June 1, 2019
I fell in love with Pop Art from the first line:
A beautiful story that captures so much about being a kid—the friendships, the innocence, the optimism—all executed perfectly in just over 20 pages. I don't normally fall for this kind of thing, but I couldn't help it. Pop Art is just that good.
Without a doubt the best short story I've read this year. I highly recommend picking this up by itself, or as part of 20th Century Ghosts (not my favorite collection, but well worth the read). Don't be turned off by thinking Pop Art is another Joe Hill horror story; this one is magical and uplifting, and should be read by everyone.
My best friend when I was twelve was inflatable.
A beautiful story that captures so much about being a kid—the friendships, the innocence, the optimism—all executed perfectly in just over 20 pages. I don't normally fall for this kind of thing, but I couldn't help it. Pop Art is just that good.
Without a doubt the best short story I've read this year. I highly recommend picking this up by itself, or as part of 20th Century Ghosts (not my favorite collection, but well worth the read). Don't be turned off by thinking Pop Art is another Joe Hill horror story; this one is magical and uplifting, and should be read by everyone.
February 8, 2017
Note: I read a physical chapbook of this story, but I think parts still apply.
This short story is a secondary release, as it was originally released in the collection "20th Century Ghosts." I've read the collection, but saved this story knowing that this chapbook was being issued soon. And, I'm glad I did, as this was a very colorful chapbook, and the illustrations added to the atmosphere of the story. And it also helped tremendously, that this is a great story. It's a weird one, but also a tear jerker. Only Joe Hill could bring you to tears over a plastic balloon boy. lol. Anyway this story is another showcase of Joe's amazing writing skills in the short form. This is a solid story, and it was a joy to read!
This short story is a secondary release, as it was originally released in the collection "20th Century Ghosts." I've read the collection, but saved this story knowing that this chapbook was being issued soon. And, I'm glad I did, as this was a very colorful chapbook, and the illustrations added to the atmosphere of the story. And it also helped tremendously, that this is a great story. It's a weird one, but also a tear jerker. Only Joe Hill could bring you to tears over a plastic balloon boy. lol. Anyway this story is another showcase of Joe's amazing writing skills in the short form. This is a solid story, and it was a joy to read!
November 15, 2013
Pop Art, is potentially my favorite short story that I've ever read, and the best. I am not so egotistic to believe these are the same thing, the best and my favorite, however, in this case they seem to line up perfectly. This story puts most other modern shorts to shame. It is so surreal at first, I prepared my brain for stupidity, and inadvertently left my heart exposed. It was so sweet and simple, almost as perfect a story as I've ever heard. An undiluted STORY I can't get out of my mind. it was beautiful.
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September 14, 2016I'm reading through "20th Century Ghosts" and reviewing each story individually. It's nice they are sold individually, but this is the third story I've read, and the third 5-star rating. Go buy the whole book. Really. "Pop Art" is humorous on the surface - deeply thought-provoking underneath. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Joe Hill, some more than others. This story has earned my profound respect of Hill as a writer beyond genre.
November 14, 2013
Pop Art was one of my favorite short stories. Potentially of all time. It was such a glorious mix of sweetness and surrealism, without ever compromising the honesty of the storytelling. It was so genuine and a unique perspective that I was immediately drawn in and not disappointed.
March 9, 2015
Tugs at the heartstrings.
January 7, 2014
Unusually sad sort of faerie tale of the friendship between two outcast boys, one who just happens to be an inflatable boy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews