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Delicate Creatures
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
83 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,370 books1,277 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 17, 2010
Once upon a time there was a castle. The focus of the story is on Trifle, the smallest of the fantastic creatures who dwell within the walls, who loves the human Princess who lives within the castle. Trifle doesn't understand the things she hears the Princess talk about, and neither she nor any of her kind is permitted to reveal themselves to humans, but she loves them anyway, content to watch them. Until the day the Green Men arrive. And unless you're ready for a particularly difficult conversation or two, you shouldn't read this to any young children just yet. But one day.
In fact, Delicate Creatures manages to be stirring on a level with V for Vendetta; the concept of who we are, the decisions we make, the ideas we have, and what impact they have on the world around us... this is potentially a very heavy story for how short it is. Like most of Straczynski's work, the narrative almost butts up against the edge of being too heavy-handed in its symbolism, but mercifully never quite manages to break the spell. The end result is a story that manages to stay with you much longer because of how delicately it's told than it would have had the details been clearer.
Of particular note should be the art on display here; the book doesn't showcase any violence, but the characters wear their hearts on their sleeves. Trifle, in particular, manages to communicate shock and horror in key scenes in such a way that your heart breaks a little along with hers.
Does a spoonful of sugar really help the medicine go down? After all, it's just a fairytale... right? I mentioned that you shouldn't read this book just yet to any little ones you might have, but you might want to keep it handy. Because one day, everyone should learn the wisdom in turning away from their rage... and the power of even the smallest idea.
In fact, Delicate Creatures manages to be stirring on a level with V for Vendetta; the concept of who we are, the decisions we make, the ideas we have, and what impact they have on the world around us... this is potentially a very heavy story for how short it is. Like most of Straczynski's work, the narrative almost butts up against the edge of being too heavy-handed in its symbolism, but mercifully never quite manages to break the spell. The end result is a story that manages to stay with you much longer because of how delicately it's told than it would have had the details been clearer.
Of particular note should be the art on display here; the book doesn't showcase any violence, but the characters wear their hearts on their sleeves. Trifle, in particular, manages to communicate shock and horror in key scenes in such a way that your heart breaks a little along with hers.
Does a spoonful of sugar really help the medicine go down? After all, it's just a fairytale... right? I mentioned that you shouldn't read this book just yet to any little ones you might have, but you might want to keep it handy. Because one day, everyone should learn the wisdom in turning away from their rage... and the power of even the smallest idea.
August 16, 2014
What a delightfully dark fantasy. I enjoyed this very much. The illustrations were gorgeous. The story was unique and yet familiar. There were a few really fun concepts in here.....my favorite being where ideas come from. My only complaint is that I felt like it lacked the amount of artwork I craved. Most of the pages were filled with text. Beyond that, it is a splendid graphic novel!
August 13, 2013
Whimsically fun, in a dark way.
August 10, 2021
Beautifully illustrated Fairy story
February 19, 2022
A good fairy tale for those who have lived in a war torn part of the world, experienced Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) in any environment.
April 4, 2022
My only complaint about the book is that there are no numbers on the pages. The artwork and story are fantastic. Thank you all.
May 26, 2022
A delightful little fairy tale that reminds us that courage and kindness are so important
May 13, 2015
A fairy tale with no fairies, a princess who may be something else, and an army of Green Men who have nothing to do with the forest… Such is the tale of “Delicate Creatures”. While ostensibly a children’s book, the beauty of its lush, rich illustrations each with hidden detail that begs for reading over and over again, and its poignant message about love, hatred and metamorphosis raise it above a mere tale for the kiddies.
I found myself absorbed by this story of small beings living in the nooks and crannies of the mundane world, creatures that may once have been human themselves but now exist in a cozy but secluded bubble. The description of rebellion by one of these beings for the sake of a dying human was particularly poignant; I found myself having to blink away tears for the failing princess and the courageous trifle that comes to her in her hours of need.
This is truly a treasure, a book of lovely illustration and a simple yet exquisite story. What else must we expect when a book starts with the immortal words, “Once upon a time…”?
I found myself absorbed by this story of small beings living in the nooks and crannies of the mundane world, creatures that may once have been human themselves but now exist in a cozy but secluded bubble. The description of rebellion by one of these beings for the sake of a dying human was particularly poignant; I found myself having to blink away tears for the failing princess and the courageous trifle that comes to her in her hours of need.
This is truly a treasure, a book of lovely illustration and a simple yet exquisite story. What else must we expect when a book starts with the immortal words, “Once upon a time…”?
July 22, 2014
This is a book where looks can be deceiving. It looks like a gorgeous children���s picture book but it definitely is not. It���s really a combination of faerie story and serious vengeance tale.
This is an illustrated story rather than a graphic novel. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous and I thought the faerie aspects, especially the rhyming passages, were great. It reminded me a bit of some of the darker short stories from Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall.
This is an illustrated story rather than a graphic novel. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous and I thought the faerie aspects, especially the rhyming passages, were great. It reminded me a bit of some of the darker short stories from Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall.
December 31, 2011
This is a book where looks can be deceiving. It looks like a gorgeous children’s picture book but it definitely is not. It’s really a combination of faerie story and serious vengeance tale.
This is an illustrated story rather than a graphic novel. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous and I thought the faerie aspects, especially the rhyming passages, were great. It reminded me a bit of some of the darker short stories from Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall.
This is an illustrated story rather than a graphic novel. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous and I thought the faerie aspects, especially the rhyming passages, were great. It reminded me a bit of some of the darker short stories from Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall.
January 16, 2017
Not quite sure what to think about this one.
On the plus side: a deeply moving and powerful story by Straczynski, a Gaimenesque fairy tale that hits you with a 2x4, gorgeously illustrated by Zulli and Firchow, full of word tricks and metaphor.
Oh the minus side: a display typeface that's difficult to read at text sizes, a length that feels far too short, and a vague sense that it's all just a bit too clever for itself.
I'd give it a 3.5 if I could, but that's to average between the 2 parts and the 5 parts. It's definitely that kind of bell curve of a tale. Worth a read (and a look).
On the plus side: a deeply moving and powerful story by Straczynski, a Gaimenesque fairy tale that hits you with a 2x4, gorgeously illustrated by Zulli and Firchow, full of word tricks and metaphor.
Oh the minus side: a display typeface that's difficult to read at text sizes, a length that feels far too short, and a vague sense that it's all just a bit too clever for itself.
I'd give it a 3.5 if I could, but that's to average between the 2 parts and the 5 parts. It's definitely that kind of bell curve of a tale. Worth a read (and a look).
March 25, 2013
I think I would have liked this book more if it were easier to read. The illustrations were lovely, but too busy to be behind the text, and even without the busy background, the font chosen was too difficult to read comfortably in the middle of the afternoon with the lights on. I'd also have liked to have seen the characters & plot fleshed out a bit more. As a short story it was ok though.
December 24, 2013
Just read this fairy tale by JMS today. It is illustrated by Michael Zulli and Steve Firchow. Part of it is about the balance between the fairie and the real world. It is nicely done and I need to take another look at the art to drink it all in.
September 15, 2007
A grand idea disguised as a mere trifle, this well told tale is a delicate creature indeed.
September 27, 2007
I was expecting more out of this one, so it may have been my fault that I felt it missed the mark. See my review here: http://trebro.livejournal.com/270184....
April 29, 2012
A sweet, slightly dark fairytale which ends where it began and explains the birth of great Ideas.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews