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The Rabbit Hero
This prose/poem/graphic novel ("proemic") begins the story of young Amy Miss, a melancholic gravedigger poet who finds her own story deeply entwined with that of the legendary Rabbit Hero, the folk hero of stories. Aided by a dog monster mentor named Dogster, Amy learns the ways of the Kado- a guiding principle for the creation of a poetic life- and uses those lessons to craft a story for herself that will bring her to the lost hero's rescue. Combining original characters and postmodern concepts with elements of folklore, mythology, history, and more, The Rabbit Hero: Book Oneis a story unlike any other.
Tony Brandl's Rabbit Hero work extends beyond the printed page into three-dimensional art, sold online and at festivals around the US,The Rabbit Hero: Book One is the first in a trilogy of such proemics, perfect both for fans of imaginative whimsy such as The Phantom Tollbooth, The Little Prince, and works of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, as well as readers of more spiritual texts like the Tao Te Ching or Bhagavad Gita.
Written and illustrated by Tony Brandl, who studied poetry, philosophy and art at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, created the Rabbit Hero at the age of seven, and has been drawing him ever since. He lives in Sheboygan with his wife and kitten.
Tony Brandl's Rabbit Hero work extends beyond the printed page into three-dimensional art, sold online and at festivals around the US,The Rabbit Hero: Book One is the first in a trilogy of such proemics, perfect both for fans of imaginative whimsy such as The Phantom Tollbooth, The Little Prince, and works of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, as well as readers of more spiritual texts like the Tao Te Ching or Bhagavad Gita.
Written and illustrated by Tony Brandl, who studied poetry, philosophy and art at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, created the Rabbit Hero at the age of seven, and has been drawing him ever since. He lives in Sheboygan with his wife and kitten.
134 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 21, 2020
The art speaks stories of it's own, and the story brings dreams to life in all the best, most adventuresome ways.
Pick up your notebook, polish up that lucky penny, make sure you have a good water bottle in your backpack, and follow the Rabbit Hero. It's a weird journey that'll change you, if you let it, into someone BETTER.
Open the door! Let's go!
Pick up your notebook, polish up that lucky penny, make sure you have a good water bottle in your backpack, and follow the Rabbit Hero. It's a weird journey that'll change you, if you let it, into someone BETTER.
Open the door! Let's go!
March 31, 2020
I received my copy this afternoon and finished this strange little book after dinner. I am ravenous for the next installment. I am also on the verge of ordering copies for all of my friends. This one will not be getting loaned out.
This is a story about stories, and the people who live in them in the best tradition of Gaiman. Tony has a way of making every scene come alive and explaining his world in only a few words that are instantly comprehensible.
I can't recommend this book enough.
This is a story about stories, and the people who live in them in the best tradition of Gaiman. Tony has a way of making every scene come alive and explaining his world in only a few words that are instantly comprehensible.
I can't recommend this book enough.
March 22, 2020
It is extremely odd and quite unusual and definitely a “thinker.” And I loved it. The twists and turns in the story along with the bizarre set of characters that move in and out of the book require your utmost attention. It is an adventure about stories and imagination and a fantastical and creative look at literature. I don’t think I’ve read anything that has challenged me like this in quite a while.
March 21, 2020
Thought provoking, rich, whimsical, and unique are the first words that come to mind when describing this book. Tony Brandl writes with the texture of a Monet painting. His words beg to be read aloud, and they drip with untold history.
It takes place in a world rich with abstract thought made real, like a cross between “The Phantom Tollbooth” and “The Lord of the Rings” with a hint of graphic novel (or, more accurately, integrated illustrations). I fell in love with the world and it’s characters almost instantly, and there are still sections of the book that run through my head as I relate them to the world around me. A quick read, but one you’ll want to pick up again and again.
Can’t wait for the next installment!!
It takes place in a world rich with abstract thought made real, like a cross between “The Phantom Tollbooth” and “The Lord of the Rings” with a hint of graphic novel (or, more accurately, integrated illustrations). I fell in love with the world and it’s characters almost instantly, and there are still sections of the book that run through my head as I relate them to the world around me. A quick read, but one you’ll want to pick up again and again.
Can’t wait for the next installment!!
Want to read
April 12, 2020Wow! What a unique read.
I met Tony several years back at a Renaissance Fair in Charlote NC. He has created a Wonderful world around the Rabit Hero, compleate with an Amazing assortment of art work.
When I read the story, The Rabbit Hero, I was so pleased. It's such a fresh story that can come off as simplistic, whitch I feel is intentional, but truly does tread in some deep water in the subject of Poetic Ballance. But of course, finding ones Poetic Balance in the world Should be simplistic, if not for worldly distractions.
I have already passed this book along to a friend and Absolutely reco.end it to all you readers as well.
I truly will struggle with waiting on the next instalment of The Rabit Hero!
Peace Out Everyone . . . Kelly
I met Tony several years back at a Renaissance Fair in Charlote NC. He has created a Wonderful world around the Rabit Hero, compleate with an Amazing assortment of art work.
When I read the story, The Rabbit Hero, I was so pleased. It's such a fresh story that can come off as simplistic, whitch I feel is intentional, but truly does tread in some deep water in the subject of Poetic Ballance. But of course, finding ones Poetic Balance in the world Should be simplistic, if not for worldly distractions.
I have already passed this book along to a friend and Absolutely reco.end it to all you readers as well.
I truly will struggle with waiting on the next instalment of The Rabit Hero!
Peace Out Everyone . . . Kelly
March 24, 2020
Oh, how long I've been waiting for this book! Tony Brandl's art has been a cherished part of my life for awhile (I can see at least 7 of his art blocks from where I'm currently sitting, and there are more tucked all over my home), and it's been a delight to watch both the mythos and cast of his vast, imaginative world grow over the years. If you've ever been fortunate enough to talk to Tony in person, you know how many layers are behind each piece he makes. But while we're each encouraged to tell our own stories, to see his tale—the original tale—emerge on the page is incredibly special.
There is nothing out there quite like this book: a "proemic" blend of prose, poetry, and comic mediums that tells such a unique and engaging story. This introduction to The Rabbit Hero's tale is one worth savoring and returning to again and again. I'm so grateful Tony invited us into his world, and I can't wait for the next installment.
In the meantime, don't forget...
look up more.
There is nothing out there quite like this book: a "proemic" blend of prose, poetry, and comic mediums that tells such a unique and engaging story. This introduction to The Rabbit Hero's tale is one worth savoring and returning to again and again. I'm so grateful Tony invited us into his world, and I can't wait for the next installment.
In the meantime, don't forget...
look up more.
April 12, 2020
You will either "get" the Rabbit Hero or you will not. I "get" it and love it. I don't believe this would be enjoyed by someone who wants things explained to them and that everything makes perfect sense. I think every person will get something different from this decidedly different tome. Definitely google the Rabbit Hero and take a gander at the immersive website and the story blocks for sale- that I find incredibly evocative. I love the Rabbit Hero and I am hoping that the hero proper makes his true visual appearance in volume 2!
April 27, 2023
This book was so much fun! I loved the author's take on stories and art and making them flow well together on each page. I loved how the book was laid out and the artwork scattered throughout was wonderful!
June 14, 2020
Stupendous. Little nuggets of imaginary brilliance tucked all in there. A few moments of full heart glow. I knew i’d love it, i just didn’t know how much. It made me want to pick up a few shelved dreams. What an awesome adventure. Very excited for the next chapter! Buy it. Read it. Love it. Boldness.
June 1, 2020
A delightfully imaginative book about stories and poetry, the wonder of words.
May 26, 2020
Tough one to summarize well....I like the description of it as a "proemic" as the story is part poem, part prose, part comic. Brandl's take on the hero's journey, it reminded me a bit of "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "The Unwritten" with the meta commentary on how stories are told. There is also a giant talking dog monster ("dogster") that acts the way you'd hope a giant talking dog monster would act which is ultimately what sucked me in.
April 10, 2020
I’ve read through it twice already and it’s just amazing. It made me feel so cozy as soon as I read the first few pages. Tony’s art and words are so unique and wonderful and it’s great to finally have one big amazing book of it. looking forward to the next books in the series and I can’t wait to collect more of his art blocks of all the characters from this book!!
May 6, 2020
So creative and cozy! Absolutely love the storytelling as well as the symbolic messages throughout the book.
September 10, 2024
What a fun read. It was reminiscent of The Phantom Tollbooth and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
I've been collecting Tony's art from my local Ren Faire for the past couple years now, but I just discovered the book this faire season!
It was fun to put a distinct story to some of the blocks I've seen.
Can't wait to read the next installment.
I've been collecting Tony's art from my local Ren Faire for the past couple years now, but I just discovered the book this faire season!
It was fun to put a distinct story to some of the blocks I've seen.
Can't wait to read the next installment.
February 6, 2022
Delightful. Want to read more.
February 18, 2022
This was an interesting and fast read. I’ll be curious to see if other installments come out, but I can’t say I would be dying in anticipation, just very curious.
August 16, 2023
Whimsy? Yes. A story that celebrates stories? Also yes. This book is for folks who love stories and magic and the feeling of being transported. I can’t wait for the next one!
November 30, 2024
Fun and beautiful! I am excited for the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews