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Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #1-5
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short
After the many and conflicting versions of the legendary Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams created Dirk Gently: a detective with a belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, a troubled relationship with the laws of probability and quantum physics, and a love of cats and pizza.
After the events of Dirk Gently s Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective s relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose."
After the events of Dirk Gently s Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective s relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose."
120 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 2, 2016
Mysterious bi-continental problem has Dirk Gently of the Holistic Detective Agency globe trotting. If quirky science jokes and dry humor with twists are your thing, then this graphic novel will be amusing.
I loved the smart and smart-mouthed writing as well as the artwork. The framing of the scenes were both picturesque and cleverly angled for effect. The color and line were fine. But really, the thing here is the mix up. To be able to go from post-colonial critique of representations to juvenile bodily humor to quantum physics is a gift. It's funny. It takes things, breaks them down, throws them into a shaker and you end up with a delicious comic smoothie.
Seriously, my life needs more of this.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
I loved the smart and smart-mouthed writing as well as the artwork. The framing of the scenes were both picturesque and cleverly angled for effect. The color and line were fine. But really, the thing here is the mix up. To be able to go from post-colonial critique of representations to juvenile bodily humor to quantum physics is a gift. It's funny. It takes things, breaks them down, throws them into a shaker and you end up with a delicious comic smoothie.
Seriously, my life needs more of this.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
July 24, 2016
Sometimes, a book plain doesn’t work, and that's that. But Netgalley like feedback, so I should try and analyse why it doesn't work. Maybe Dirk Gently was always going to be fundamentally irritating without Douglas Adams to write him (though the first TV series was at least bearable). On top of that, this comic is hardly ever funny, instead it's a bit weird in a bad way - and not so weird it makes itself interesting. It's also one of the more boring comics I’ve ever read, partly due to the pages of middle-school level lecture on big game poaching and various related international issues (okay, I did learn a couple of things). Yet it wouldn’t be appropriate to give to kids because of the sex scenes. It persistently uses stereotypes; most of them may be employed in a knowing way with ample comment, but not exactly witty comment, it's tired comment I feel like I've heard dozens of times before - and with this many tropes, it could hardly not feel clichéd. Adams was, as far as I can remember, astute enough 30-odd years ago to make Dirk into something a whole lot quirkier than a white saviour, and significantly more sympathetic than this crashing boor. Here, Dirk is annoying, and everyone else is two-dimensional. Way to go.
The only bit I found intriguing was the backstory (but that was in an art style I disliked, kind of similar to Hey Arnold but with rounded edges) showing Dirk as basically a young X-Man. Which will be why he has sideburns like Wolverine, and a build like same gone to seed. However, to those who’ve read a lot of X-Men and knockoff mutant comic book characters, I daresay this element would be even more dull and embarrassing than the rest of the plot – which reads like a [rightfully discarded] Doctor Who story concept, as the Tom Baker figurine in an early scene was presumably trying to indicate.
And to top it all, American spellings – sacrilege!
The main art style works really well in gritty urban settings, especially indoors: Dirk at home in his slovenly lair is perfectly done, but outdoors in bright sunshine, much of the atmosphere is lost. The secondary style, for Dirk's childhood, also produced a lovely panel at the end: a cross-section of a big house with different things happening in each room - a type of picture I have a weakness for.
The title allusion is kind of cute, but on the other hand Dirk's housekeeping is obviously so slapdash that he routinely can't find the right size spoon for yoghurts. Which at his age is just tiresome - even if this new incarnation is a bit younger than I am. Anyway, by the point he explained the title, I was irritated by almost everything he did.
I only looked at this Netgalley ARC out of curiosity; admittedly I’ve never seen an Adams adaptation I really loved, but this charmless outing is the worst I’ve encountered across all media, and I’ve no idea why so many GR reviewers think it’s any cop.
The only bit I found intriguing was the backstory (but that was in an art style I disliked, kind of similar to Hey Arnold but with rounded edges) showing Dirk as basically a young X-Man. Which will be why he has sideburns like Wolverine, and a build like same gone to seed. However, to those who’ve read a lot of X-Men and knockoff mutant comic book characters, I daresay this element would be even more dull and embarrassing than the rest of the plot – which reads like a [rightfully discarded] Doctor Who story concept, as the Tom Baker figurine in an early scene was presumably trying to indicate.
And to top it all, American spellings – sacrilege!
The main art style works really well in gritty urban settings, especially indoors: Dirk at home in his slovenly lair is perfectly done, but outdoors in bright sunshine, much of the atmosphere is lost. The secondary style, for Dirk's childhood, also produced a lovely panel at the end: a cross-section of a big house with different things happening in each room - a type of picture I have a weakness for.
The title allusion is kind of cute, but on the other hand Dirk's housekeeping is obviously so slapdash that he routinely can't find the right size spoon for yoghurts. Which at his age is just tiresome - even if this new incarnation is a bit younger than I am. Anyway, by the point he explained the title, I was irritated by almost everything he did.
I only looked at this Netgalley ARC out of curiosity; admittedly I’ve never seen an Adams adaptation I really loved, but this charmless outing is the worst I’ve encountered across all media, and I’ve no idea why so many GR reviewers think it’s any cop.
April 8, 2017
He's back! :-D
I liked the previous Dirk Gently comic that came out, but in retrospect I might consider bumping my rating on that one down to a three, because, yes, I liked it and it made me feel nostalgic. But I didn't really like it as much as I wanted to...
This is Dirk Gently the way I remember him, not just in character, but in spirit in the writing. I felt like I was reading an Adams story again, with the same wonderful balance of wit, whimsy and matter-of-fact-ness ("That's not a word." "Exactly!")
To compare the two: the first one was like seeing a cameo of a beloved character or person who's passed, and it's bittersweet because you know you'll never actually see them again. Whereas reading this one was like a chance meeting with an old friend who you didn't know was living in the same city and you're so glad they're back in your life.
I liked the previous Dirk Gently comic that came out, but in retrospect I might consider bumping my rating on that one down to a three, because, yes, I liked it and it made me feel nostalgic. But I didn't really like it as much as I wanted to...
This is Dirk Gently the way I remember him, not just in character, but in spirit in the writing. I felt like I was reading an Adams story again, with the same wonderful balance of wit, whimsy and matter-of-fact-ness ("That's not a word." "Exactly!")
To compare the two: the first one was like seeing a cameo of a beloved character or person who's passed, and it's bittersweet because you know you'll never actually see them again. Whereas reading this one was like a chance meeting with an old friend who you didn't know was living in the same city and you're so glad they're back in your life.
October 26, 2016
'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short' by Arvind Ethan David with art by Ilias Kyriazis continues the adventures of the world's strangest detective.
This time around (amid flashbacks of Dirk as a child), Dirk meets a family who have strangely lost their voice. In order to solve the case, and because everything is apparently connected, Dirk follows a random stranger. This random stranger turns out to be a client looking to hire Dirk to investigate a tribe of people living in Africa who apparently have no voice. This leads Dirk to Africa and the world of rhino poaching. How does all of this and an orchestra have anything to do with the poor voiceless family?
I won't divulge that, but if you sense that wacky humor abounds, then you would be correct. Even a bit of humor on the ribald side this time around. The story is fun as is the art. I love the "young Dirk" art as well. It looks like grainy old comics. Another fun romp by Dirk Gently.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
This time around (amid flashbacks of Dirk as a child), Dirk meets a family who have strangely lost their voice. In order to solve the case, and because everything is apparently connected, Dirk follows a random stranger. This random stranger turns out to be a client looking to hire Dirk to investigate a tribe of people living in Africa who apparently have no voice. This leads Dirk to Africa and the world of rhino poaching. How does all of this and an orchestra have anything to do with the poor voiceless family?
I won't divulge that, but if you sense that wacky humor abounds, then you would be correct. Even a bit of humor on the ribald side this time around. The story is fun as is the art. I love the "young Dirk" art as well. It looks like grainy old comics. Another fun romp by Dirk Gently.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
October 10, 2016
I have never read the original source novel by Douglas Adams. I really should rectify that. Not knowing anything going in, I found this to be mildly amusing with an interesting storyline but a thoroughly irritating main character who I wanted to punch in the face. The completely unnecessary sexy nurse costume of a secondary character very early on in the first issue was also a huge turnoff - I'm not opposed to sex and sexy, but not if it has no purpose for the plot. And it didn't at all. After that, I was a bit surprised at the fairly enlightened commentary about cultural appropriation, race, and wildlife conservation later on, though I was less than impressed that Dirk continued to be a clueless asshole. He reminded me a bit of the Doctor from Doctor Who, only with much less charm and heart.
The greatest sin, however, was that it just wasn't funny. This is based on a Douglas Adams work. It should be funny. It wasn't.
The in-between flashback bits were fairly interesting, and provided some backstory to Dirk's upbringing. I found those were some of the more intriguing bits, actually, even though the artwork wasn't to quite to my taste.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
The greatest sin, however, was that it just wasn't funny. This is based on a Douglas Adams work. It should be funny. It wasn't.
The in-between flashback bits were fairly interesting, and provided some backstory to Dirk's upbringing. I found those were some of the more intriguing bits, actually, even though the artwork wasn't to quite to my taste.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
August 5, 2016
Really enjoyed this. The fun storyline combined well with the cartoonish graphics. Although not written by Adams, David does a good job of re-creating his left-field humour, without coming across as too try-hard.
The same story arc is continued across five chapters and interweaves Dirk's present case with brief glances into his childhood, and the mysterious experiments he was subjected too. While his main case his wrapped up nicely in this book, the story of his past is tantalisingly left on a cliffhanger, nicely waiting for volume two.
Timed to coincide with the TV show adaptation of the character coming in October, I'm hoping his past is left to the graphic novel and not explored elsewhere, as this medium is far more suited to his backstory.
Resembling the great Skottie Young, the artwork is bright, and stylised. My only quibble is that there seems to be a bit of an issue with women's faces - almost all of them look like they're sucking lemons.
All-in-all, this isn't a bad way to pass half an hour. Would recommend borrowing it, or loaning from a library though, as re-read value is minimal. Giving me something to revisit would have definitely garnered this 4 *
The same story arc is continued across five chapters and interweaves Dirk's present case with brief glances into his childhood, and the mysterious experiments he was subjected too. While his main case his wrapped up nicely in this book, the story of his past is tantalisingly left on a cliffhanger, nicely waiting for volume two.
Timed to coincide with the TV show adaptation of the character coming in October, I'm hoping his past is left to the graphic novel and not explored elsewhere, as this medium is far more suited to his backstory.
Resembling the great Skottie Young, the artwork is bright, and stylised. My only quibble is that there seems to be a bit of an issue with women's faces - almost all of them look like they're sucking lemons.
All-in-all, this isn't a bad way to pass half an hour. Would recommend borrowing it, or loaning from a library though, as re-read value is minimal. Giving me something to revisit would have definitely garnered this 4 *
September 14, 2021
I found this story a lot better than the previous comic (The interconnectedness of all kings) as it is more faithful to the original stories, in terms of character and style. Well, apart from quite a strange haircut Dirk has in the story, but I guess certain liberties can be taken to fit this writer's/artist's style.
It is engaging fun and funny, and even delves into elements referred to as backstory in the original books.
There somethings I found let the comic down a bit like a character just happened to be dressed in a titillating costume for reason slightly related to the plot but I guess has more to do with 'the male gaze' which lowered the tone a bit, as did a certain solution Dirk tried to deal with later on.
Other than that it's a solid story, nothing special, but if fans of Douglas Adams' original material would like to read further stories utilizing his characters and wacky worlds, then this is one of the best adaptions I have come across so far.
It is engaging fun and funny, and even delves into elements referred to as backstory in the original books.
There somethings I found let the comic down a bit like a character just happened to be dressed in a titillating costume for reason slightly related to the plot but I guess has more to do with 'the male gaze' which lowered the tone a bit, as did a certain solution Dirk tried to deal with later on.
Other than that it's a solid story, nothing special, but if fans of Douglas Adams' original material would like to read further stories utilizing his characters and wacky worlds, then this is one of the best adaptions I have come across so far.
December 26, 2017
The title said Dirk Gently and as a Douglas Adams fan, I grabbed it immediately. Loved reading this book. If you are a devout fan of Douglas Adams and expect his style, you may be disappointed. However, if you like Dirk Gently, you will like this one.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
May 24, 2017
This is the second Dirk Gently graphic novel I have read from IDW and I enjoyed it as much as the first. What starts off as quirky, random behavior evolves into a tight six degrees of separation storyline that actually makes sense! Good writing and a secondary story that begs for a prequel novel of its own let me greatly enjoy this romp. I recommend any fan of Douglas Adams to obtain a copy of this as you will not be disappointed.
May 30, 2017
It was nice to have another Dirk Gently story to dive into, the story here, however, was just okay. The art was pretty good and the quirkiness of Dirk was on full display, but the 'mystery' itself just didn't really capture me. I was hoping for more laugh out loud moments and maybe something a little more twisty and turny in terms of Dirk's detecting. It lacked both those things for me and so I think it is only an okay addition to the Dirk Gently pantheon
March 4, 2019
This didn't really do it for me. I was excited to see one of my favourite characters in one of my favourite forms, but it felt too far removed from what I'd imagined reading Adams' books. The nod to Adams' interest in conservation was welcome but felt a bit forced and I didn't like the side story, but that might just be me. I won't be trying any more of these but for someone else who isn't so attached to the original books I'm sure it'll be a treat.
July 7, 2017
Fun fun. Never read the novel, I was first introduced to Dirk in the tv show so I didn't know too much about him. I enjoy his witty, humorous brand of chaos. A bit like Doctor Who. This trade was about people mysteriously losing their voices which leads him to rhinos in Africa. Of course. I'm definitely a fast fan of Dirk.
February 17, 2018
While another fun Dirk Gently story, this follow up isn't as good as Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: The Interconnectedness of All Kings.
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this storyline; frankly more than I expected. I'm pleased that the decision was made to tell a new story, and I'm even more pleased that the character of Dirk Gently wasn't cleaned up. He's the self-centered, sweet, and utterly ridiculous jerk he has always been.
December 21, 2017
Happily, this has the same feel as the original books and gives me hope for the new television series.
January 1, 2018
It was OK.
February 25, 2018
I adored this. I don't really know anything about the other versions of Dirk but I want to read all the comics now. Diiiiirk ❤❤❤
March 9, 2018
Dirk is so quirky and peculiar. I just adore reading about his “cases”.
August 26, 2018
Numero più interessante del precedente con più flashback
June 13, 2019
dirk gently at its best
September 29, 2019
You can skip it.
May 1, 2020
Tediously sexist.
Want to read
April 18, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 22, 2017
Video Review: https://youtu.be/gyGe9sKBabY
I liked "The Interconnectedness of All Kings" better, but this is still a fun story. I was intrigued with the sudden loss of voices and the events in Kenya didn't disappoint. It's a bit more mature with a sex scene and very sexy nurse costume playing prominent roles.
I liked "The Interconnectedness of All Kings" better, but this is still a fun story. I was intrigued with the sudden loss of voices and the events in Kenya didn't disappoint. It's a bit more mature with a sex scene and very sexy nurse costume playing prominent roles.
September 8, 2016
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short collects the five issues of this story arc by Arvind Ethan David and Ilias Kyriazis and is currently scheduled for release on September 20 2016. After the many and conflicting versions of the legendary Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams created Dirk Gently: a detective with a belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, a troubled relationship with the laws of probability and quantum physics, and a love of cats and pizza.
After the events of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective's relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short is a solid graphic novel and kept my interest through the entire story. I will admit that I have not read as much about Dirk Gently's adventures as I would like, but his hair still always surprises me, and sometimes distracts me. However, despite his distracting hair, I really found myself fully engaged by the story and wanting more.the art work is as quirky as the story and the characters, and does a great job of illustrating what readers know from the text, and adding more information and emotion into the mix. I found the characters well defined, although there is some background into a relationship or two that I definitely want more information on, but that is my fault for not having read previous stories, rather than the fault of the authors.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short has a complete and compelling storyline, with a satisfying conclusion and more than enough weirdness to keep me happy. However, it also inspired me to read more because Dirk's personal story left plenty of questions on the table, and I would love to explore his exploits more. This graphic novel offers the right balance of answers and leaving readers wanting more without leaving them feeling cheated.
After the events of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective's relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short is a solid graphic novel and kept my interest through the entire story. I will admit that I have not read as much about Dirk Gently's adventures as I would like, but his hair still always surprises me, and sometimes distracts me. However, despite his distracting hair, I really found myself fully engaged by the story and wanting more.the art work is as quirky as the story and the characters, and does a great job of illustrating what readers know from the text, and adding more information and emotion into the mix. I found the characters well defined, although there is some background into a relationship or two that I definitely want more information on, but that is my fault for not having read previous stories, rather than the fault of the authors.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short has a complete and compelling storyline, with a satisfying conclusion and more than enough weirdness to keep me happy. However, it also inspired me to read more because Dirk's personal story left plenty of questions on the table, and I would love to explore his exploits more. This graphic novel offers the right balance of answers and leaving readers wanting more without leaving them feeling cheated.
July 3, 2016
This Dirk Gently Is Better Than No Dirk Gently At All
It's not Douglas Adams and it's not nearly as complex and interconnected as the three Dirk Gently books. But you already knew or suspected that. And that said, given how unique Gently was, how puckishly creative Douglas Adams could be, and how weirdly convoluted but sensical the Gently book plots were, this ambitious attempt to recreate the Gently experience struck me as generally successful.
As you might imagine, the most successful part is how this author catches the quirky oddness that is Dirk Gently. A good deal of that may be attributable to the excellent drawings, but it still counts. The less successful but still admirable part is how the author places Gently into the mystery and has him interact with all of the other characters. There are some seriously funny bits and scenes, and some very clever and witty observations and throwaway lines. The least successful part is the plot and the resolution, which lurches about a great deal, sort of comes out of nowhere, and lacks the elegant complexity of the books.
That's a deal that I'll take any day. The book is entertaining. The plot is bizarre enough to keep the reader turning the pages. Gently's idiot/savant comments keep the energy and interest high. Some of the secondary characters help to keep up that energy and interest. The overall feel is a tribute to what Douglas Adams did with the Gently books, and even an echo of that is welcome.
So, if you like something a bit different in the Douglas Adams quirky, (rather than fall-down-laughing), style, and if you are willing to just sort of go with the plotting flow, then this could be a satisfying treat.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
It's not Douglas Adams and it's not nearly as complex and interconnected as the three Dirk Gently books. But you already knew or suspected that. And that said, given how unique Gently was, how puckishly creative Douglas Adams could be, and how weirdly convoluted but sensical the Gently book plots were, this ambitious attempt to recreate the Gently experience struck me as generally successful.
As you might imagine, the most successful part is how this author catches the quirky oddness that is Dirk Gently. A good deal of that may be attributable to the excellent drawings, but it still counts. The less successful but still admirable part is how the author places Gently into the mystery and has him interact with all of the other characters. There are some seriously funny bits and scenes, and some very clever and witty observations and throwaway lines. The least successful part is the plot and the resolution, which lurches about a great deal, sort of comes out of nowhere, and lacks the elegant complexity of the books.
That's a deal that I'll take any day. The book is entertaining. The plot is bizarre enough to keep the reader turning the pages. Gently's idiot/savant comments keep the energy and interest high. Some of the secondary characters help to keep up that energy and interest. The overall feel is a tribute to what Douglas Adams did with the Gently books, and even an echo of that is welcome.
So, if you like something a bit different in the Douglas Adams quirky, (rather than fall-down-laughing), style, and if you are willing to just sort of go with the plotting flow, then this could be a satisfying treat.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
September 9, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I remember reading a couple of the Dirk Gently books by Douglas Adams. They were enjoyable. Not quite the same level as the Hitchhiker books, but still pretty good. This graphic novel is based on and follows the spirit of the character.
As a holistic detective, Dirk Gently deals with supernatural phenomena. The story is driven by the idea that everything is connected, and it touches on predestination at times. Dirk admits to running the other way when weird things happen to try to avoid them. So the weird event that holds sway in this book is a family that has lost all means of communication. During his investigation, Dirk picks up an assistant and travels to Africa.
The thing about Dirk Gently is that it is meant to be humorous. Anyone that has read a Douglas Adams book should have an idea of what to expect. The humor in this book is pretty dry, which isn't particularly enjoyable for me. Though I did find myself chuckling more as I read further into the book. Maybe it was just a matter of adjusting to the writing style.
What stuck out for me is the art. It ranged from bugging me to being amazing. One of the things that bugged me was the depiction of Dirk. His hair is ridiculous, which just struck me as being over the top. This didn't match what I visualized from reading the books and it may have contributed to keeping me from getting into the book.
On the other hand, there are moments where the illustrations complement the events of the story superbly. At one point the drawing on the page spirals to match what is happening to Dirk. Later, there is an adult situation and the art frames it really well. There is creativity and playfulness here that makes the book worth picking up. Some of the elements didn't appeal to me though.
I remember reading a couple of the Dirk Gently books by Douglas Adams. They were enjoyable. Not quite the same level as the Hitchhiker books, but still pretty good. This graphic novel is based on and follows the spirit of the character.
As a holistic detective, Dirk Gently deals with supernatural phenomena. The story is driven by the idea that everything is connected, and it touches on predestination at times. Dirk admits to running the other way when weird things happen to try to avoid them. So the weird event that holds sway in this book is a family that has lost all means of communication. During his investigation, Dirk picks up an assistant and travels to Africa.
The thing about Dirk Gently is that it is meant to be humorous. Anyone that has read a Douglas Adams book should have an idea of what to expect. The humor in this book is pretty dry, which isn't particularly enjoyable for me. Though I did find myself chuckling more as I read further into the book. Maybe it was just a matter of adjusting to the writing style.
What stuck out for me is the art. It ranged from bugging me to being amazing. One of the things that bugged me was the depiction of Dirk. His hair is ridiculous, which just struck me as being over the top. This didn't match what I visualized from reading the books and it may have contributed to keeping me from getting into the book.
On the other hand, there are moments where the illustrations complement the events of the story superbly. At one point the drawing on the page spirals to match what is happening to Dirk. Later, there is an adult situation and the art frames it really well. There is creativity and playfulness here that makes the book worth picking up. Some of the elements didn't appeal to me though.
July 29, 2016
I've never read the Dirk Gently books before, but I know them and thus I thought the comic would be a great way to get acquainted with the story. It's just that the whole thing didn't make any sense. Dirk Gently is one weird detective with unusual powers and intergalactic wits. In the comic he starts investigating pouching that ends up having a lot to do with aliens and rhinoceros nose and people losing their voice. Yes, there' really nothing to hold these things together and the constant jumping from scene to scene doesn't work. The structure is mostly chaotic and I didn't really get the kid Dirk parts. What was the point of them? There was meta stuff and basically anything and everything mixed up together so that you end up having a headache. The premise sounds great, but the end product is acid-soaked oddity with a bad structure to boot.
The art works out OK, I guess? The quality differs from time to time and the psychedelic colors aren't the best choice. Also, why did the kid Dirk parts look like old cartoons? The comic would've needed toning down mostly and more linear story line to work. It's not really bad or looks bad, but it's messy. After reading the comic I got nothing out of it and none of the characters had a persona either, so there was that too. The blandness was a big problem. I suggest you'd try the books perhaps instead of this and if you're a fan, then this might be for you, but that's about it.
The art works out OK, I guess? The quality differs from time to time and the psychedelic colors aren't the best choice. Also, why did the kid Dirk parts look like old cartoons? The comic would've needed toning down mostly and more linear story line to work. It's not really bad or looks bad, but it's messy. After reading the comic I got nothing out of it and none of the characters had a persona either, so there was that too. The blandness was a big problem. I suggest you'd try the books perhaps instead of this and if you're a fan, then this might be for you, but that's about it.
July 29, 2016
I love Douglas Adams so I was both hopeful and apprehensive when I picked up Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon too Short.
Too begin with, Dirk Gently is one of Adams's more off the wall creations you either love him or hate him. Whether you like think Gently is brilliant or completely off his nut, any reader will say that Arvind Ethan David's depiction is true to form. The illustrations pair well with the narrative style, vivid, colorful and just a touch distorted. The story itself blends the mundane with the unusual and even extraterrestrial - a fitting adventure for Gently who always finds the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary.
I liked how David tackled Gently's unusual history, providing an entry point for readers who have never picked up one of Douglas Adams's novels. From the blurb at the end, it seems that there will be more graphic novels as well as a new season of the Dirk Gently television series. Having read A Spoon too Short and watched the first season, I look forward to more.
5/5
I received a copy of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon too Short from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Too begin with, Dirk Gently is one of Adams's more off the wall creations you either love him or hate him. Whether you like think Gently is brilliant or completely off his nut, any reader will say that Arvind Ethan David's depiction is true to form. The illustrations pair well with the narrative style, vivid, colorful and just a touch distorted. The story itself blends the mundane with the unusual and even extraterrestrial - a fitting adventure for Gently who always finds the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary.
I liked how David tackled Gently's unusual history, providing an entry point for readers who have never picked up one of Douglas Adams's novels. From the blurb at the end, it seems that there will be more graphic novels as well as a new season of the Dirk Gently television series. Having read A Spoon too Short and watched the first season, I look forward to more.
5/5
I received a copy of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon too Short from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
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