Dr. Horrible and Other Horrible Stories
Revisiting the cast of characters from the award-winning web musical, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, this volume fleshes out some of the background. For example, we learn the damp origins of the good doctor’s sidekick, Moist; we gain some insight into Penny’s charitable nature; and we get to see a glimpse of what made Billy into the formidable evil Doctor he is today. Not to worry; there are appearances of the heroically chiseled Captain Hero and the Evil League of Evil and its diabolical leader, Bad Horse. We even get to see some new faces like the Captain’s teammates on the Council of Champions, the wannabe hero Johnny Snow, and the dastardly Fake Thomas Jefferson. Whedon (Joss’ brother) hits all of the right notes, with punchy writing that is loaded with humor and well-placed snark, and finely tuned characterizations. Likewise, all of the artists turn in stellar work that flows nicely through the transitions. Fans of the original Sing-Along Blog and other die-hard Whedon-ites will, of course, feel compelled to read this book; but it’s a winner that will appeal even beyond this crowd. Provided you can pry it out of their hands. Grades 9-12. --Tina Coleman