You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Good, not great. Dialogue-heavy and laden with lighthearted cliches. Zips along rapidly before losing itself in some gimmicky twists and turns to an oddball deus ex machina of an ending. One of those rare situations where the movie is better than the book--because they rewrote the whole plot, plus cartoon gags work better visually than in writing.
3 stars out of 5.
(Read in 2017, the twenty-third book in my Alphabetical Reading Challenge)
3 stars out of 5.
(Read in 2017, the twenty-third book in my Alphabetical Reading Challenge)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one of my all time favorite movies. I was hesitant to read this book because I was worried about how it would compare to the film. However, the book is so drastically different, it is hard to even compare the two, which is a good thing.
Who Censored Roger Rabbit is a mystery with a fun setting: a world where Toons are real, and many make their livings being photographed fir comic strips. They are animated looking and talk in speech bubbles. Unlike the movie, they are not indestructible, which is where the biggest of the several mysteries that make up the plot come into play.
While it is not the most intricately plotted story you will read, I admit I did not figure out the ending in advance. It was a fun ride, with some interesting characters and original concepts.
Anybody who likes a fun read or a quirky mystery should check it out.
Who Censored Roger Rabbit is a mystery with a fun setting: a world where Toons are real, and many make their livings being photographed fir comic strips. They are animated looking and talk in speech bubbles. Unlike the movie, they are not indestructible, which is where the biggest of the several mysteries that make up the plot come into play.
While it is not the most intricately plotted story you will read, I admit I did not figure out the ending in advance. It was a fun ride, with some interesting characters and original concepts.
Anybody who likes a fun read or a quirky mystery should check it out.
funny
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Incredibly, incredibly, incredibly bad. By the time I hit the 5th cliche that thought it was being smarter than it was, I noped out.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
funny
mysterious
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I almost marked this as DNF. I had to set it down for over a month before I could come back and finish it. The pace is glacially slow. The writing is clever and funny but not quite enough to make up for how much the story drags.
As all the other reviews mention, this is almost entirely different than the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It seems obvious to me that the book is a send-up of classic noir detective stories, and I think it works pretty well. Even the goofy, rushed maguffin ending is forgiveable to me in that context. As is common in that genre, there are some elements to this book that haven't aged well (so heed well the content warnings).
As all the other reviews mention, this is almost entirely different than the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It seems obvious to me that the book is a send-up of classic noir detective stories, and I think it works pretty well. Even the goofy, rushed maguffin ending is forgiveable to me in that context. As is common in that genre, there are some elements to this book that haven't aged well (so heed well the content warnings).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wolf introduces readers to a world where humans and Toons live side by side. These animated characters aren't just for entertainment—they're fully-fledged members of society, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The author's attention to detail in building this fantastical coexistence is impressive, as the Toons mirror the heights and plights of humanity.
Most people are familiar with the character of Roger Rabbit through the film adaptation, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Unfortunately, this book and the film are completely different, with only a few elements brought to the screen. While the movie took a comedic and light-hearted approach, the book focuses more on the mystery surrounding Roger Rabbit's murder (yes, Toons can die in the novel). Private detective Eddie Valiant takes the spotlight as our guide through the twists and turns of this noir-inspired mystery. As a mystery story, the plot unfolds slowly, and deducing the murderer isn't obvious.
The author's Wolf's knack for dialogue is apparent for all characters. For the Toons, he uses visible speech balloons that take on characteristics of the messages they deliver. These balloons are referenced when Eddie chats with Toons, as a means for both comedic relief and to share the tone or possible meaning behind some of the language. Likewise, Detective Eddie Valliant's dialog comes straight from a hard-boiled detective film. Some examples:
“I went back to my office and let my bottom desk drawer buy me a drink.”
“But, like I said, nobody ever accused me of having an overabundance of good sense.”
If you're reading this book because you loved the movie, prepare to be disappointed. The filmmakers took liberties with the story, characters, and major plot points, rendering it an almost unrecognizable adaptation. Aside from Roger, Eddie, Jessica, and Baby Herman, most of the characters are unfamiliar. The characters you do know have slightly altered personalities as well. While it's important to recognize the differences, there's no denying the author's creativity, his ability to construct a captivating world, and his knack for spinning an engaging tale.
Most people are familiar with the character of Roger Rabbit through the film adaptation, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Unfortunately, this book and the film are completely different, with only a few elements brought to the screen. While the movie took a comedic and light-hearted approach, the book focuses more on the mystery surrounding Roger Rabbit's murder (yes, Toons can die in the novel). Private detective Eddie Valiant takes the spotlight as our guide through the twists and turns of this noir-inspired mystery. As a mystery story, the plot unfolds slowly, and deducing the murderer isn't obvious.
The author's Wolf's knack for dialogue is apparent for all characters. For the Toons, he uses visible speech balloons that take on characteristics of the messages they deliver. These balloons are referenced when Eddie chats with Toons, as a means for both comedic relief and to share the tone or possible meaning behind some of the language. Likewise, Detective Eddie Valliant's dialog comes straight from a hard-boiled detective film. Some examples:
“I went back to my office and let my bottom desk drawer buy me a drink.”
“But, like I said, nobody ever accused me of having an overabundance of good sense.”
If you're reading this book because you loved the movie, prepare to be disappointed. The filmmakers took liberties with the story, characters, and major plot points, rendering it an almost unrecognizable adaptation. Aside from Roger, Eddie, Jessica, and Baby Herman, most of the characters are unfamiliar. The characters you do know have slightly altered personalities as well. While it's important to recognize the differences, there's no denying the author's creativity, his ability to construct a captivating world, and his knack for spinning an engaging tale.