Skip to main content

The Dumbest Idea Ever!


Summary: For some lucky people, knowing what they want to do in their life comes to them at an early age.  Jimmy Gownley is one such individual.  Having been an avid reader of comic books since his toddler years, Jimmy decides, during his middle school years, that he wants a career creating comics.  In The Dumbest Idea Ever!, Jimmy tells us of how he gets started, who were his influences, and where he gets his inspiration from.  Remarkably, the advice that he gets from a childhood friend, which Jimmy initially believes is the dumbest idea ever, is what leads to Jimmy to financial and worldwide success.  So, what is the "dumbest idea ever"?  That is for to us to read and find out.

Reference: Jimmy Gownley (2014). The Dumbest Idea Ever! Scholastic Graphix. New York. 

Why I Picked It Up: The title.  I know it's cliché, but I chose the book for it's title. It intrigued me enough for me to want to know what exactly was "the dumbest idea ever."

Why I Finished It: There are so many similarities between Jimmy's life and my own. Like Gownley, I fell in love with the game of basketball and I, along with some of my friends, created my own comic book super hero during my parochial middle school years, also.  Whereas Jimmy's initial creation was a cross between Star Wars and The Lord of Rings, mine was a cross between Star Wars and King Arthur.  However, a few major differences from his life and mine was that I didn't put together my own comic book issue and have it published nor was I the star on the school's basketball team.  But, reading Gownley's biography joyfully reminded me of those younger years.  Jimmy's biography is aided by his professionally simplistic yet keen illustrations.  It is not easy to draw simple scenes and characters while at the same time trying to convey vital moments of someone's life, yet Jimmy does exactly that.  With his deft combination of art and writing, The Dumbest Idea Ever! was a joy to read from beginning to end.

Recommendations: I envision people who are interested in creating their own comics or have a passion for them would be interested in reading about Jimmy Gownley, especially those who are already fans of his work.  Plus, anybody who enjoys reminiscing a little about their middle school days and how we as students were starting to grow into ourselves, discovering who we are individually, and what are passions were. All in all, The Dumbest Idea Ever! is a wonderful read destined for the living room sofa.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir

Summary: Told through comic book format, we learn of the journey of Stanley Lieber, first as an assistant for Timely Comics then later as his current role as the Face of Marvel Comics, a.k.a. "Stan 'the Man' Lee." He is so universally recognized as Marvel comics that his cameos in Marvel's superhero movies are a way for others to pay respects to the man for all of the work he put into the company (especially after the debacle involving DC Comics and Superman creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster).  Throughout much of the history of comic books, Stan Lee has been a constant in the success of Marvel Comics.  We learn of his many roles that he played in the company, as well as the trials and tribulations/ups and downs of the comic book industry. We also get to see how Stan's personality and character helped to create/co-create so many of Marvel's heroes and promoted them. Why I Picked It Up: Having been a reader of Marvel Comics since the early 1970...

Module 2: Corduroy

Summary:   Corduroy is a department store teddy bear who searches for a button that he can use on his overalls.  He searches for the button because he thinks that the button will make him complete and attractive to buy.  Earlier a young girl wanted to buy him, but her mother said that they hadn't any more money and besides the bear was missing a button.  Unfortunately, Corduroy is prevented from obtaining a button and finds himself placed back on the toy shelf by the store's overnight security guard.  The next day, Corduroy is excited to see that the girl came back and used her own money to buy Corduroy and was also able to give Corduroy a new button. Reference: Freeman, D. (1976) Corduroy . New York, NY. Puffin Books. Impression: Corduroy is a children's book that touches the heart.  The way Corduroy is drawn by Don Freeman's, with simple yet endearing qualities, helps the reader to remember their own personal teddy bears or favorite stuffed ani...

Module 4: The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Summary: All pet lovers at one point in there life like to think that they will one day be reunited with their favorite pets in heaven.  Well, in this fun and interesting story, we discover a cat that practically wills itself into heaven by befriending an artist.  We initially find the cat being reluctantly adopted by the artist when his maid brings it to the artist's home.  Soon after he decides to keep the cat, the artist is hired by monks for a grand commission, to create a painting of Buddha on his death bed. With such a grand endeavor before him, the artist focuses on his creation by intricately painting various animals to join Buddha in his last days as they visit him.  Throughout his work, the cat becomes an inspiration to the artist and because of the cat's soothing demeanor the artist wants to include the feline into the painting of Buddha. Unfortunately, history has told that the cat was not included in Buddha's heaven because of its pride and aloofness....