Cover image for The Vision : little better than a beastThe Vision Volume 1: Little Worse Than a Man 
by Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez WaltaCover image for The Vision. 1, Little worse than a man
The Vision Volume 2: Little Better Than a Beast by Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez Walta

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Superhero Science Fiction (Graphic Novel)

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is the book about?: Moving into a new neighborhood can be challenging. This can be made made more difficult when you and your family are androids. In an effort to achieve a sense of stability after facing the deletion of memories of his previous family, Vision (of Marvel’s Avengers) has built a new family from scratch and moved them into the picture-perfect suburbs. Unfortunately, cracks in the stability he hopes for quickly present themselves as each member of the family struggles with feelings  of “otherness.” Kicking off with a supervillain attack (which will prove the least of Vision’s problems) we watch as Vision and his family strive for normality while being pulled into a dark suburban abyss of their own making.

My Review: I have to confess that when I first heard about this miniseries I quickly dismissed it as a shallow cash grab from Marvel. Fortunately I was persuaded to give it a try and I was completely blown away. While you don’t need prior knowledge of the character, the story does highlight just how strange Vision’s back story is and how trauma takes a toll even on androids. All of the unspoken horror of the suburbs is highlighted by the desperation of the Vision to maintain his happy family. The story is told in a very introspective first person. Walta’s art is perfect for this story, channeling the vibrancy of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Existential, Chilling, Reinventive

Give This a Try if You Like…  The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin, Powers by Brian Michael Bendis, Edward Scissorhands, Franz Kafka

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library! (Volume 1) (Volume 2)

About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!