Zombies Hate Stuff

If you’ve ever had the experience of connecting with a graphic novel that takes two and a half minutes to read, you’ll appreciate Zombies Hate Stuff. In it, Stones tells a simple tale of what zombies hate, what they don’t mind, what they really hate, and finally, what they love. With typically no more than a word or two on each page describing the object of a zombie’s hatred, indifference, loathing, or affection, Stones’s panels have a cool way of collectively turning a grin into a chuckle (and perhaps, dare it be said, into a hearty guffaw). Stones is able to tap into what readers love or hate about the things he presents, and in a strange way manages to get readers to see them through the zombie’s rather glazed eyes. When it comes to creating humor, Stones uses all the tricks of the trade, including awkward juxtapositions, sight gags, incongruity, visual references, and even—if you can believe it—dramatic irony (well, at least in the case of the clown). It’s perfect as a conversation piece or for a laugh around the water cooler, unless you know people at work who love bagpipes or are into sock monkeys. (Mar.)