Book Review #12

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Missing You, Metropolis

By Gary Jackson 

    I got this book a while back. At least before college, so I would say 2011 or 2012. I don't remember how it came into my possession, but I'm glad it did. This was a delight to read. 

    First of all, for you guys who are into superheroes and comics, this is a nice little detour off of the comic strips. A lot of the poetry (yes, a poetry book! gasp!) has details and entire poems written from the perspectives of either superheroes or those who live in the same universe as the superheroes. They are a nice little bite of the comic world, and Jackson even has a small section in the book where he tells everyone which comic he took inspiration from! 

    For those of you who are not into superheroes or comics as much, this is still a great book. In between the details from comics, there are other poems that hint at things beyond the comic strip. I particularly enjoyed these poems, especially in the first two sections, but they hit your feelings much harder in the third and forth once you start putting some pieces of story together. 

    Honestly, this is a recommended poetry read for anyone interested in poetry but doesn't want to really dig too deep into the poetry world. Or be that person who reads poetry in depth like an English literature major with nothing to do on a Wednesday night. (Don't fret, English literature folks. I love y'all. Sometimes y'all just have some hobbies that I can't really wrap my brain around.) Feel free to pick up a copy in physical or digital form. 

~

Written 22 March 2025

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