Twisted Tim Goes Into Print

By Tim Burchett
Special to The Bakersfield Californian



Am I the only person on the face of the earth who truly appreciates the unique, somewhat bizarre vision of Tim Burton?

Hopefully, in writing this, that will change.

"The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy And Other Stories" is, as if you can't tell, a collection of "Illustrated Tales" from the king of all that is weird (i.e. "Beetlejuice", "The Nightmare Before Christmas", and much more).

We are introduced to a group of social outcasts who try to find love and happiness in their world, a theme Burton has used in all his movies.

I think the one story that I loved would have to be "Stick Boy's Festive Christmas." It is worth the $20 hardcover price for that story alone. But please, if you buy it, read the whole book.

Other stories worthy of mention are the title story and "Char Boy". They are quintessential Burton Tales.

The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy" will fill the void till Burton's next movie which looks like it will be "Superman Reborn" if he can just agree on a script, though I personally feel he should instead do the next "Batman." He is the only director who can do the caped crusader justice.

Go to your favorite bookstore and get "The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy." If you love Tim Burton's Twited sense of humor as I do, you will not be disappointed.