"The Talisman" is a novel written by Peter Straub and Stephen King, published in 1984. It tells the story of Jack Sawyer, a twelve-year-old boy who embarks on a dangerous journey across parallel universes to find a magical talisman that can save his mother's life. The novel is a blend of fantasy, adventure, and horror, drawing inspiration from mythology and folklore. It introduces the concept of "twinners," doppelgängers who exist in different worlds but share a psychic bond. Jack discovers that he has the ability to "flip" between worlds, a power granted him by his deceased father. As Jack travels through the territories, the parallel universes connected to the real world, he encounters various fantastical creatures and dangerous individuals.
Sasshi: I ain't the only one being a little kid here! You're nothing but a kid who wants to. uh, you're just. you're just. A little kid and. DON'T SMOKE!!
Arumi: . that really the issue?
Breast Expansion In the Dragon Quest -themed second episode, Sasshi defeats the final boss using a magic talisman that Arumi bought, which turned out to be used for Breast Expansion the boss s chest swelled up so much it exploded. Shameful Shrinking In the Detective Noir world, anyone who gets shot with a gun doesn t die, but turns in a Chibi version of themselves, thereby cementing themselves as the shameful comic relief character who will never be taken seriously again.
As Jack travels through the territories, the parallel universes connected to the real world, he encounters various fantastical creatures and dangerous individuals. Along the way, he befriends Wolf, a werewolf who becomes his companion and mentor. Together, they navigate treacherous landscapes, escaping vicious enemies and facing their own inner demons.
Anime / Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi
Arumi and Sasshi are two twelve-year-olds who have grown up together in the Abenobashi shopping arcade in Osaka. But the arcade and the neighborhood around it are now slated for redevelopment; one by one, the old familiar buildings are being torn down. Worse, Arumi and her family are moving to Hokkaido. What's poor Sasshi to do?
Well, none of that really matters, after Arumi's grandfather is hospitalized in an accident that destroys the last of four "guardian" figurines that bound the shopping district. Before their eyes, the neighborhood changes. Sasshi and Arumi find themselves trapped in a warped version of Abenobashi, as if it were an RPG, with everyone they know recast as NPCs.
But once they fight their way through the game's plot in grand slapstick style, thinking they will then return home, they find themselves transported to an outer space version of Abenobashi. then a Hong Kong martial arts movie version. then a dinosaur-filled, prehistoric one. And many more. Will Sasshi and Arumi ever get back to the real Abenobashi? Why are they "jumping" in the first place? Who is that blue-haired sorcerer who appears to be going through a mid-life crisis?
A Deconstructive Parody of a dozen or more genres of film and anime, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai) generously trowels thick layers of off-the-wall comedy on top of a surprisingly serious storyline, one you're likely to forget about. Made by Gainax and Madhouse, the show makes both subtle and in-your-face references to various other series.
The anime originally aired from April to June 2002 for 13 episodes. There is also a two-volume Manga adaptation, which is even weirder. The basic plot is pretty much the same, although different worlds are visited, the ones that are in the show are different, and there's a character not shown in the anime (with the exception of a "blink and you'll miss her" scene in the twelfth episode). While unfortunately the manga is no longer in print due to the demise of Tokyopop, cheap used copies can be found on Amazon, or if you're lucky, your local used bookstore.
The overarching theme of the novel revolves around the power of love and the strength of familial bonds. Jack's love for his mother drives him to undertake this perilous quest, and it is through his determination and courage that he faces unimaginable challenges to protect her. Through their journey, the authors explore the complexity of human relationships and the lengths we are willing to go for the ones we love. "The Talisman" stands out for its intricate world-building and richly developed characters. Straub and King seamlessly weave together elements of horror and fantasy, creating a captivating and emotionally charged narrative. The novel's vivid descriptions and strong narrative drive keep readers on the edge of their seats, engrossed in Jack's journey and the fate of his beloved mother. Overall, "The Talisman" is a gripping and imaginative novel that showcases the talent of two master storytellers. Straub and King's collaboration delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant tale that captivates readers from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned..
Reviews for "The Talisman and Loss: Peter Straub's Exploration of Grief and Bereavement"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed by "The Talisman" by Peter Straub. The storyline started off promising, with a young boy embarking on a dangerous journey to save his mother. However, as the book progressed, I found the pacing to be incredibly slow and the plot meandering. The characters were also one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. Overall, I felt that the book had potential but failed to deliver on its promises.
2. John - 1/5 - I honestly couldn't stand "The Talisman" by Peter Straub. The writing was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult for me to follow the story. The plot was all over the place, jumping from one random event to another without any clear direction. Additionally, the dialogue felt unnatural and forced, making it hard for me to engage with the characters. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
3. Melissa - 2/5 - "The Talisman" by Peter Straub was a struggle for me to finish. The writing style felt overly descriptive, with long paragraphs that seemed unnecessary. The pacing was slow, and the plot didn't have enough substance to keep me interested. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. Overall, I wasn't impressed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.