The Voices of The Refrigerator Monologues
First, it is important to know that this book is not simply fan service. It is not just some variation of comic book storytelling. This book is an informative and entertaining look at the refrigerated woman comic book trope (the trope isn’t specific to comics but author’s focus is).
If you are like me and have more than a passing interest in comic books you will find The Refrigerator Monologues worth the read. Catherynne Valente gives voice to six female comic book characters (these are characters most fans will notice) who came to untimely ends. Their deaths were, in some respects, simple plot points used to develop a larger story line, but Valente gives each of these characters her own post mortem monologue. These six women speak of their lives, deaths, and impact on the comic’s larger story. In doing this Valente makes interesting points concerning the refrigerated woman trope that are worth further discussion (because one of the many things we comic book geeks love is a good discussion).

The Refrigerator Monologues is a great read for those of us who grew up with comic booksand recognize the names Gwen Stacy, Jean Grey, and Karen Paige (pick up the book if you want to know the other three). If your interest in comic books goes deeper than word bubbles and four color panels then check out Valente’s book.
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The Refrigerator Monologues (2017) by Catherynne M. Valente.