New Reviews: Audio Theater

GraphicAudio took on quite a challenge in adapting a visually surreal comic book to audio. Dr. Strange and the Nightmare, who are lords of the Dream Dimension, have long been adversaries, but now they must team up with the non-magical Dr. Misra to find out what new evil force is causing harm in the real and dream worlds. While they do maintain a solid story with engaging sound... Read More

The hard-working folks at GraphicAudio once again make the difficult seem easy in their creation of a comic book made of sound. In just one audiobook, they do more with the Fantastic Four than three big-budget Hollywood films did. The characters sound like the Fantastic Four would sound, which is pretty hard to do--just look at The Thing in any of the films for comparison.... Read More

Spurrier reimagines Stevenson's classic tale, modernizing the narrative for this audiobook. The story involves two female leads flanked by friends and colleagues who are attempting to unravel the mystery of their strange behavior. While listeners will need to suspend disbelief if they are already familiar with the story of Jekyll and Hyde, this is, nonetheless, a solid... Read More

The science-fiction classic undergoes a fantastic modernization, thanks to Jeff Wayne's energetic score and a cast of talented narrators. Michael Sheen capably steps into the character of the unnamed journalist and imbues his narration with steady calm as he recounts the Martian invasion of England. A varied cast coupled with subtle sound effects keeps the drama feeling fresh... Read More

Narrator Laurence Bouvard gives a nuanced portrayal of a down-on-her-luck private eye who takes on a missing persons case that quickly goes sideways and becomes way too personal. Audible goes all in with film-like production values, first-rate original music, and, best of all, evocative sound effects such as the lurching rumble of a New York subway car and the loud open space... Read More

Listeners meet Magus Elgar; his apprentice, Udo; and the story's narrator in the middle of a noisy battle against another mage who has assumed the form of a dragon. The opening is a lot to take in and sort out at first, but it's worth the effort. The production is a rollicking tale, funny and action packed, with inventive wordplay and outstanding sound effects. Those effects... Read More

Symbiote superhero Venom's voyage to San Francisco comes to life with a full cast and a variety of sound effects that immerse the listener in the story. The sound effects in many ways enhance the listening experience but at the same time can be a bit repetitive. The real power of this adaptation is the cast. Having such a variety in the narration layers on the detail, ensuring... Read More