Here is the second part of the Man-Thing Book and Record set. I first heard this record in 1981 as it was released along with numerous other book and record sets that were originally published in 1974. As previously mentioned, this was one grim story and some may wonder why it would be released to the children's market. The answer is that in those days children's entertainment was not politically correct although a mass movement to make it politically correct was on the way. 


Basically, if something was released for the "boy's" demographic, it was assumed it was ok to be a little adult themed. No, this doesn't mean it was R Rated, but there was no shyness over adding cartoon violence that was a bit more over the top than what we would allow today. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Actually, it is neither. It just is.

This particular story was definitely written to touch on the themes of lost and unrequetted love. Or, more accurrately, it deals with the extremes of obsessive love disorder. A suicidal clown who is distraught because the women he loves will never love him is a clear metaphor for the social misfit who desires a woman that is unattainable. Such theme undoubtedly went over the heads of the young audiences who listened to these books. Yet, the darkness of the story remains powerful even after 35 years.....
 
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