Ever since Gravity Falls first aired on June 15, 2012, it’s been a significant part of my life. I was 10 years old, and the mysteries of the show captivated my young mind. This effectively sparked a lifelong fascination with the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly bizarre. Now, at 22, I find myself just as enamored with the show as I was a decade ago, if not more. But recently, something has reignited that passion in a big way: Alex Hirsch’s latest masterpiece, The Book of Bill.
For those who aren’t familiar, Gravity Falls was more than just an animated series. It was a cultural phenomenon that skillfully blended humor, heart, and horror into a narrative that appealed to kids and adults alike. With its deep mythology, memorable characters, and countless Easter eggs, it wasn’t just a show you watched; it was a puzzle you had to solve along the way. And at the center of it all was Bill Cipher, the series’ enigmatic and terrifying main antagonist.
The Book of Bill isn’t just an add-on to this legacy. It’s a deep dive into the mind of one of the most iconic villains in animation history, and it brings a fresh layer of understanding to the show.
A Deep Dive into Madness
Bill Cipher was always one of the most intriguing characters in Gravity Falls. He is chaotic, unpredictable, and almost impossible to fully understand, making him an absolute geometric force to be reckoned with. The Book of Bill, “authored” by Bill himself, takes us deep into his demented psyche, offering a glimpse into what exactly makes him tick.
From the first page, the book pulls you into Bill’s mind—one that’s full of twisted logic, dark humor, and mind-bending concepts that perfectly mirror his on-screen persona. The writing is quintessentially Hirsch: witty, weird, and utterly engrossing. Every page feels like a conversation with Bill himself, which is both thrilling and a little unnerving. This is especially true when there are multiple allusions to Bill being self-aware of his fictitious nature.
For a fan like me who has spent countless hours theorizing about Bill’s existence, The Book of Bill is a goldmine. It answers questions I didn’t even know I had while also raising new ones, prompting me to rewatch the entire series with fresh eyes. This isn’t just a supplement to the show; it’s an essential piece of the ongoing puzzle.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Secrets
One of the things that makes Gravity Falls so special is its attention to detail. Every episode is jam-packed with Easter eggs, codes, and hidden messages that keep viewers constantly guessing. Every specific component is purposeful. In the early 2010s, this was mindblowing. The Book of Bill carries on this tradition in the best possible way.
The book is filled with cryptic notes, ciphers (literally), and hidden messages that demand to be decoded. Hirsch clearly designed the book to be an interactive experience, encouraging readers to engage with the material in the same way that we did with the show. The best part is that the secrets have grown up with the fans. No longer are messages cracked immediately and as simple as numbers corresponding with letters in the alphabet. The book, as well as the mania that has arisen in the wake of its publication, contains some of the most mind-bending puzzles that I have ever seen. As our brains have changed and evolved from those of middle schoolers, so has Hirsch’s eagerness to keep up the challenge.
Though The Book of Bill is an experience in and of itself, it also serves as a testament to Hirsch’s genius. Even now, he’s able to surprise and challenge his audience.
Expanding the Universe
While Gravity Falls wrapped up its story beautifully, there were always lingering questions and mysteries that fans were desperate to see explored. The Book of Bill doesn’t just answer some of these questions—it expands the entire universe in fascinating ways.
The book delves into the nature of the multiverse and Bill Cipher’s origins while even hinting at post-finale events. That isn’t to say it neglects the characters that we love, as newfound information is also given about the Pines family. It’s clear that Hirsch has put as much care and thought into this book as he did into the series itself. Every detail feels purposeful, every revelation earned.
For someone who’s been a fan since day one, this book feels like a love letter to the fandom. It’s clear that Hirsch understands and appreciates the community that has formed around Gravity Falls. He’s given us something that we can treasure for years to come. Many fans grew up with Mabel and Dipper, and The Book of Bill is the ultimate treat for this now-adult audience.
A Perfect Companion
At 22, I’ve seen a lot of shows come and go, but few have had the lasting impact of Gravity Falls. It’s a series that I’ll continue to revisit for years to come, and The Book of Bill is now an essential part of that experience.
This book is the ideal companion to the series. It enhances the story, deepens the characters, and invites us to dive back into the world of Gravity Falls with renewed enthusiasm. For any fan of the show, The Book of Bill is a must-read. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with Gravity Falls in the first place and proof of the enduring power of Alex Hirsch’s creation.
