Subcultural engagement for the 21st Century...
Barbelith is a new kind of community (find out more)...
You can login or register.

David Mack's Kabuki: Metamorphosis

Rev. Jesse

22:24 / 10.11.01

Has anyone else seen this? I have been a fan of the sexy/scary Kabuki books for a while now and this new one is amazing. looking back it is clear Mack has improved his artistry, craftsmanship and storytelling skills a great deal.

Anyone seen it?

-Jesse

mondo a-go-go

16:56 / 12.11.01

s'not new, though, it's a collection of his stuff from image, with some new pages.

personally, i love his image stuff. i love how it takes at least an hour to unravel each comic, instead of the usual 6mins.

Karasu

19:49 / 12.11.01

quote:Originally posted by Kooky is a bad scamp:
personally, i love his image stuff. i love how it takes at least an hour to unravel each comic, instead of the usual 6mins.

All his stuuf's like that. I picked up Circle of Blood at the start of the year, which got me hooked into the whole story arc, and each time I re-read them I always find something new I missed the last time.

If you want to have a look at a beautiful Kabuki web-site take a gander at Mask, my friend Wendys' site.

[ 12-11-2001: Message edited by: Karasu ]

Mr Tricks

12:17 / 14.11.01

Yeah.... Great Great stuff...

NewMyth

07:54 / 15.01.07

I just discovered the Kabuki series with The Alchemy #7. Very impressed, went and got the earlier trades, Circle of Blood origin is very cool -- how could I have missed this in '95...? Nice style of cyberpunk, Bladerunner, etc. I'm just beginning with Metamorphosis, very incredible work. His story and art are multi-layered and a close reading is necessary and worth it.

Will have to track down his Daredevil/Echo stories... anyone familiar with them?

squib

02:18 / 27.11.09

I read Metamorphosis and Alchemy recently. I can't believe how long this series has escaped me.

I was really impressed with Alchemy in particular, but Metamorphosis was pretty spectacular as well.

Will be picking up the rest sometime soon.

NewMyth

13:35 / 11.12.09

I have to echo you folks here: I discovered Kabuki a year or so ago, with the Alchemy story arc. Went back and caught up... How the heck had this series slipped by?!

Circle of Blood had the visual style of a Steranko.
After this origin story, it seems like Mack's interests grew... exploring so much more than superhero(ine) territory. Metamorphosis was amazing; especially the mysterious Akemi.

The whole series -- and primarily Alchemy -- is a meditation/exploration of creativity.

I really, really liked the Alchemy story, (except for the bits of "What The Bleep" nonsense about that water crystal guy.) In most of the series, not that much actually happens, but it's like he deconstructs the events with minute subjective details. And Alchemy folds the series in on itself.

There are a couple lovely Kabuki posters you can find on Ebay. And I strongly recommend the "Alchemy of Art" DVD about David Mack.

squib

14:57 / 15.12.09

I guess I'm destined to reading this series ass backwards.

I picked up Scarab. Although I enjoyed it, it wasn't the same richness of creativity as Alchemy and Metamorphosis

Still, it's far more creative and evocative than half of the comics/graphic novels I've discovered of late. I stumbled on David Mack due to his association with Brian Michael Bendis, who's writing (and dialogue in particular) I really appreciate.

the superhero motif is getting a bit tired for me. I realize they're science's answer to mythological characters, but it's been done to death and back, regardless of insight and imagination. At least Kabuki has introduced a different narrative & visual format that is riveting and compelling, even as it slows down the reading process.

Add Your Reply