Metamorphosis

    (Crown, 2003)
™ and © Crown Publishers

The Metamorphosis is a classic that probably never would have been illustrated in a more conventional comics format. This handy little hardcover comfortably straddles the line between what the man on the street considers “literature” and what comics aficionados recognize as plain old “good reading.”

If you’ve ever read Kafka’s original tale, there is no doubt imagery that has made itself at home in your brain. (The apple that becomes embedded in Samsa’s back is one such example.) Kuper brings these images to life in stark black and white.

In general, Kuper’s art may be too weird, creepy, or dark for some. His take on “Spy vs. Spy” in Mad may discomfit fans of Antonio Prohias’ original. But nobody else could capture the mood any better in a tale as weird, creepy, or dark as this.

Kuper cites Winsor McCay’s Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend as an influence. One must assume that means in concept rather than in style. Kuper’s highly distinctive style is as far removed from McCay’s as Bill Sienkiewicz’ is from Alex Ross’.

Still and all, I never met a morphosis I didn’t like.

— Jack Abramowitz
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