Hello readers of the
Graphicnovelologist. I'm sorry that I've been away for so long. I was out of
town all summer. I went camping for 3 1/2 weeks, then I went to Cape Cod for
another 3 1/2 weeks. When I got back I just needed to rest for a while. Now without
out further ado, enjoy my next review.
This time i'm reviewing a graphic novel of a famous story
called the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It was adapted by Peter Kuper. If you
haven't heard of it, I will give you a brief summery. A traveling salesman wakes
up in his bed to find that he has transformed into a giant cockroach. His
family tries to take care of him and keep him hidden, but in the end the
cockroach dies from starvation.
I love all the the characters in this book. The cockroach's
father is very intimidating, his mother is very kind hearted, but frail, and
his sister is just very very likable. I also like the side characters, like the
three rude house guests and the old teasing cleaning lady.
I really like the art in this book. The scratchy woodcut
style, which I enjoy very much, perfectly fits a story about people who are
desperate and poor. I also like how Peter Kuper made the eyes so surreal.
The Metamorphosis has been made into another graphic novel
by R. Crumb, a dance and a DLC for a video game called
Spore.
The Metamorphosis is appropriate for all audiences and is a
wonderfully tragic tale. The old dimly lit house makes for a deliciously dark
mood. It is now one of my favorite urban legends. I would give the Metamorphosis
5 giant cockroach out of 5. If you know where to find it, check it out.
