Kabuki

Interesting. Is the first things that comes to mind when I think of David Mack’s Kabuki series. I recently read issue 8 and was thoroughly confused, but in a good way. Reading this book is like watching Mack flex his creative muscles right in front of me. If that description was too abstract then blame the book not me. The blend of artistic styles and sometimes dizzying storytelling are staples of the book that has been produced sporadically since 1994. Not being terribly familiar with the story I was forced to do a little research, which is a testament to Mack’s ability to draw interest in his title.

A tale of espionage and betrayal Kabuki features the story of a girl struggling to survive a tangled web of secrets and even more secrets, constantly going over the past and her memories of events to unlock key’s to her life and her future. All the while on the run from her former associates, the Mask of Noh (who are only mentioned sparingly in this particular issue) the story evolves slowly so it’s fairly easy to get caught up.

This issue remained as unconventional as the comic itself has been appearing at points to leave the fictional story and blend it with somewhat metaphoric references to the real world. There were points where I couldn’t figure out what I was reading but was compelled to read on. I usually don’t like books that aren’t easily accessible but I have to make an exception in the case of Kabuki. If you’ve missed some issues then shame on you (and me too honestly), it’s absolutely intriguing in its style and content. I really liked the panel work, it was off the beaten path without being confusing, and plain (at times) without being boring.
           
Mack makes the artwork look deceptively easy as the book is simply drawn at times, but his characters take some imagination to be used in the fashion that uses them. I constantly got the feeling that I was seeing different compartments of his mind and how his brain worked. Seeing his creative process directly applied to the final page is nothing short of inspiration, he really pushes the limits of what a traditional comic is ‘supposed’ to look like. By breaking the rules he opens the field of play for the artists that are sure to follow. If your looking for something new to read Kabuki is a safe bet.