Kabuki: The Alchemy ~David Mack
2009, Marvel Publishing, Inc
320 pages
5/5 stars
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
~Mahatma Gandhi
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it now. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.”
~Goethe
I have stepped away from the “new and improved” review format for a very important reason. This review is as much a statement on creativity and change as it is a review of David Mack’s latest graphic novel. Why? Because Kabuki: The Alchemy, is as much a treatise on the creative process and an encouragement to “move your ass and make it happen” as it is the next chapter in the life of Mack’s seminal creation.
One of the many points David Mack makes in this semi-autobiographical work is that we often wait for some form of external validation before we will overcome the many and varied barriers that we erect to keep us from exploring our talents, from reaching our creative potential, and from being an agent of change in our own lives. Many forms of literature and art have layers of meaning. I am not sure that I have seen anything quite as obviously multi-layered that works so well from start to finish. The execution of this story is incredible.
Though the seventh volume in the graphic novel series chronicling the life of this female Japanese assassin, it is meant to function as a starting off point for new readers as well as a rewarding new direction in the storyline for those who have faithfully followed the series. Mack expertly weaves threads from the previous graphic novels into this tale and does so in a way that propels the story forward instead of it feeling like a series of flashbacks. I promise you this, The Alchemy is like nothing you have ever read before.
For the uninitiated, Ukiko, codename: Kabuki, is one of eight female assassins working for a government agency called the Noh. That description alone would tend to make a person think that the Kabuki series is a blood and guts action series, but that is not the case. Kabuki turns out to be a largely introspective series that explores the subject of identity, choice, and many other philosophical issues. Though action is present, the series is more about the exploration of this character and in turns becomes an opportunity for self-exploration by the reader. This series is quite unique, engaging, and exciting in both its storytelling and the artistic approach that Mack uses to render many of the graphic novels.
David Mack is an extraordinary artist. His paintings, particularly those of the Asian women who populate this series, are gorgeous in the extreme. His images are life-like and yet uniquely stylized at the same time. Once you’ve seen several examples of David Mack’s painting style you are able to recognize it when you see it in other work that he does. But Mack does not stop there. In addition to his painting and his pen and ink renderings, he uses collage to add various elements to his pages that make them uniquely his own. The variety of art styles in this book is astounding and Mack is the caliber of artist that can pull them off masterfully. I marveled at David Mack’s creative vision the first time I saw it and I continue to do so today. I am particularly fond of work that involves collage and assemblage techniques and Mack’s work is simply beautiful. For this particular volume the response was so great from issue to issue that readers sent David Mack various items that were special to them and he incorporated some of these into later issues. David Mack also put out a call to readers for various stamps (letters feature heavily in The Alchemy) and the response generated a variety of interesting stamps that made it into these issues.
In The Alchemy, Kubuki has left the Noh organization. She is on the run and looking to reinvent herself while at the same time remaining safe. What makes this difficult for her is that she has a distinctive scar that covers half of her face, a scar that features prominently in the story of her life. Kabuki’s journey then begins with a mask. The mask, and all that masks symbolize, is also a strong component of the Kabuki storyline and the shedding of masks and reinvention of oneself becomes a major plot point in The Alchemy. Where this particular volume becomes a ‘must read’ for those who haven’t read this series and/or are not particularly into graphic novels is that Kabuki’s journey to change becomes a call to all of us to embrace our creativity, to create our own change, and to not wait another day to do so.
The message is not new to readers, particularly to those of us who blog and have shared in conversations about exploring our creative natures. But while the message may not be new, its presentation, and thus its impact, is certainly unlike anything I have ever read or seen before. Through the characters in this volume, three in particular, David Mack is able to share his own views on the creative process while opening the door for others to follow. The message is never preachy, it is never heavy-handed…it is not saccharine in any way. But an unmistakable message it is, and one that is presented in a way that is truly beautiful. In one amazing volume, David Mack is giving you permission and a gentle kick in the pants to embrace the talents that you may not even realize that you have. The message is timeless, and yet could not be more timely.
I admit that I am probably failing in doing justice to this work. If it sounds like I am describing some sort of preachy, pop-culture self-motivation tract then please forgive me, this is not what this is at all. Instead it is one of the coolest graphic novels that I have ever read filled with gorgeous, creative art that just happens to have a message that gets right to the heart of what it means to embrace life and be a living, ever-evolving individual and how doing so can affect meaningful change in our culture and consequently the lives of those we come into contact with.
I was introduced to the work of David Mack by my friend Jeff. In fact the first time I went to his house to visit with him he showed me an awesome collection of books, comics and art that included a rare portfolio of David Mack’s work that just blew me away. If memory serves I borrowed the first graphic novel right then and became an instant fan of his work. To have that introduction come full circle with this newly released seventh volume is very special. I thank Jeff for introducing me to this series and also for convincing me, in his gushing review of The Alchemy on the phone the other day, that I needed to pick this up in the hardback version. The presentation of this work is top-notch. The beautiful dust jacket covers a cool black cover embossed with Japanese text. The front end paper repeats the same text with a shadowed effect. The paper is of a sturdy weight and the color reproduction is gorgeous. In addition, and something I am partial to, the book has its own sewn-in ribbon for easily marking where you are at when leaving off reading. I was a bit giddy when I discovered the ribbon. It is the little touches that make me smile.
David Mack also includes a large selection of “highlights” from the letters columns of the nine issues. This is something that is rarely seen when comic books are bound in the graphic novel format. Mack shares that including these is important because of the impact his work was having on various individuals and how their letters in turn impacted the course of the story as it unfolded. These letters then become a further examination of both the creative process as well as examples of what Mack calls “the ripple effect”. Kabuki: The Alchemy comes in a regular hardcover edition, which is what I have, or a special limited edition that includes a sketch by David Mack. I’ve seen one of the sketches and it was very nice.
And now you, dear reader, have an opportunity to thank Jeff as well. Since he twisted my arm until I bought the hardback version (*chuckles*), I have the nine individual comics that make up Kabuki: The Alchemy that I would like to give away to one lucky person. I will draw a winner from those who comment on this post by Friday, April 3rd at 11:59 p.m (CST). If you are not interested in winning this giveaway, I would encourage you to go ahead and comment on this post and simply let me know within your comment that you are not interested.
If you are a writer or would-be writer. If you are an artist of any kind or a would-be artist. If you are musical or wish to become a musician. If you are creative in any way, either traditional or non-traditional, or have felt the urge to be creative, this is a book that you must pick up. It is tells a beautiful story and will leave you with the feeling that now is the time. It will open your heart to the wondrous possibilities behind taking a leap of faith. If you need any more push, Amazon is featuring the regular hardcover version at a tremendous discount right now. Less than $20!
As a companion volume of sorts to this work, I highly recommend the DVD The Alchemy of Art: David Mack, produced by Hero Video Productions. In it David Mack tells his amazing story, showcases a tremendous amount of beautiful art, and introduces the viewer to Visionaries and Voices, an art studio for artists with disabilities that Mack works with. David Mack shares that he was most likely a child with a form of Asperger’s at a time well before such a diagnosis existed. His devotion to those with disabilities is just one more reason why I encourage you to pick up his work–this guy seems to know just what it is all about.
I believe this is my first 5 star rating of the year, and it is well deserved. One can only hope the awards committee recognizes the brilliance of this volume when this year’s Eisner nominations roll around. I have a deep and abiding love for comic books, for graphic novels. That being said, only a handful of them have impacted me with the sort of “can’t-put-it-down, overwhelmed-with-the-beauty-of-it-all” feeling that I got from reading Kabuki: The Alchemy (and Kabuki: Metamorphosis, for that matter). David Mack’s work inspires me on so many levels that it is difficult to begin and to end a discussion of his creativity. Perhaps it is best to close with a couple more of the quotations from the book:
“They say that time changes things. But you actually have to change them yourself.”
~Andy Warhol
“Our brightest blazes are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.”
~Samuel Johnson
___________
Speaking of prizes, it is time to award a winner of the Essential Tolkien CD! And, thanks to that wonderful Random Integer Generator the CD, and a LOTR symphony bookmark that I picked up at the comicon this past weekend, goes to….
Congrats! I have your address and will get this mailed out to you!
Oh, this sounds like something I should totally read, especially at this point in my life. Thanks for posting it! I love it!
Ooh, I’m jealous I wanted to win that one! But the one you’re giving away today looks absolutely amazing!! I’m applying to grad school to get my MFA in Creative Writing in the next couple years, so this is one I would absolutely love love love to win this one.
Wow, this looks amazing! Totally something I will have to watch out for!
David Mack’s work is amazing. I especially love the drawings/paintings of the female Asian characters. They are very detailed and beautiful.
Oh, Carl, I’m sending a big kiss your way (even if it was a machine who pulled my name ;). The book that you reviewed here looks like a Must Have, especially for those of us with a penchant for Japanese “literature”. Wow, I’ll have to go to amazon, because I certainly don’t expect to win twice! Thank you, for the review and the prize; I’m so glad to learn of this exciting Kabuki: The Alchemy. Perhaps it may have to make a reappearance for The Japanese Literature Challenge 3…
Oh my goodness, I think you just managed to punch a gaping hole through my obsessive nature. I can just never bring myself to read series out of order, but I want this book…and I don’t even care that I’ve never heard of or read any of the rest of the series! In fact, don’t enter me in the drawing, because I already went over to Amazon and added the hardback version to the wish list. Rich will be informed when he gets home that this would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. 😀
Way to go Bellezza!!
Carl, that book is absolutely gorgeous! The next time I need a treat, I may have to order that. (I’m thinking it may be soon!)
Congrats to Bellezza!
Carl, again I’m so happy you have enjoyed David Mack’s work as much as I have enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s since you introduced him to me. The Alchemy book is Mack at his best. I finished this book days ago and I can’t stop thinking about it and it’s message. I can’t echo Carl’s 5/5 rating enough. This work is the most important to come out of the comics field since Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series.
Wow, this is phenomenal. Please do enter me, and if I do not win, I will pop directly over to Amazon to pick it up. Thanks for this amazing review, and for including so many pictures. I can’t wait to read it!
Carl, what an amazing review. Thank you so much for introducing me to David Mack’s work. The pictures are stunning, the mix of styles and media over the top. Please put my name in the magic hat!
Carl, please enter my name in the draw. The book looks spectacular, and full of creative ideas and sparks on every page, and I so want to read this. If I don’t win, I will head to Amazon…..either way, I thank YOU for bringing it to our attention, because I never would have looked at this in the stores. I’m so new to Graphic novels! I love collages too, and so does my daughter who wants to be an artist….oh yes, one way or another this book is going to find its way to our house!! 😀
This book sounds fascinating. The pictures are awesome. I am going to check it out. Creativity is another aspect of me. I write poetry on my other blog, rooted. On vast and varied issues. If interested, you can check out my poetry by clicking on my name.
Looks beautiful. I love that Chuck Palahniuk does the intro… reason enough to want this series. 🙂
Graphic Novels have not been a big thing for me. Probably a good thing since the last thing I need is more books I want to buy LOL! Still, that one looks interesting….
Astaryth: Without sounding judgmental (because you never know how typing is going to look to the other person), I would encourage you to give graphic novels a try at some point, especially since so many libraries carry them now. Sandman, The Alchemy, Watchmen…definitely must reads and such an interesting form of storytelling.
Stacey: His intro was very interesting. I always forget what he wrote until I see the credits. Sad that I haven’t read his works, but I love the film version of Fight Club!
Gautami Tripathy: As a writer I definitely think you would find this to be an interesting story. It certainly has its own rhythm and it touches many times on the art of writing.
Susan: You are very welcome. Someone had to bring this to my attention as well or it is unlikely that I would have read Mack’s work either. I hope you enjoy the book whether you win or buy!
Gavin: It is great stuff! Consider yourself entered!
Darla D: “Phenomenal”, good word! I couldn’t agree more.
Jeff: I agree with you wholeheartedly. It is a pretty amazing work and it is a shame more people aren’t reading this. All we can do is encourage others and hope to spread the word.
Heather: It was hard to resist, believe me! I probably didn’t need to treat myself but I’m glad I did!
Debi: Well I’m glad to hear that you are going to get this for Mother’s Day. It will be a wonderful present. I look forward to your thoughts. And definitely fight that obsessive nature and enjoy this!
Bellezza: Congratulations again! I’m very happy for you! I’ll pass on your kiss to my robot! 🙂 Alchemy will definitely tickle your Japanese-love funnybone! I thought of you specifically when I chose that last image in this post because it reminded me so much of the giveaway stuff you feature on your Japanese Literature Challenges. I am looking forward to Number 3 and definitely recommend that you read this for that one!
Mary: He definitely does that well!
Kailana: For sure, I suspect that you’d enjoy it.
Lu: If you are going to school and/or engaging in any sort of creative writing I would consider this a must read…as soon as possible! If you can get this stuff down, get past any barriers, you are way ahead of the game.
Daphne: It is amazing. I hope if you don’t win that you find a copy and love it as much as I do.
Dude! You just made my night! I’m a HUGE David Mack fan and love the kabuki series and had no idea that this was out. I’ve stopped reading the individual comics because it seems like I never have a chance to get to the comic book store, so I didn’t even know about this. You didn’t fail at doing it justice at all…your review was just perfect. His artwork is mind blowing to me…it reminds me of McKean in a way only because of the collage type artwork, but both are extremely unique at the same time. No need to enter me in the drawing…I just ordered myself a copy as soon as I saw this post!
Chris: I was getting this issue by issue as it came out but found early on that reading it that way just wasn’t what I wanted to do…especially since the time between issues was sometimes quite long. Reading it all collected this way is the best way to savor it while experiencing the full impact of the book in its entirety.
And thanks! I really look forward to your review of this.
This would be an entirely new experience for me to read. I just keep looking at the pictures over and over–they’re so captivating.
As a completely unitiated blogger who doesn’t read graphic novels (BUT knows she must begin soon!), this sounds amazing!! I don’t consider myself all that creative to honest. I love to write down my thoughts, but I don’t know how much I would be able to do as a writer.
However, I think this goes on the list of Must Reads!! A beautiful and well-thought out review!
Wow! This looks and sounds amazing! I just love the art! We actually have a print of the exact same ukiyoe (wood block print) of the bridge with the wisteria in the last photo framed and hanging in our living room, but I love what he’s done to it. I’m definitely going to have to get my hands on this.
Carl, I don’t usually ‘do’ graphic novels, but you make this one sound so appealing. It really looks like more of an art book: every spread was totally different. Really, really interesting. Thanks for introducing me to this! I will keep an eye out for David Mack.
What a stunning book, I hadn’t heard of it before! I do love what’s happening with stories told in this way, makes me go all teacherly and want to start a new narrative course for the kiddies. Gorgeous artwork.
The artwork looks amazing, very unique I love the bridge in the bottom shot, the colours are beautiful. “I was a bit giddy when I discovered the ribbon. It is the little touches that make me smile.” – I know what you mean. I have picked up many a book because the pages had a particular edge to them or it had different illustrations or a style of presentation.
Wow this sounds and looks like something I need to own. I still ahven’t made the breakthrough into graphic novel reading (I mean I read Maus but who hasn’t) but I really, really want to!
What a lovely book! I’ve not been much interested in graphic novels, but this is a work of art!
JenClair: It is a lovely book. I’d be really curious to see what people who are not into graphic novels, or haven’t tried them at all, would think of this.
Jodie: *shrugs sheepishly* I haven’t! 🙂 I’ve heard so many good things about it and I love the comic book medium, but I really have to be in the mood to read something about the holocaust and even though I own these I haven’t gotten around to reading them.
Rhinoa: I have too…those torn looking edges on books always make me want to pick them up!
Stormfilled: Interesting that you mention teaching because, based on articles I’ve read and the letter column in this book, his work is being used a lot in teaching settings.
ds: It is very much an art book, not only in showcasing David Mack’s work but also because it is entirely about creation and creativity, so it is an art book in more ways than one.
Tanabata: Yes, do! I have no doubt that you would enjoy it.
Stephanie: He touches on the idea of not thinking/knowing if one has talent in this story in a very inspiring way. As I said earlier in the comments to Astaryth, I think there are some graphic novels that everyone should experience, and this is definitely one of them.
Shelley: I’ve thumbed through the book several times since finishing it, just to look at the images again. David Mack has been doing single issue comics for awhile called “Reflections” that are just samples of his art. I am hoping one day soon that they will collect these in a similar hardbound format.
Wow, that actually looks pretty amazing. Count me in for the draw. I’ve never heard of David Mack before, but your post is quite convincing in that I should get introduced.
wow! I’m with Debi! I haven’t read the series before, but I don’t care: I want this and I want it now!
Oh I’d love to win. Gorgeous! I love the collage style. I can draw a bit but I am able to copy more than create. I’d love to be able to expand my imagination. Now that my master’s degree is wrapping up, I want to tap back into my creative side. Thanks for the giveaway!
Amanda: Congrats on the finishing up of your Master’s Degree. That has to feel pretty great to know that your focus will be able to shift off of school work on to other things.
Nymeth: I understand, that’s the way I was after Jeff told me how cool this was. I had to get the last hardcover that he had at the comic shop immediately!
Maria: Definitely an introduction worth making!
these amazing visuals coupled with your contagious enthusiasm makes me want to read this.
i’ve got a lot of time for david mack and really enjoyed most of the kabuki books that i’ve read. i absolutely loved “circle of blood” but somehow by the time i got to “metamorphosis” something was missing.
i don’t know what it is. its not that i didn’t enjoy it, i did, and the artwork is truly incredible and the book is worth buying for that alone. but somehow things just felt a little bit emptier than i was expecting. or a bit too derivative…?
perhaps it was because i had to wait so long before i could read it – i think i only got around to reading it in 2006! maybe my expectations were just far too high?
still, like i said, i did enjoy it. i probably enjoy it more for mack and what he brings to it. how much of himself he puts into these books and how much he experiments with the comics medium. he truly is one of a kind and i shudder to think where comics would be without him!
Thank you so much for posting this review, Carl. You have expressed your response beautifully, as always, and your enthusiasm for the work is utterly infectious.
I am completely new to David Mack’s work, and so I look forward to a new journey. The artwork you have shared in this post is fantastic.
This book truly sounds like exactly what I need at the moment.
Like Chris, I scurried off to Amazon immediately after reading this review, so please, leave me out of the drawing!
David Mack’s work has constantly pushed the boundaries of the comics medium and with The Alchemy he shows that there are no boundaries at all.
James: You are correct, sir. He obliterates the boundaries and in doing so inspires the rest of us to do the same in our lives.
Quixotic: I’m glad you ordered this. I so wanted you to read this after our conversations. I look forward to your thoughts afterwards. And thank you!
JP: I’d be interested in seeing what you think of this. I read each volume of Kabuki with a lot of time spaced in between and since not all of them are in this style I found them to be nicely varied. This is by far my favorite, though I do remember enjoying Metamorphosis.
I certainly can see the issue with expectations. That is why I am glad I didn’t become a Mack ‘fan’ until long after most of his current work was already done. There are several comic book writers and artists who take a looooong time in producing stuff and I think often the fan reaction suffers for that wait. It gets tiring and it really messes up a story when it takes long periods of time for the next ‘chapter’ to come out.
Thank you for such a wonderful review. This one is a must for me. I really love reading about the creative process and the visuals in this book are just extraordinary.
Have you read What It Is by Lynda Barry? Very different than this book but likewise it is a book that gets you energized about creativity and doing something about it!
Thanks, Carl, for another introduction to something new and wonderful. The artwork and “artist-book” quality of Kabuki: The Alchemy, is right up my alley. I am anxious to check out the real thing. Thanks for sharing this.
Qugrainne: You are welcome, I am so glad you enjoyed it. You are certainly one of the people I was specifically thinking of in regards to this book. Reading it reminded me of some of your past posts on creativity.
Iliana: I have not read What It Is, but I’ve added it to my shopping cart on Amazon to take a closer look at later. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh, this fantastic. I would immediately go buy one, if I had the opportunity, but I am hoping luck is on my side for this one. 🙂 Great titles you find. Every post I read here is a treasure.
What a beautiful book! Carl, you always highlights works I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. Congrats, Bellezza!
OOOH this is such a pretty graphic novel! Beautiful illustrations! I hope I find a copy at the bookstore… Beautiful female Japanese assassins, you say? Now that’s definitely bound to be sexy 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful review Carl.
Mark David: I hope you do as well, it is a unique and profound work. And yes, it is sexy as well! 🙂
this is something i defenitely have to own
I read this work one issue at a time and each one was so powerful that I had to take time and meditate on each page before continuing. I’ve been waiting for this collected novel since I met David Mack at the WonderCon last year. This is truly a motivating work of art and literature and all creative minds can benefit from reading it. Thank you David for inspiring us all. 🙂