By: Lewis Trondheim Publisher: First Second Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: First Second Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 80 Publication Date: April 01, 2008 Reading Level: Ages 9-12 Release Date: April 01, 2008
Would-be world conquerors Kaput and Zosky are at the pinnacle of their careers. So why does victory always slip from their grasp?
On one planet the natives surrender to Kaput and Zosky without a fight – where’s the fun in that? On another, Kaput finds that he’s won the lottery – and the prize is invested by well-meaning people against his will until he learns he now rules their planet. He doesn’t even have to shoot anyone first! Mayhem and hilarity abounds in these thirteen stories told with bright, cartoony art by Lewis Trondheim.
Another enjoyable read I was introduced to the world of Lewis Trondheim with the Fantagraphics english translation of The Hoodoodad, after which I was hooked. If your only experience with translated european comic books has been Tintin and Asterix, be prepared for a darker, more adult sort of humour. There's a bit more gore, a bit more innuendo, and a lot more craziness.
Kaput & Zosky are two aliens "dedicated to evil, addicted to shooting their blasters and conquering the universe". This is collection of 12 short stories, each about 4-6 pages long, about their attempts to "liquidate, subjugate" and "blastificate" each planet they come across, with hilarious results. Interspersed amongst these are one-pagers of The Cosmonaut satirising typical human behaviour, which are as enjoyable as the main stories themselves.
The book is slightly wider and shorter than the usual comic book size. Printing is excellent, glossy and the colors leap off the page.
Highly recommended.
Note: A lot of 'blastification' occurs; may not be suitable for younger readers.
Very funny... however... This is a very funny book. However, just so Trondheim fans ordering it won't get disappointed later on - it's worth pointing out that only little more than half of the book is actually done by Trondheim. The first half has Trondheim doing story and art all by himself. The second half mostly features stories adapted from the scripts of the Kaput & Zosky television series. The art for these stories is done by Eric Cartier, who's a fine enough artist, but not quite a genius cartoonist on the level of Trondheim. So think of the first half of the book as the main course, and the second half as the bonus feature, then you won't be disappointed. Kids reading this book probably won't care, they'll like it all.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
