The Strange Tale of Panorama Island
Suehiro MaruoOn a remote and mysterious island, one man builds a playground of hedonistic excess – replete with waterfalls, grand palaces, and gardens – a backdrop for his decadent feasts, orgies, and dark secrets. Set in 1920s Japan, The Strange Tale of Panorama Island follows the twisted path of failed novelist Hitomi, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the son of a rich industrialist family. Hitomi learns of the rich man’s sudden passing and creates a desperate plan. He fakes his own death, digs up and hides the other man’s body, and then washes himself up starving on a beach near the home of the dead man’s family. After successfully impersonating the now-dead son, Hitomi takes over all aspects of the industrialist’s life, including his company, his fortune, and eventually his wife. The failed author soon redirects the family’s wealth to his own perverse aims. A graphic novel based on the revered novella by Edogawa Rampo. Rampo was the godfather of Japanese pulp mysteries. Stunning artwork by master manga artist Suehiro Maruo deftly illustrates this Japanese pulp classic in fine detail. * 13th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for New Artist
| status | Copy #1 (7018): in |
|---|---|
| genre | Literature and Fiction » General Literature |
| publisher | Last Gasp |
| publish date | 2013 |
| popularity | checked out 3 time(s) |
The plot of Panorama Island is not nearly as engrossing as the Maruo’s illustrations. This is one of the most beautifully drawn books I’ve encountered. With lots of large illustrations of the island and the performers who live on it, it’s a quick fluffy read that’s not entirely unsatisfying.
Surreal and original! this novel is not shy to expose the naked elements of the human soul warts and all, as well as naked form the human body. In an odd way i feel the best effect this book had on me was an exploration of the flaws involved with hedonism centered around an individuals purchasing power. I love the aesthetic role of the islands various marvels. The protagonist is a scummy terrible person which i find makes it all together fascinating, providing a glimpse into the psychology of someone who i entirely do not relate to is an exercise for my brain. Overall i found this book to be a treasure of literature and a novelty of writing and illustration.