Customer Reviews

Kaspar

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Kaspar tells the real story of Kaspar Hauser, a mysterious young man who appeared out of nowhere on the streets of Nuremburg, Germany in the early 19th century. He had no education, no family or friends, barely any language, and no idea how to behave in society. This was because he was completely kept away from human contact for his entire childhood by a mysterious man and then, just as mysteriously, taken away and abandoned in Nuremburg. His case caught the public's imagination and he was taken to various houses and treated well, introduced to society, given clothes, food, lodging, and education and eventually ending up staying with royalty until his mysterious death when he was murdered.

Obomsawin (a new name in comics) draws this very simply and reminded me of the work of Lewis Trondheim. Hauser's life is engrossing and Obomsawin uses Hauser's own words to describe his upbringing in the darkness, and his time amongst German society. Also included are some of Hauser's poetry and she also mentions the various conspiracy theories surrounding Hauser's life, amongst them that he was heir to the German throne.

Drawn & Quarterly really are the best comics publishers out there at the moment. I recommend anyone getting into indie comics to see their catalogue as it contains some of the best comics artists working today.

In all, a fantastic read of a fascinating subject. Obomsawin presents it well, tells it with grace, and you leave the book satisfied and edified. The mystery of Kaspar Hauser lives on.