10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A unique mix of horror, puns, and our feline friends, November 22, 2005
This review is from: Shadow of the Vampuss (Paperback)
This is the perfect gift for the cat-obsessed, whether that's you or someone else. Guaranteed, your gift won't be run-of-the-mill, no matter what your favorite cat lover has already collected!
SHADOW OF THE VAMPUSS follows, with wit and truly unique artwork, the classic tale of Count Dracula... rewritten to substitute cats for the humans of the original work. As an example, here's an early excerpt: "But Jonathan's ears lowered slightly as he added, `Unfortunately I must leave for Transylvania tomorrow morning.' He took a letter from his jacket. `Mr. Slaughter has asked me to renegotiate a contract on the old Whiskers Manor, right here in Kitby.'"
Some of the artwork is uncanny; for instance, the shrewd expression of Count Scratchula on page 84 is spot-on, and that goes for both human and felines. On page 74, the pose of Van Helsing is just so, from the point of his toe on the stair to the calculated curve of his tail... and page 26 captures perfectly the tilt of a feline head in every wrinkle. This may sound bizarre until you take a look at the artwork yourself--you'll see what I mean.
The publisher didn't stint on quality. Although the cover is a bit glossy, fine details abound: a scored spine prevents cracking, and there's a thick cover stock, a paper bookplate adhered to the inside of the front cover, smooth and substantial interior paper stock, full bleeds, and vivid color throughout.
If you're looking for a gift for your family member or friend who has everything and he/she loves cats, collecting unusual books, or a certain sly sense of humor, you're golden! It would also work marvelously as a book for older children. (And if you're a fan of both cats and the metaphysical, judging from a sample card included with the book, this publisher also produces some exquisitely detailed tarot cards--you guessed it, also featuring cats.)
I feel very confident giving this book five stars for creativity and a high-quality execution. I know my mother-in-law is going to love her gift--and since she's an elementary school schoolteacher, I'm pretty sure her students each year are going to enjoy it as well!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beware the Felis catus vampirus!, October 31, 2006
This review is from: Shadow of the Vampuss (Paperback)
"So this is the infamous Pit Bull Pass, Jonathan thought even as he felt his tail fluffing out in alarm. He dug his claws into the leaves and began to sing in order to ward off his fear. But just as another long howl rang out almost beside him and the last rays of the sun vanished beneath the treetops, there was a loud rattle of chains and an oddly hollow clucking noise. Out of the blackness appeared a dark carriage drawn by two pale chickens and driven by a rat." - From the book
If you're familiar with the work of Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov--the creative force behind Prague's baba studio--you know how expertly these geniuses combine wicked wit, arresting images, and incisive observations (about either cats or humans).
In the macabre but oh so engrossing 92-page book Shadow of the Vampuss, Karen and Alex take us on a wild ride brimming with brooding atmosphere, vampiric sensuality, and gothic madness.
Beautiful costumes, shadowed corridors, gorgeous scenery, lavish illustrations, and anthropomorphic feline expressions make Shadow of the Vampuss a truly special book. Masterfully re-crafting the classic horror tale, Karen's Count Scratchula both intrigues and horrifies. I simply could NOT put this book down!
I'm not one to have nightmares (in fact, I can't think of the last time I had one), but after reading Shadow of the Vampuss--I had a nightmarish dream inhabited by vampiric cats! Ack!
Bloodlust, melodrama, and bizarre goings on--as the book cover says, this tale is not for under-age kittens!
However, fans of baba studio, cats, graphic novels, vampires, or classic horror, Shadow of the Vampuss does not disappoint, providing anxious amusement, a bit of dread, and an utterly fulfilling scary story.
And the story's ending? Purrrfect! (I want a sequel!)
(To visit the Vampuss, visit http://www.vampuss.com/ Check out the cool animated version of this tale!)
Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)
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