Kafka

A Manga Adaptation

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Pub Date Oct 24 2023 | Archive Date Oct 13 2023

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Description

Two cult-favorite Japanese artists present eerie graphic adaptations of 9 classic Kafka short stories, with hypnotic illustrations that will appeal to fans of Junji Ito

Franz Kafka’s work is given vivid new life in this collection of manga adaptations of 9 of his greatest stories.

With spectacularly detailed, otherworldly illustrations, the brother-and-sister duo known as Nishioka Kyodai create a haunting, claustrophobic visual world for Kafka’s surreal masterpieces.

Features adapted versions of:
  •     The Metamorphosis
  •     A Hunger Artist
  •     In the Penal Colony
  •     A Country Doctor
  •     The Concerns of a Patriarch
  •     The Bucket Rider
  •     Jackals and Arabs
  •     A Fratricide
  •     The Vulture

Among the standouts are "The Metamorphosis" and "A Hunger Artist," which present absorbing moments for their unique art style to offer vivid entry points into Kafka's world and which take the immersion experience to a whole other level.
Two cult-favorite Japanese artists present eerie graphic adaptations of 9 classic Kafka short stories, with hypnotic illustrations that will appeal to fans of Junji Ito

Franz Kafka’s work is given...

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EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781782279846
PRICE $19.95 (USD)
PAGES 176

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Average rating from 86 members


Featured Reviews

I read a lot of manga but I haven’t read very many of these retelling type volumes before. It is however something I have been more interested in getting into. Seeing how someone envisions a novel or story via another medium sounds fascinating. When I saw this on Netgalley I had to snap it up. I admit that the only work of Kafka I had read before this was The Metamorphosis (and I greatly enjoyed it) but after reading this I’m definitely going to have to seek out more of his work.

Each of the stories included in this are very short and to the point. Seeing as how I’ve never read the other stories included I have no way to confirm this but seeing as how the version of The Metamorphosis included here is much shorter than the original book I would have to imagine that the other stories are shortened as well. I don’t think that this takes away from them however. With one exception (The Country Doctor) I still think the stories. were very well written and highly enjoyable. My favorites were The Metamorphosis, The Vulture, The Concerns of a Patriarch, and The Bucket Rider. Least favorite was the before mentioned The Country Doctor (confusing, not entirely sure what even happened in the story).

The art in this was absolutely beautiful. I really think it added to the story. Each panel was very well drawn and it could be fascinatingly intricate. I appreciate that the artist that drew for The Metamorphosis didn’t include illustrations of Gregor post-transformation (Kafka was know to object to this). The art in this is compared to Junji Ito but I honestly don’t see it myself.

Overall I loved this and I highly recommend it to fans of the original Kafka and fans of manga alike.

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Kafka is a manga adaptation of nine Kafka short stories, translated into English. Containing famous works like 'The Metamorphosis' and 'In The Penal Colony' as well as a range of others, the book tells new versions of these stories, with a distinctive art style, brief text, and a translation that, as explained in an afterword by the translator, tries to balance between the German original and the Japanese translation that the original manga uses. This makes it a fascinating hybrid work that gives a different view of Kafka, pulling out visual details that you might not otherwise consider when reading the stories ('In The Penal Colony' is particularly effective for this). The version of 'The Metamorphosis' is likely to be a draw for people as it is Kafka's most famous story, and an afterword highlights the fact that Kafka resisted any pictorial depictions of the story's protagonist, which this book complies with in a fascinating way that makes you focus on what is around him and who the other characters are, rather than just on Samsa himself.

This is definitely a different way to view Kafka's works and it provides a great way to picture some of the weirdness of Kafka. I wouldn't normally read graphic reinterpretations of texts, but actually this one has shown me that they can bring new interpretations and readings, rather than just being a different format to read the same old story.

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I think one could hardly have more adequate drawings than these to describe Kafka's stories.

Credo che difficilmente si potrebbero avere dei disegni piú adeguati di questi per descrivere le storie di Kafka.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

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If this graphic novel is something that's interesting, from the illustrations to the way these short stories are presented. I loved the art style and I find it mermeraizing. The fact that I've always loved Kafka's work does its magic too. My favourite was The Metamorphosis and The Bucket Knight.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for this DRC of “Kafka: A Graphic Novel Adaptation” in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

This collection (presented for the first time in English) of eerie graphic adaptations of 9 classic Kafka short stories by brother-and-sister duo known as Nishioka Kyodai provide readers with a new and unique vision of Kafka's surreal works.
Features adapted versions of:

The Metamorphosis
A Hunger Artist
In the Penal Colony
A Country Doctor
The Concerns of a Patriarch
The Bucket Rider
Jackals and Arabs
A Fratricide
The Vulture

I have never encountered Kafka before and this manga style, very reminiscent of Junji Ito, is not my normal go to for manga but in the context of this work, is perfect for the oddities that are the short stories being presented.

Overall I found the collection to be well put together if not a little confusing, (mainly because I'm not at all familiar with Kafka's work) and wasn't sure what to expect. However, as a complete novice, by the time I got to the end I felt that it was also a great gateway introduction to his work. My favourite two stories were The Metamorphosis and Fratricide and I think these two are the most accessible to readers who potentially aren't au fait with either Kafka or this style of manga.

I feel that the artistic style definitely enhanced the surrealist nature of the stories and at times verged on horror (The Vulture and A Hunger Artist) and melancholic fairy tale (The Bucket Knight). It's certainly memorable, Daliesque even, in how it goes to the deepest recesses of the human mind and twists the ordinary into something grotesque and unsettling in many areas. The translation suited the illustrations perfectly and the stories flowed well keeping the eye interested with the different ways images and words are presented throughout.

Definitely a niche piece of work and may not have wide appeal but if you're looking for something different to read, maybe a little outside your comfort zone and a little challenging then this is definitely one to pick up.

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It is, perhaps, best to be already a fan of Franz Kafka when picking this up. Faithfully adapting several of his short works - at least, faithful in the textual sense - the book offers an interpretation of Kafka's works that he himself might have shied away from given his resistance to the idea of showing the main character in "The Metamorphosis." The artists stick with that, making sure never to show us Gregor's physical form, and indeed keeping all of the characters visually indistinct from each other with stylized art and fidelity to various analyses of the pieces. This is most interesting in "The Concerns of the Patriarch," where the visual choices distinctly favor religious readings of the text, while "The Bucket Knight" hews close to the literal words rather than any more concrete interpretation. It's an odd book, but a fascinating one, and I could see it being used in an academic setting to good effect.

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I make it a point to read genres and writing styles I am not normally drawn to. Manga is one of these, as I would generally prefer to just read a full book and make up the scenes in my mind. But, I was intrigued by the description of this book and the visual interpretation of Kafka's surrealist writing. The needed approach to the book was also intriguing to me. Stories originally written in German, translated to English, translated to Japanese Manga, and then translated back to English Manga. Would the intent of the stories be lost somehow? As I don't speak a lick of German or Japanese, I will never know. what I do know is that the stories were bizarre and haunting, and the graphic illustrations just as bizarre and haunting and gory in such a graphically beautiful way. The black and white drawings just enhanced the oppressive atmosphere and, yes, eve nausea of the stories. I'm not sure I am leaving a Manga fan as I would still prefer a full book, but I am leaving with added appreciation for the art of Manga and the skill in condensing hundreds of pages of text into graphics and abridged text to tell the essential story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

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I loved the art in this graphic novel. Sparse and beautiful. This book contains retellings of 9 Kafka stories, most of which I was not familiar with.

The text is also sparse and seems to keep only the essentials. For many of the stories I looked up interpretations online and it seems that the main tone, themes, and important elements were highlighted in these retellings. The only one where that I felt the retelling was missing something was the final story, which I did not really understand, and after reading a description online and looking at the story again, I think there is something unclear about the way it is retold in this graphic novel.

I would strongly consider using this book if I was teaching Kafka, or if I was teaching visual storytelling (in which case I would have students compare this and the original stories).

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Kafka by Nishioka Kyodai is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating graphic novel that plunges readers into the enigmatic and often perplexing world of Franz Kafka. While it doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of a 5-star rating for me, it is undeniably a unique and thought-provoking experience.

First and foremost, the artwork in this graphic novel is nothing short of mesmerizing. Kyodai's illustrations are intricate, dreamlike, and do a commendable job of capturing the essence of Kafka's surreal and existential tales. The use of shadow and detail creates a haunting atmosphere that adds depth to the narrative.

The choice of adapting Kafka's works into a graphic novel format is ambitious, and it pays off iin many ways. The visual medium is particularly effective in conveying the absurdity and existential themes present in Kafka's writings. It offers a fresh perspective on his stories and is likely to pique the interest of both Kafka aficionados and newcomers alike.

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This was a unique way of presenting a number of Kafka's short stories and novellas in a visual medium. The art style is striking, and worked especially well for "A Fratricide" and "The Hunger Artist." I appreciated the approach to "The Metamorphosis" of not showing the protagonist on the page, but implying through shadows etc. and leaving the nature of the transformation to the reader's imagination, as Kafka intended. The translator's note at the end was also enlightening, since translating between German, Japanese, English, and visual formats took a lot of consideration. I will be recommending this to our art, literature, and language students!

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This was a really unique read. Reading Kafka in the form of a manga/comic was a great experience. The quite macabre yet beautiful artwork was the perfect match for Kafka's stories. I highly recommend it!

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A book full of eerie and intriguing art work that adds a new layer for engaging with the short stories of Franz Kafka. The versions of The Vulture and The Bucket Knight were my favourites.

This is a book that:
* Offers the perfect crossover between early twentieth century literature and graphic novels
* Could be read and re-read
* Had captivating art work that was the ideal companion to the author’s stories

Note: if the version you read is printed in the original Japanese format, read from RIGHT to left!

Highly recommend!

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I’ve taught the short fiction of Franz Kafka in a senior-level HS English course for years—and I’ve seen several attempts to render his spare, mysterious, and evocative prose into graphic novels. Some attempts are very prescriptive, telling the reader exactly what to think and how to imagine Kafka’s world. What I appreciated about this volume is that Nishioka Kyodai’s images are elliptical and mysterious, suggesting a world without fully rendering it, allow the reader to imagine and create, much as when reading Kafka’s work in prose form. I thought this was a unique and engrossing attempt at reimagining many of Kafka’s most iconic stories.

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I think you're either really going to enjoy this or really hate it. I'm happy to say that I'm in the former camp. It was thoroughly enjoyable and witty.

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I’m a huge fan of Kafka’s work, so I was very intrigued when I saw there was a manga interpretation of his most iconic short stories. Retelling something like this is always risky, but this daring duo absolutely perfected it.

Retelling nine of his most impactful short stories, including the eternally memorable The Metamorphosis, each one captures the true, claustrophobic and alienating essence of the stories with illustrations that are both uncomfortable and beautiful at the same time, creating surreal and haunting imagery with clear storytelling.

If you’re already a lover of his work, you’ll enjoy this striking reimagining and it's uniquely dark art style; and if you’re looking for a new way to experience a classic for the first time this is a perfect way to try these stories in a new and engaging format. At times the visuals may be slightly inaccessible but overall it’s very easy to read and the entire book is very clearly a masterful work of art.

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This is a short story collection of Franz Kafka’s works depicted as a graphic novel by Nishioka Kyōdai. There is a quality to Kafka’s works which lends itself to the term “Kafkaesque” most of all - the quality of a world with apathy towards absurdity, of which Kafka’s main character is often suffering. Often this quality is shown through undefined characters or central features of the story. For instance, the main character of Metamorphosis isn’t quite turned into a cockroach - that’s just how most readers attribute him; at least, the readers who feel a need to identify him. In the text, however, he is just a bug of senseless creation and therefore senseless identity. To take Kafka’s work, which lacks this determined visual nature to it and intend to capture it all the same, is an interesting feat. How Kyōdai chooses to depict Metamorphosis in this regard is brilliant. The first short story tackled addresses that very feeling in an item, the Odradek, which is explained by Kafka in quite painstaking detail and yet indescribable without so many words and still without purpose. This feels like a similar artistic drive to that of Magritte’s, one of my favorite artists, who created Treachery of Images. Magritte pokes at the difference between words titling an object and the object itself - a pipe is only a pipe because you say it is, so to say. As is the Odradek only undefinable and useless because of our determination. How Kafka-esque, and how apt a way to poke at his work’s finest quality, “The entire form appears useless, yet somehow complete.” I find a stronger connection in the art style to Edward Gorey’s work than Junji Ito, as it was referenced in the provided summary. Like Gorey’s work, this book has dense, static backgrounds that feel claustrophobic at times, capturing the industrial influence in Modernist works effectively. While Ito’s work would accurately capture the industrial influence, as well, the lithographic appearance of both Gorey and Kyōdai’s work here help to place the stories in Kafka’s time. I found the stories to be appropriately retold, but I would still recommend readers to Kafka’s writing before picking this up. Kafka is a favorite author of mine, and I chose this ARC with glee - it is truly a phenomenal rendition of his works.

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I enjoyed how the stories by Franz Kafka was enhanced by the simple artwork by Nishioka Kyodai in "Kafka."

The manga presentation takes a collection of Franz Kafka stories and adds imagery that is stark and complementary to the text. It does include some of Kafka's more well known stories. I like that the imagery doesn't try to take over the story. Instead, the story informs the artwork and helps bring out more meaning for the reader. I've read "The Metamorphosis" so many times over the years and the presentation in this book brought out points in the story that I had missed so I appreciated the story anew.

It did get repetitive if I tried to read too many stories in one sitting. I found reading a story or two and then giving time to let it sit before going back to read more was best. That way, the stories and artwork didn't run together. Otherwise, I quite enjoyed this collection a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this digital copy available to read in exchange for an honest opinion and I look forward to possibly purchasing a hard copy in the future for my home library.

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I must confess that I am unfamiliar with Kafka's work. My high school didn't teach it. This looked interesting to me & the description said that I, as a Junji Ito fan, should enjoy it, & I did. I would read a story from here & then look up information about the original. Based on what I saw I think this is great. I have wanted to look into Kafka's work & I enjoy this way of doing it.

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I just reviewed Kafka by Nishioka Kyodai. #Kafka #NetGalley

In a world where classical literature often seems remote, the brilliant duo of Nishioka Kyodai has brought a fresh gust of eerie air through their manga adaptation of Franz Kafka's novellas. "Kafka: A Manga Adaptation," translated by David Yang, encapsulates nine of Kafka’s stellar works in a graphic narrative that is as bewildering as it is captivating.

The adaptation is a descent into a surreal realm, with each page turning a leaf into the bizarre yet profound universe of Kafka. It's an endeavor that takes liberties to delve into the abstract and come out with a narrative that's both visually and intellectually stirring.

The meticulous illustration is a spectacle, reminiscent of the surrealism of Salvador Dali, paired with the haunting vibe akin to Junji Ito's works. It’s a concoction of horror, melancholy, and bizarre fairy tale aesthetics that pushes the boundaries of traditional manga, leading the reader into a dance with the surreal and grotesque.

Among the kaleidoscope of stories, "The Metamorphosis" and "A Hunger Artist" stand out with their absorbing visual narrative that provides a vivid entry into Kafka’s mystifying world. The artists have managed to keep the essence of Kafka's existential contemplation intact while presenting it in a digestible manga format. Even for a Kafka novice, by the end of the book, one feels a strange familiarity with Kafka’s abstract narrative, making this adaptation a commendable gateway to Kafka’s literary realm.

However, the brevity of some stories, like "The Country Doctor," might leave readers yearning for more depth or clarity. Yet, even the succinct narrative of each tale does not undermine the profound essence characteristic of Kafka's work. The adaptation has a way of lingering in the mind, urging one to delve deeper into Kafka's original works.

The artwork is a character in itself, enhancing the narrative's surreal nature, sometimes venturing into the realms of horror and melancholy. It's a Daliesque journey into the human psyche, twisting the ordinary into something grotesquely beautiful, with each panel meticulously crafted to keep the eye engaged and the mind intrigued.

For those accustomed to conventional manga or Kafka’s original verbose narrative, this adaptation might require a shift in perspective. It’s a niche piece that may not cater to all, but for the curious mind, it’s a treasure trove of surreal storytelling, a bridge between classical literature and contemporary graphic narrative.

In summary, "Kafka: A Manga Adaptation" is a whimsical, eerie, and intellectually stimulating journey that has rightfully earned a 4-star rating. It's a piece that doesn’t just end at the last page, but opens a doorway to a broader literary and visual exploration, making it a noteworthy addition to the shelves of both Kafka and manga aficionados.

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A graphic novel version of some of Kafka’s short stories including ‘The Metamorphosis’, ‘A Country Doctor’, ‘A Hunger Artist’, and ‘In the Penal Colony’. I really liked it. The illustrations added to the weirdness and atmosphere of the stories.

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The last time I read Kafka's short stories was more than two decades ago, so while I had some expectations, I approached this manga with semi-fresh eyes. I was not disappointed. In fact, by the end, I was sufficiently compelled to revisit the written versions once more. Nishioka Kyodai's illustrations are eerily disquieting, almost Escher-esque, yet they magnetically draw you into the stories which are absurd, melancholic and horrific, sometimes all at once. Hunger - physical and metaphysical - is the thread that runs through all of the stories, but it is not obvious until one gets to the end, by which time I was twitching with bewilderment, uneasy thoughts running through my head, but still oddly satisfied with the visual experience. I enjoyed reading the English text in the Japanese/Chinese style of right to left, top to bottom. As an Asian reader, the faithful nod to the authors' background and heritage meant - to me - that cultural differences could come together to create a work that was faithful to all creators, not just one narrative, and not just one style of presentation. This manga is an excellent addition to the many interpretations/retellings of Kafka's work.

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I found the artwork striking and brilliant, I enjoyed reading this book as a reader unfamiliar with Kafka's work outside of surface-level knowledge of Metamorphosis and The Trial.

I did find the formatting of the text on the page particularly difficult at times, however, the way it's condensed into a narrow tall box. This hindered my reading experience quite a bit but it's a book I will still recommend to graphic novel fans and fans of Junji Ito.

Thank you very much for sending me a copy.

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An absolutely stunning visual capitulation of Kafka's most famous works. The text is very true to Kafka's original writing and Kyodai's illustration style perfectly captures the essence of his uncanny and philosophical works. I truly couldn't tear my eyes away!

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An excellent Kafka primer with some astonishing (an unsettling) artwork. I particularly liked the rendition of some of the lesser known stories/parables. My only critique is the inclusion of the length "The Metamorphosis.' While undoubtably a classic and probably Kafka's most recognizable work, it took up more of the book than I would have preferred.

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As a big fan of Kafka, I had to read and look at this book, and I was not disappointed. Tho, I think that if you are not really familiar with Kafkas works, you might find some parts strange and not comprehensive, I'm sure everyone can pick up the vibe and general setting Kafka is in.
Personally, I always get happy when I get references and graphics aimed at a specific crowd and I can definitely recommend this to every Kafka fan out there.

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Sometimes it's hard to picture words in a book vividly in your head. This manga perfectly explains through its caricature, through each drawing to evoke the feeling that Kafka wanted his readers to feel. It's a mixture of realism and contemporary texture that makes it very different than any other graphic novels that I have read.

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An interesting graphic novel every Kafka fan should be giving a try.

A very interesting take into Kafka's novels with the art perfectly encaptuting the aesthetics of his work.

Kafka's bizzare ( and I mean that as a compliment) and wondrous works were given such justice with this adaptation. If you're struggling to get into Kafka's novels I suggest reading them alongside this graphic novel!

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Kafka's stories are incredible, relevant, and very funny, so of course, they should be adapted to manga. Kyodai’s illustration style is a perfect match: unnerving faces, thin lines, and abstractions on top of unconventional panel layouts with densely inked background patterns. Many of their pages remind me of paintings, quilts, and mandellas. It's an unnerving, strange, and contemplative work, just as a Kafka adaptation should be. I hope a publisher considers translating more of Kyodai's work.

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Simply put, this is a manga adaptation of a handful of Kafka’s stories. This ended up being a neat read as a way to revisit the authors work, with The Metamorphosis, A Hunger Artist, In The Penal Colony, and more. I think the art fits well for most of the stories and that things such as not seeing Gregor Samsa metamorphosed were handled well. Pretty fun read!

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Meticulously drawn artwork supports the spare but devastating text of some of Franz Kafka's best short stories.

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Fascinating visuals and a linking of literary genius with the work of Kafka. I would recommend this for readers of comics, literary fiction, and those looking for either a revisit or introduction to Kafka.

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A beautiful and surreal manga that retells some of Kafka's most well known stories. I'm new to Kafka, so I found this adaptation really compelling and accessible. The black and white format works well and gives the stories an ominous feel. I think this would work really well as a gift to an adult, or someone interested in literary fiction.

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The idea of illustrating Kafka or even turning his work into a graphic or comic storytelling is not as strange as it might seem. I have a terrific edition of Robert Crumb's Kafka for Beginners and Peter Kuper's dark angular illustrations work also well in his adaptations of Kafka's stories. That goes for the most famous works that at least have a surreal and nightmarish quality, which along with terror of the authorities and the hell of faceless bureaucracy is practically a definition of Kafkasque as most people know it. The Japanese artist Nishioka Kyodai covers several of the most famous pieces but also ambitiously takes on some of Kafka's lesser known short works.

The artist(s) finds a way, for example, to illustrate the definition of the imaginary creature 'Odradek' in The Concerns of a Patriarch (otherwise known as Cares of a Family Man) as an angular and geometric abstraction, and there is a similar approach in he mixes that style with more traditional representation. Metamorphosis might be a more narrative typical story to illustrate, but the approach is also unusual, the illustrations flat, almost cubist with no dimensions or relief. Nor do we see the transformation of the unfortunate Gregor Samsa into a cockroach (the translation here settles for "pest"), but rather the view is largely of his family and room sometimes from his perspective. Which, since Gregor tries to keep is hideous form hidden from his family in his shame at his appearance, is probably a good approach. A sympathetic one even.

Some of the less familiar stories show that there is considerable variety to the subjects and themes that Kafka explored in his unique stories. In The Bucket Knight a man flies to the coalman to beg to fill his scuttle, Jackals and Arabs explores the mysterious relationship between animals and humans. In the more familiar nightmarish world of The Country Doctor, the undervalued protagonist, abused by his own stable-hand and the family of a sick boy, reaches the end of his tether. The art approach is just as varied, yet has a consistent and distinct style of its own. The Hunger Artist, one of the most famous stories, experiments with page layout, placing the hunger artist at the centre throughout in a square circled by the crowd that eventually dissipates, as does the hunger artist.

There is a fine selection of stories included here that complement each other well. In The Penal Colony, one of the most disturbing works ever written is essential here. The prisoner subjected to "the apparatus" is truly harrowing, which is a gift for any ambitious and distinctive artist. The focus however not on the prisoner or the apparatus, but the message. "Does the criminal know his sentence?" the visitor asks of the crime inscribed by the harrow on his body? "No. Informing him is needless", he is told, "The criminal will learn it with his body".

Kafka can be a difficult read, so illustrated or graphic versions of the work is actually a good way of helping visualise his world. The distinctive style of Nishioka Kyodai (actually a brother and sister team) truly adds another haunting dimension to the work, and the choices for this collection may even help expand the simplified idea that we have of Kafka, showing that there are many other ways to interpret his work. One such idea is laid out in Metamorphosis of the feeding off others. One dies so that another might thrive. You can find other variations on this theme in The Country Doctor, In The Penal Colony and The Hunger Artist. Or perhaps something else. What is certain is that the singular perspective of Kafka still resonates and still inspires others to bring their own interesting graphic interpretations.

It would appear that the book publication retains the Japanese reading format, reading pages, panels and text from right to left. Some of the text is turned sideways so that it can fit in the narrow text frame that would better suit Japanese downward script. This at least allows the original page to remain unaltered other than for English language translation. The translator notes that there is an attempt to retain a balance of original Kafka as well as the Japanese version of these stories.

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A graphic novel version of some of Kafka’s short stories including ‘The Metamorphosis’, ‘A Country Doctor’, ‘A Hunger Artist’, and ‘In the Penal Colony’. I really liked it. The illustrations added to the weirdness and atmosphere of the stories.

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Thank you to Nishioka Kyodai, Pushkin Press, and Netgalley for this free advanced reader copy of "Kafka: A Manga Adaptation" for an honest review.


A fan of the black-and-white existential and absurdists commentaries of Kafka, I adored this little piece. There are graphic adaptions of 9 of Kafka's pieces (The Metamorphosis, A Hunger Artist, In the Penal Colony, A Country Doctor, The Concerns of a Patriarch, The Bucket Rider, Jackals and Arabs, A Fratricide, The Vulture) in a very stunning, yet errie art style that speaks well of the post-WWII-era in which most of these pieces were written.

I recommend it to fans who are already familiar with his work, rather than as a new entry door into meeting Kafka.

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This was a cool graphic novel! I’m a fan of Kafka’s work and I felt that the illustrations really added to the stories in this collection. I think this would be a great book for anyone looking to get into Kafka’s work especially if they’re not sure how to approach the work by itself.

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This graphic novel is an excellent depiction of a number of Kafka’s stories:

The Metamorphosis
A Hunger Artist
In the Penal Colony
A Country Doctor
The Concerns of a Patriarch
The Bucket Rider
Jackals and Arabs
A Fratricide
The Vulture

I have a number of Kafka’s stories waiting for me in my to read pile and this book provides a glimpse into what lies ahead. In this book stories of fantasy, magic realism and puzzles, are brought to life in a visual way that creates a hunger to read the full stories for myself.

I love Junji Ito and this book has echoes of that dark style of depicting horror and unease. This is an excellent book in the way that it tells the stories in very clear and effective artwork, which packs a punch.

Thoroughly dark, thoroughly gripping and thoroughly Kafka!

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

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I love this book. Spooky, weird, atmospheric -- it's got it all. A great read for those interested in Kafka, Japanese literature, graphic work, or just want something different. It sure takes you on a ride!

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Many thanks to Pushkin Press & NetGalley.

My only experience with Kafka before this were through memes, Tumblr exposés, and Wiki articles, so a comic adaptation of his tales was the perfect 101 introductory. Nishioka Kyodai wove Kafka's narratives with clever visuals that challenge both the mind and eye.

A great read for new and old fans of Franz Kafka's collection.
It was, dare I say... Kafkaesque?
5/5 ⭐

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