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So you've read Maus. (No? Then what are you waiting for? Read it now. It's been translated into many languages.) Metamaus (a book about Maus) takes us on a backstage tour of the making of Maus and the Spiegelman family.
Maus should be easy reading for Japanese readers because manga is a popular medium for entertainment and learning. Art Spiegelman met considerable criticism for depicting his relationship with his father, religion, and race when he chose to draw comics. The word comic to me is synonymous with manga but some occidental readers were insulted by the 'comic' aspect of comics -- in fact one critic suggested the word 'tragics' be used. And if I found this bizarre, then Art Spiegelman found one Japanese version of Ann Frank's diary equally bizarre -- Ann was telling her story to Astroboy (that's the American name for Tetsuwan Atom). What's wrong with a person telling her story to another individual? Isn't that precisely what Art Spiegelman did in Maus? Metamaus tells us about cultural and societal contexts that form our impression of other cultures and societies, including episodes where the Art Spiegelman himself is puzzled by others doing what he was doing all along.
The bulk of Metamaus mimics the interview format found in Maus. Both are Q-and-A sessions that probe into the memories, minds, hearts, and guilt of the interviewees.
Art Spiegelman's design -- for instance framing (komawari) is totally different from most Japanese styles. He seems highly informed of and formed by American-European graphic conventions and symbolisms but quite indifferent of or uninterested in Asian styles and techniques. For that reason you might find his presentation a refreshing departure from what you're familiar with.
Metamaus comes with a DVD containing photos, artwork, interview recordings, and other rich material. |
