Wendy Pini's Masque Of The Red Death Volume 1
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Book Summary Information
Brand: Other ManufacturerAdapter: Wendy Pini
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-15
ISBN: 1605100293
Number of pages: 184
Publisher: Go! Media Entertainment
Book Reviews of Wendy Pini's Masque Of The Red Death Volume 1
Book Review: One of the most erotic and beautiful works of art I've ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL. IT IS MORE A REVIEW OF THE ORIGINAL WEBCOMIC.
Wendi Pini's interpretation of "Masque of the Red Death" is one of the most beautifully created works of art I've seen in a long time. I had the incredible honor of meeting Wendy and her husband Richard at the 2010 Fanime convention in San Jose, California. They were very kind enough to pose for a photo I took and to autograph two of my old volumes of "Elfquest". I've been a huge fan of "Elfquest" for over 20 years and at their art booth Wendy was autographing copies of "Masque of the Red Death" volume 1. I took a quick look and was astonished at what I was seeing. She quickly pointed out that its intended audience was for girls, and I knew at that moment its real target audience are readers of the Japanese yaoi novels. That wasn't a problem. (I find much of it to be fascinating and often very beautiful.) I noted the official website and checked it out at home. The entire graphic novel miniseries is already viewable at the website. (Just select the green icon and you experience it as a "Webcomic".)
What I saw and read just blew me away. I never heard of Edgar Allen Poe's "Masque of the Red Death", and from what I read Wendy seemed to only loosely base the story on the classic tale. But what is clear is the visual look and the telling of the story belong 100% to Wendy. To sum up the plot: in a futuristic world Anton Prosper, the last heir to an immensely wealthy and powerful scientific enterprise has created a special treatment that can enable humans to gain immortality and eternal youth. He is assisted by Steffan Kabala, an equally brilliant young scientist who develops a powerful attraction to Anton. They first met as kids; Steffan saw a beauty in Anton and then didn't see him for another twelve years. The beauty he first saw in Anton I could completely understand, since I had noticed it myself in people I've met. They reunite to work on developing the scientific breakthrough and Steffan's attraction to Anton grows more and more undeniable. Their relationship turns into a powerful and very erotic romance, but everything is not perfect. Steffan is clearly in love, and Anton isn't able to admit the same. The relationship turns to jealousy and revenge and soon the world is threatened by a fatal plague, which is the Red Death.
That is the most I can tell you about the plot. The images are just plain amazing. Watching the story unfold online I recognized much of the artistic style Wendy used all these years in drawing "Elfquest". So many of the images are so beautiful: the background, the way the frames are lit, (And believe me, graphic novels can be lit with the complexity and freedom used in cinema.) and in costumes. The series is incredibly erotic as well. I point out that the eroticism is not dirty at all. There are scenes of full frontal nudity with the main characters but believe me, they are intended to be erotic. This is not a non-stop graphic sex story. (Neither are most of the yaoi manga I have read.) The sexual relationship between Anton and Steffan escalates into something VERY horrifying to themselves and their world. And that horror continues to escalate all the way to the end. If you find viewing such scenes as morally offensive, then it is not for you. There is a disclaimer on the website's home page that it contains mature content.
Wendy intended the story for girls, and I know that they are the target audience for Yaoi. And yet I don't just recommend it for girls. I believe that if you are someone who is open minded about beautiful imagery you may find yourself drawn to this piece of work. (One of my best friends thought it would make a great movie. I agree with him, except that knowing Hollywood they would seriously tone down the erotic stuff.) Even if you don't like it the creativity and talent of Wendy Pini cannot be denied with "Masque of the Red Death". (The website includes a glowing testimonial by Sonny Strait, a voice-talent actor, director, and comic book artist who is well known to Anime fans.)
I said that the horror escalates all the way to the end. I hope I haven't given anything away. This is a very emotionally powerful story and doesn't insult the intelligence of readers by oversimplifying it. Bravo to Wendy for bringing this incredible piece of work.
Summary of Wendy Pini's Masque Of The Red Death Volume 1
In a decadent, perfect future, Anton Prosper uses his vast fortune and scientific genius to seek the ultimate power of life over death. But when the beautiful prodigy Steffan Kabala enters Prosper's life, he unlocks a tempestuous passion that may send the entire planet hurtling into a bloody maelstrom of destruction.Wendy Pini, the renowned creator of "ElfQuest," has transformed the classic Edgar Allan Poe story into a tour-de-force of visual storytelling that is hypnotic, hallucinatory, and deeply erotic.
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