Benjamin Lacombe

We all know the story of Snow White, but what makes this picture book truly exceptional is the originality and quality of Benjamin Lacombe's illustrations, most of which are full page colour images (sometimes double page), with some excellent pencil drawings as well. His style might seem at first glance to be geared toward children, but part of what makes Lacombe's work original is the macabre quality of his style which is sometimes seen in the concept of the image itself, but often worked show more in to the incredible detailing, which makes one want to spend a long time observing each illustration. Add to this the fact that this large book is very well printed on quality paper, and you have yourself a truly special experience. It is as yet not available in English, but I would still urge you to pick up a copy wherever possible. The only reason I did not award this book a full five stars is that I would have liked to see the story end on another big and beautiful full page colour treat, and was left wanting at the last page. Call me spoiled. show less

Este pequeño gran libro hay que comentarlo en dos líneas diferentes:

La primera que es la historia, hermosa, un cuento precioso, corto, pero bonito que tiene un final absolutamente mágico, me ha encantado y como bien se dice "de lo bueno, poco" no se necesitan muchas páginas para contar una buena historia y hacerlo bien

La segunda, por supuesto las ilustraciones ¿qué mas puedo decir yo que no se sepa ya sobre Benjamin Lacombe? es un artista de cabo a rabo, que belleza, llena la vista, el show more alma y el corazón ver sus ilustraciones, me encanta, soy fan declarada. show less

Setsuko, the beloved daughter of Emperor Aratakashi loves to train with swords, but she also can't wait to be wed to the Chinese Prince Xao Ping, her childhood friend and love. But Daïtoku, the god of death wants Setsuko for himself and in a fit of jealous rage, he imprisons her spirit in a remote temple and the only way Setsuko can get away is by inhabiting the bodies of the rare visitors who visit it. When she finally manages to leave the temple for the first time, she finds out that two show more centuries have passed.

This comic strip, while it was beautifully rendered, didn't quite show the level of sophistication of some of Lacombe's later work. The story which was also written by Lacombe doesn't lack in imagination but the writing is sometimes stilted and awkward. Still, it made for a captivating story. show less

In book 2, Setsuko, back at the temple is first visited by Dutch merchants in the 15th Century, and then again by a squadron of Kamikaze fighters during WWII. She is astounded to discover that one of the soldiers is the spitting image of her beloved Xao Ping, and leaves the temple with him in the guise of his companion. The 20th Century and the will of these young men to sacrifice themselves for ideals that they don't fully understand mystifies Setsuko.

In this second volume, published a few show more years after the first one, Lacombe's drawing style has become more refined, but with the main focus being on WWII, the story seems to have moved away from the initial plot, which might have worked for a longer series, but we'll probably never find out as the project seems to have been abandoned after this book. show less