Should I read The Alchemy yet?

**Shepherd** · 09-12-2005, 08:33 PM

I've been saving it until I catch up with all the other Kabuki stuff. I'm buying the issues, but not actually reading them yet. But damn, I really want to.

So far, I've read Circle of Blood, Dreams, Masks of the Noh, and Metamorphosis (Meaning I need to read Skin Deep and Scarab yet). I'm planning on ordering those two trades, but I won't get them for at least a month (being in Korea and all). What do you think, should I stop saving the issues and just go for it?

R

**Gillis** · 09-13-2005, 03:30 AM

If you've read that many, you can go ahead and read Alchemy. Metamorphosis is the key cog in there. No Metamorphosis and Alchemy just won't click or be as effective. It would still be entertaining, just lost a little effect.

**ElectricMuse** · 09-15-2005, 07:14 PM

The Alchemy was my first introduction to Kabuki and it was worth it. I then went back to read the rest in the proper order, then read Alchemy again to fully understand it. The trades filled in a lot of the back story, but the Alchemy is just as satisfying as a story of its own. Go for it!

**~Hernandez~** · 09-15-2005, 11:45 PM

I just got done reading them ALL. My intro was Skin Deep and Metamorphosis, which I grabbed off Mack at the last Pittcon. I picked up hardcovers of all of them after reading those two (including Metamorphosis and Skin Deep, but apparently Circle of Blood is impossible to find in this format). The only thing was that I don't seem to have issue 5 of The Alchemy, so I'm gonna have to try to dig that up somewhere. I absolutely LOVED the whole series. Without going into detail, I just wanna say that every chapter was its own unique experience that somehow managed to tie into the rest. And while I prefer Macks artwork, David Mays was top notch, as well. I honestly feel that Mays should do the character books and Mack should stay on the Kabukis. Anyways, if I were you, I would just wait. Jumping ahead may ruin some of the other books surprises. You may as well order Scarab now, too. Trust me. It's well worth the wait.

**Gillis** · 09-15-2005, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by ~DatLocoLatino~

I just got done reading them ALL. My intro was Skin Deep and Metamorphosis, which I grabbed off Mack at the last Pittcon. I picked up hardcovers of all of them after reading those two (including Metamorphosis and Skin Deep, but apparently Circle of Blood is impossible to find in this format). The only thing was that I don't seem to have issue 5 of The Alchemy, so I'm gonna have to try to dig that up somewhere. I absolutely LOVED the whole series. Without going into detail, I just wanna say that every chapter was its own unique experience that somehow managed to tie into the rest. And while I prefer Macks artwork, David Mays was top notch, as well. I honestly feel that Mays should do the character books and Mack should stay on the Kabukis. Anyways, if I were you, I would just wait. Jumping ahead may ruin some of the other books surprises. You may as well order Scarab now, too. Trust me. It's well worth the wait.

Issue 5 of The Alchemy hasn't come out yet. It's been delayed about 4 or 5 times, probably due in large part to the insane Convention season David has been doing. Has there been a place he hasn't been? Check out davidmackguide.com for the newest release date. I believe it is sometime in October. Always well worth the wait, though.

**MACK!** · 09-16-2005, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by ElectricMuse

The Alchemy was my first introduction to Kabuki and it was worth it. I then went back to read the rest in the proper order, then read Alchemy again to fully understand it. The trades filled in a lot of the back story, but the Alchemy is just as satisfying as a story of its own. Go for it!

I'm glad the ALchemy worked for you on its own and that it made a good intro for you.
And I'm even happier that you picked up all the previous books.

I'm curious, how different the Alchemy was to you compared to before you read the other books, and then after reading them, reading the Alchemy again.

Does it read differently? I imagine it would.
I meant for it to still be a good story on its own, and accessable to start with, but I imagine it is a very different story with deeper connotations if you have read the others.

I meant for it to work both ways, but I imagine it is still a very differernt experience each way.

**Shepherd** · 09-20-2005, 03:15 AM

Cool, thanks guys. I've waited this long, I think I'm going to hold off a little longer.

R

**~Hernandez~** · 09-21-2005, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by dobieg11

Issue 5 of The Alchemy hasn't come out yet. It's been delayed about 4 or 5 times, probably due in large part to the insane Convention season David has been doing. Has there been a place he hasn't been? Check out davidmackguide.com for the newest release date. I believe it is sometime in October. Always well worth the wait, though.

Well, I guess this explins why I cant seem to find it anywhere!!!! :P I thought my shop screwed up my order...AGAIN.

**ElectricMuse** · 09-22-2005, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by MACK!

I'm glad the ALchemy worked for you on its own and that it made a good intro for you.
And I'm even happier that you picked up all the previous books.

I'm curious, how different the Alchemy was to you compared to before you read the other books, and then after reading them, reading the Alchemy again.

Does it read differently? I imagine it would.
I meant for it to still be a good story on its own, and accessable to start with, but I imagine it is a very different story with deeper connotations if you have read the others.

I meant for it to work both ways, but I imagine it is still a very differernt experience each way.

Hi David,

Thanks for your questions.

For me, The Alchemy wasn't a 'different' story upon second reading after the trades, but it was certainly a richer story with deeper connotations. (I had read #1 and 2, plus the Ghost Play, then the trades) I think upon first reading, besides being fascinated by the artwork, I was more intrigued, as in "who is this girl and what has she done that she's running away from?" Because the story was told in such a creative and emotional way, I just wanted to read more. That's when I met you in Toronto in 2004 and you gave me a great deal on the trades (see how that works? hehe) So re-reading them a second time explained a lot and had a lot of "Ah-hah!" moments - 'why' she was on the journey to rebuild her life, where she got her scars, the deep connection to her mother, the "bugs" she killed, etc... I'm no expert but I would guess it's like any great comic series where knowing the background story and the character's motivation helps the reader empathize and relate to the character more.

So the short answer is yes, great story on its own, even better after the trades.

By the way, any plans to be Toronto anytime soon? Of course I've love to come by and say hi to you, but also have a friend who's interested in getting the series as well.

Take care,
Talya

**MACK!** · 09-22-2005, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by ElectricMuse

Hi David,

Thanks for your questions.

For me, The Alchemy wasn't a 'different' story upon second reading after the trades, but it was certainly a richer story with deeper connotations. (I had read #1 and 2, plus the Ghost Play, then the trades) I think upon first reading, besides being fascinated by the artwork, I was more intrigued, as in "who is this girl and what has she done that she's running away from?" Because the story was told in such a creative and emotional way, I just wanted to read more. That's when I met you in Toronto in 2004 and you gave me a great deal on the trades (see how that works? hehe) So re-reading them a second time explained a lot and had a lot of "Ah-hah!" moments - 'why' she was on the journey to rebuild her life, where she got her scars, the deep connection to her mother, the "bugs" she killed, etc... I'm no expert but I would guess it's like any great comic series where knowing the background story and the character's motivation helps the reader empathize and relate to the character more.

So the short answer is yes, great story on its own, even better after the trades.

By the way, any plans to be Toronto anytime soon? Of course I've love to come by and say hi to you, but also have a friend who's interested in getting the series as well.

Take care,
Talya

Hi Talya!

Thanks for the great response to that.
I'm glad to hear how it came off to you.

And I'm open to hearing anyone else' take on it as well.

I do plan to visit Toronto again. I really enjoy it.
I was there this year in April at the Toronto Comicon signig with Bendis and Andy Lee.
It was a lot of fun.
But I don't think I will be there this year again.
Possibly next year.

Those shows are a lot of fun.