Kickstarting Comics: Graphic Novel Update Of Tezuka’s ‘Alabaster’ Manga
by Tito W. James
It appears as if the works of Osamu Tezuka are making a comeback via Kickstarter. Magnetic Press recently did a Kickstarter for a two-volume Tezuka-themed anthology. Now, Noir Caesar Entertainment, announced a collaboration with Osamu Tezuka Productionsto develop an updated graphic novel of Tezuka’s classic manga Alabaster. The Alabaster graphic novel will be written by Chuck Brown (Bitter Root) with artwork by Anna Weiszczyk (Godkiller, Home). Tezuka’s original story is a radical reinterpretation of The Invisible Man and explores themes of racial inequality that are relevant to this day.
Alabaster follows a former successful Black athlete, James Block, who is framed by his girlfriend and wrongfully imprisoned. While inside, James befriends a disgraced scientist that gives him the solution to his problems—a laser gun that either turns its subject invisible or kills them upon usage. After serving his prison sentence and locating the device, James disfigures himself in a failed experiment that turns him partially translucent, like alabaster. Angry, vengeful, and with a new identity, Alabaster wreaks havoc on bigots and hypocrites alike.
Alabaster: The Graphic Novel is currently funding on Kickstarter.
