Grasshopper and the Ant by Harvey Kurtzman

by Harvey Kurtzman

Kurtzman ---the creator of MAD--- delivers a bittersweet "beatnik" version of the venerable Æsop fable in exquisite full color. Created without collaborators in 1960, at the peak of his powers, this is the 1st book printing of the lost Kurtzman classic. Selected as "One of the Best 100 Graphic Novels" in Steve Weiner’s book of the same name, and nominated for a Harvey Award. 10" square hardcover with dust jacket. Shrink-wrapped. Introduction by Denis Kitchen.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The retelling of this classic tale fits well with Harvey Kurtzman's art. HK is one of the pioneers of comics; always shocked at how many people who are 'into' comics that I talk to who do not know about his unique contributions to the medium. A true master who disserves a much wider following.

[John Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tiny little masterpiece, and a good solid chunk of Kurtzman's own cartooning, which most of the time you have seen only as the skeleton upon which his collaborators like Wood or Elder built upon. It APPEARS to be a morality tale at first and then veers into beautifully cheerful nihilism. I'd actually say this would make a good kid's book if they would understand the beatnik references.

[Hayle Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute picture book for kids. I have always liked books about bugs, so I think that is one reason why I really enjoyed this story, well that and it is a children's picture book, and I always love those! I can not wait until I am an Elementary school teacher so I will have the opportunity to read this book, along with many other aloud to my students. I want to get my students excited about reading, and show them how fun it is! I would use this book, as a good way to start a conversation about bugs! Then I would have the opportunity to teach my students fun facts about bugs!

Aesop, . (1867). “The Ant and the Grasshopper”. Aesop's Fables (Lit2Go Edition).

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One terrific book. Anytime I get a chance to read some of Kurtman's solo work I'll take it. There's just something about perusing HK's freewheeling artwork that can't be beat. Plus, this piece was produced during the height of HK's career. Now if someone will finally do a collection of the rest of his Esquire work I'll be happy.

[Jordyn Cortez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a great picture book. I really enjoyed the illustrations. However the story itself was not very intriguing to me. When a grasshopper spends much of his time dancing and singing, he doesnt prepare for the winter and is without food. While the ants are very prepared he ends up having to ask for their help since he is hungry and the ants refuse. Definitely not my favorite book and probably would not read to children.

[Dominick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd little book--originally published as a story in Esquire. Kurtzman's take on the old fable gives it a bit of a satiric edge to it, with the grasshopper something of a beatnik and the ant more of a square citizen (he even talks in clipped, almost verbless phrases). Kurtzman's fluid, expressive line is always a joy ot look at, and there are some funny moments, including the way the original fable's moral is twisted, but it is nevertheless slight. It lacks the punch or sheer hilarity of Kurtzman's best work.

[Ahgyilan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good