GBBP 49: Kazu Kibuishi

The Great Big Beautiful Podcast, Episode 49: Kazu Kibuishi

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This week, we welcome Kazu Kibuishi to the show. I’ve been a fan of Kazu’s work for a while, and if you’re even remotely familiar with graphic novels or the current state of the industry, then I’m sure you are too.

Kazu’s Amulet books consistently show up on reading lists highlighting the best books for young readers, and he’s crafted a gripping story that’s both superbly written and breathtakingly illustrated. This is not “kiddie stuff” by a long shot, and, if you haven’t read them yet, you should absolutely rectify that oversight immediately.

There are currently seven books in the series. (The latest, Firelight, comes out later this month.) There will eventually be nine. And I’m sure we’ll still want more. It’s just that good.

In addition to crafting the world populated by Emily, Navin, Leon, Miskit, and all the rest, Kazu thankfully keeps himself quite busy. He developed the comic strip Copper, he edited the stunning Flight and Explorer anthologies, he created Daisy Kutter, and he recently illustrated all-new (beautiful) covers for the Harry Potter books.

In our conversation, we talk about his books, obviously, but also his experience in the film industry (including his development work at Disney), the future of daily comic strips, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, and what else he’s got in store.

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