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More about the book

In New York, M. S. Bastian found inspiration in Charles Bukowski, particularly in the poet’s exploration of individuality and society, expressed through simple yet poignant verses that capture loneliness and alienation. However, Bastian did not approach Bukowski's work as an illustrator or storyteller; instead, he created his own unique interpretations. He dissected and reassembled Bukowski's texts, extracting only what he needed, sometimes merging fragments from different poems and incorporating his own lines. This method shifts the focus from Bukowski's original writing to Bastian's innovative process, which resembles the techniques of rap musicians who recycle samples and loops to create new songs. Bastian’s approach also draws parallels to William S. Burroughs' Cut-Up and Fold-In techniques, which have been embraced by the hip-hop scene as a form of countercultural expression. By applying Burroughs' literary collage methods to his graphic storytelling, Bastian redefines the relationship between text and image, crafting a distinctive narrative style that challenges traditional boundaries in literature and art.