I recently read the second book of this unfinished series, which was Toppi’s version of Arabian Nights. (“Sharaz’de” = “Shahrazad”)

Initially, I didn’t think this series was going to work for me, seemingly being a bit too… abstract, or self-indulgent, I don’t know. On the contrary, I found that the slow-moving narrative works beautifully with the incredible imagery, creating a suspension of belief that helped thrust me, child-like, in to these ancient tales.

But yeah… I’ve rarely seen anything like Toppi’s page layouts and art design before. To me he’s highly experimental with his design work (I love the way he intertwines his colored inks with watercolors), yet somehow it’s all perfectly down to earth and unpretentious.

More on this great Milanese artist-writer:
https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/toppi_sergio.htm