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Kaput & Zösky #1-2
Kaput and Zosky
On one planet the natives surrender to Kaput and Zosky without a fight – where’s the fun in that? On another, Kaput finds that he’s won the lottery – and the prize is invested by well-meaning people against his will until he learns he now rules their planet. He doesn’t even have to shoot anyone first! Mayhem and hilarity abounds in these thirteen stories told with bright, cartoony art by Lewis Trondheim.
80 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
About the author
Lewis Trondheim
517 books245 followersThe phenomenal Lewis Trondheim is never where you next expect him. As an artist and writer, Trondheim has earned an international following as one of the most inventive, versatile, and prolific graphic authors. From autobiography to adventure, from bestselling fantasy and children's books to visual essays, Trondheim's unique, seminal imagination consistently dazzles. His work has won numerous awards, including the Angoulême prize for best series with McConey and he also co-created the titanic fantasy epic Dungeon with Joann Sfar.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 12, 2009
This could not be more boy! They are two Aliens who love to blast other aliens into submission. Problem being they never seem to get it quite right. These guys are funny and will leave a reluctant boy reader giggling for hours. Not for a parent who does not like violence. Though not too bloody they do use their blasters alot. Grade 3+
November 25, 2008
This hilarious graphic novel for middle school readers reminds me of all of the comic books that I read when I was growing up - everything from Batman to Charlie and Veronica to every Classics Illustrated that I could lay my hands on. Kaput & Zosky, translated from French, is full of subtle and cynical French humor. In one episode, these two inept aliens, who are always looking in outer space for planets to demolish or dominate, land on Wahoona-a-a-tion, a planet that is a democracy. Zosky runs for president, promising to help the earthworm farmers, give all the poor a free shave, make the small tall, and allow retirement at 16. Of course, he wins the election, but when the populace demands that he make good on his promises, he leaves in a hurry, saying, "What we really need is a democracy where you don't have to keep your promises." I wonder where that would be . . .
January 28, 2018
This little graphic novel was so cute! It's all about two aliens trying to take over multiple planets and the results. I loved it
April 21, 2026
Fantastic bold colorful art, zany characters, all the mayhem and violence attached to stupidity that many boys thrive on reading - as well as others with a sense of humor even in these dark times - because it's a way to blow off steam, have an outlet for the chaos around and inside us.
For youngest readers of this genre, I'd say seeing characters act out such fantasies with no reality attached is how stress and the desire for freedom may be released safely.
I'm hopeful young readers will intuit the metaphorical connections and occasionally slight literal references to the stupidity displayed of destroying cultures, planets, sentient beings; take-overs, colonization attempts, power plays. These two characters Kaput & Zosky, basically are bent on destroying everything for fun. They're not even in it for the money - though there are minor characters who show that approach.
I'm not a boy, nor a kid, and I couldn't help but laugh at most of this book, which is a collection of comics on a theme. Somewhat like in The Little prince by St Exupery [still one of my favorite books of all times] - they visit different planets with different issues. That's where the comparison ends.
The gentlest and to me funniest part, is when they are mistaken for babies after they crash into a cabbage patch and experience a loving mother. It stands out as a breather between the high paced blasting scenes.
Outside of this, the only caring for others seems to be how these two buddies loyally accept the few strong differences in their personalities and sensibilities. But after all, they are on the same mission together.
There isn't exactly a beginning and ending here, but there is a progression felt in the sequence of stories.
For youngest readers of this genre, I'd say seeing characters act out such fantasies with no reality attached is how stress and the desire for freedom may be released safely.
I'm hopeful young readers will intuit the metaphorical connections and occasionally slight literal references to the stupidity displayed of destroying cultures, planets, sentient beings; take-overs, colonization attempts, power plays. These two characters Kaput & Zosky, basically are bent on destroying everything for fun. They're not even in it for the money - though there are minor characters who show that approach.
I'm not a boy, nor a kid, and I couldn't help but laugh at most of this book, which is a collection of comics on a theme. Somewhat like in The Little prince by St Exupery [still one of my favorite books of all times] - they visit different planets with different issues. That's where the comparison ends.
The gentlest and to me funniest part, is when they are mistaken for babies after they crash into a cabbage patch and experience a loving mother. It stands out as a breather between the high paced blasting scenes.
Outside of this, the only caring for others seems to be how these two buddies loyally accept the few strong differences in their personalities and sensibilities. But after all, they are on the same mission together.
There isn't exactly a beginning and ending here, but there is a progression felt in the sequence of stories.
January 24, 2022
I got this only because it's a Trondheim and I trust his comedy work. It's nothing special but delivers enjoyable comedy throughout.
I don't consider him that good of an artist and his art helper (Eric Cartier) didn't make it any better. What's important is that it's tailored to laugh at- not to be impressed with.
I don't consider him that good of an artist and his art helper (Eric Cartier) didn't make it any better. What's important is that it's tailored to laugh at- not to be impressed with.
February 19, 2019
Kaput and Zosky are lovable characters with spontaneous, charismatic personalities. With new adventures everywhere they go, readers have fun engaging in the story.
February 24, 2021
So gut! Perfekt bei schlechter Laune und wenn man Lust hat, jemandem aufs ... zu hauen 😂
July 3, 2009
French cartoonist Lewis Trondheim is a force all on his own. Having "forced" himself to learn to draw quickly and competently, his lines feature the comic purity unique to he himself.
In Kaput & Zösky, however, Trondheim is aided by Eric Carter in several of the stories. The stylistic difference, while notable, adds to the visual diversity throughout the book.
Kaput has been described as a "fat little stocky guy," an alien bent on planetary domination with special focus on blasting anything that stands in his way. By contrast, Zösky is the lanky, like-minded companion to Kaput, who tends to proffer more peaceable means to achieve his goals of totalitarianism. Together, one might think their varied skill sets and personalities would create the perfect alien force.
Not so.
Neither of the two are fully prepared for the social settings in which they immerse themselves. In fact, in a universe seemingly bereft of violence, the two find themselves foiling their very own plans. Sound familiar? Yes, of course the device has been put to use countless times before - but in the case of Kaput & Zösky, it does not matter nearly so much as the witty dialogue, skewed interpretations, and social satire presented herein.
For example, imagine a vacation wherein the "rest" proves more exhausting than the work! Or a democracy which actually functions based upon the follow-through of campaign promises! Kaput & Zösky invite readers to take a look at their own world as filtered through the eyes of monomaniacal extra-terrestrials. And it is a lot more fun than viewing it all through a prism of cynicism.
Kaput & Zösky is perfect reading for all ages. Children will enjoy the lush landscapes and funny situations of oddly-shaped aliens, while adults will see certain truths softly ridiculed to the point of hilarity. Too, the stories presented herein are short, and non-linear, so the book can be read as quickly - or as slowly - as desired.
In Kaput & Zösky, however, Trondheim is aided by Eric Carter in several of the stories. The stylistic difference, while notable, adds to the visual diversity throughout the book.
Kaput has been described as a "fat little stocky guy," an alien bent on planetary domination with special focus on blasting anything that stands in his way. By contrast, Zösky is the lanky, like-minded companion to Kaput, who tends to proffer more peaceable means to achieve his goals of totalitarianism. Together, one might think their varied skill sets and personalities would create the perfect alien force.
Not so.
Neither of the two are fully prepared for the social settings in which they immerse themselves. In fact, in a universe seemingly bereft of violence, the two find themselves foiling their very own plans. Sound familiar? Yes, of course the device has been put to use countless times before - but in the case of Kaput & Zösky, it does not matter nearly so much as the witty dialogue, skewed interpretations, and social satire presented herein.
For example, imagine a vacation wherein the "rest" proves more exhausting than the work! Or a democracy which actually functions based upon the follow-through of campaign promises! Kaput & Zösky invite readers to take a look at their own world as filtered through the eyes of monomaniacal extra-terrestrials. And it is a lot more fun than viewing it all through a prism of cynicism.
Kaput & Zösky is perfect reading for all ages. Children will enjoy the lush landscapes and funny situations of oddly-shaped aliens, while adults will see certain truths softly ridiculed to the point of hilarity. Too, the stories presented herein are short, and non-linear, so the book can be read as quickly - or as slowly - as desired.
February 24, 2009
Kaput and Zösky are alien conquerors! And they want to conquer the Earth, but they’re too small. So they leave. Because the Earth denizens (insects) are way scary. But they travel to other worlds (in their tiny two-seater spaceship) and attempt to take them over instead, with hilarious consequences. Kaput is short and squat, purple-skinned, with a bright red Mohawk. Zösky is tall and lanky and looks like a bean with legs – he’s got thigh-high boots and yellow hair (or possibly rabbit ears). They’re both quick to blast anything that moves, although Kaput’s the one who wants to destroy everything and make the civilizations they conquer miserable in whatever way he can. Similar to, but slightly less insidious than Invader Zim. Amusing.
Kaput: In less than two hours we shall rule this planet! Yes!! We’ll terrorize ‘em, pulverize ‘em, vaporize ‘em! We’ll crush them in our fists and save the drippings for our dogs.!
Zösky: Uh…We don’t have dogs.
Kaput: Well, we’d better get some, then. We’ll abase the populace by forcing them to lick the reflections of our dogs’ shadows. Ha ha! I love that image.
Zösky: You know, Kaput, owning a dog is hard work. You have to feed it, take it out twice a day to poop…
Kaput: Ok, ok! No dog! We’ll force them to crawl over mountains of filth, and then take photos and send them to their fiancées! Oh the shame!
Zösky: But what if they don’t have fiancées?
Kaput: Then we’ll find them some!
Zösky: Look, uh…I have a simpler plan… (p. 35)
Kaput: In less than two hours we shall rule this planet! Yes!! We’ll terrorize ‘em, pulverize ‘em, vaporize ‘em! We’ll crush them in our fists and save the drippings for our dogs.!
Zösky: Uh…We don’t have dogs.
Kaput: Well, we’d better get some, then. We’ll abase the populace by forcing them to lick the reflections of our dogs’ shadows. Ha ha! I love that image.
Zösky: You know, Kaput, owning a dog is hard work. You have to feed it, take it out twice a day to poop…
Kaput: Ok, ok! No dog! We’ll force them to crawl over mountains of filth, and then take photos and send them to their fiancées! Oh the shame!
Zösky: But what if they don’t have fiancées?
Kaput: Then we’ll find them some!
Zösky: Look, uh…I have a simpler plan… (p. 35)
December 31, 2012
This French import will delight readers with its absurdity while making them think about their own place in the universe. The title characters are two hapless aliens bent on taking over a planet: a feat they have not failed at due to lack of trying. Each planet they attempt to invade satirizes another aspect of human nature as well as providing plenty of opportunity for the kind of slapstick violence to be found in a Looney Tunes cartoon. Interspersed with the story of Kaput and Zosky are one page, wordless comics about a human cosmonaut that embodies our less attractive qualities to hilarious effect. Fans of sci-fi and humour young and old are sure to enjoy this colorful collection.
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
February 17, 2010
Author/Illustrator: Lewis Trondheim with Eric Cartier; Print/Graphic Novel; Age: 3rd - 6th.
Kaput and Zosky go on a perilous journey trying to overthrow planets. They have a crazy notion that they are in control, but they always seem to escape narrowly with their own lives, from the inhabitants of that planet. This book reminds me of Ren and Stimpy, Pinky and The Brain, or any other pair of half-witted dufus team. The book seemed to have no purpose; it started and then it ended. I would, however, use this for students who are not interested in reading traditional formulaic books. The story is written in a comic book style, but the language is thoughtful.
Kaput and Zosky go on a perilous journey trying to overthrow planets. They have a crazy notion that they are in control, but they always seem to escape narrowly with their own lives, from the inhabitants of that planet. This book reminds me of Ren and Stimpy, Pinky and The Brain, or any other pair of half-witted dufus team. The book seemed to have no purpose; it started and then it ended. I would, however, use this for students who are not interested in reading traditional formulaic books. The story is written in a comic book style, but the language is thoughtful.
August 11, 2016
I've read several Trondheim books lately and enjoyed them all, but this one is definitely my least favorite of the bunch. Dungeon and Tiny Tyrant are for young readers, but I was still able to appreciate the craft in them, laugh at many of the gags, and be surprised by some of the twists. This book was much more predictable, with fewer genuine shocks and more repetition
of a theme (Kaput wants to destroy). Still, the art had some great, silly alien designs, and none of the stories fail on any level. It's perfectly passable stuff, and probably even fun to the right (young) audience, but it's not a book that most adult readers will take much from.
of a theme (Kaput wants to destroy). Still, the art had some great, silly alien designs, and none of the stories fail on any level. It's perfectly passable stuff, and probably even fun to the right (young) audience, but it's not a book that most adult readers will take much from.
November 15, 2008
It's terrible. Lots of guns, and aggression, and little mean funny guys... I should try to keep it far far away from my two little boys, but they love it so much, and I admit I get a giggle out of almost every page.
I love the colors, and Lewis Trondheim's almost delicate pen drawings - his big toothy aliens and the little pop-eyed jerks that are his protagonists - make me think of Matt Howarth.
I love the colors, and Lewis Trondheim's almost delicate pen drawings - his big toothy aliens and the little pop-eyed jerks that are his protagonists - make me think of Matt Howarth.
July 13, 2009
A graphic novel of short stories about two aliens who aspires to take over new worlds. Unfortunately, they cannot figure out how to accomplish the task and find themselves in constant trouble. Personally, I have found that this type of graphic novel is hard for me to read. On the other hand, I know that my teenage nephews would probably love this book. It would be good to have for the struggling readers in a class that can benefit from the illustrations.
Read
April 11, 2011This book is really really funny and really really interesting. Just the way the author wrote this book is just hilarious. I like that Kaput is like the dumb one and Zosky is the leader and smart one. I really thought that was really really funny.
This book is about Kaput and Zosky who are aliens that were going all around the universe to find different planets that they can rule. Every where they go they always fail.
This book is about Kaput and Zosky who are aliens that were going all around the universe to find different planets that they can rule. Every where they go they always fail.
March 22, 2008
Will kids be able to see past all the blasting to smithereens and intergalactic domination to make the connection between how these aliens view their place in the universe and how we humans view our place on this planet? Or maybe that's just me. Again, I'll re-read before I decide whether this goes in to school or stays at home.
May 12, 2008
Lots of explosions, destruction, shoot 'em up stories in this outer space graphic. I think the author is trying to make us think about how we humans act with one another, with mixed results. I'm not sure if kids will get the symbolism. The stories are pretty funny, though, if you can get past all the blasting. I like the fluidity of his artwork.
April 18, 2009
I really, really enjoyed this graphic novel about two villainous aliens bent on destroying the universe one planet at a time, relishing the violence and often bungling their missions.
Intermissions of space comic strips separate chapters. The humor is pretty crude, even for me! GREAT for boys grades...umm... Grades 3-6? But parents who don't like violence-- you are WARNED! Blammo!
Intermissions of space comic strips separate chapters. The humor is pretty crude, even for me! GREAT for boys grades...umm... Grades 3-6? But parents who don't like violence-- you are WARNED! Blammo!
October 24, 2011
This appeals to the child in my who delighted in Pinky & The Brain's nightly foray to take over the world. Trondheim tackles issues of power and powerlessness with delightful aplomb and silliness. And lots of aliens.
May 21, 2012
Appropriate for middle schoolers but still cute to adults. Kaput and Zosky travel from planet to planet, seeking new subjects to subjugate or kill, and this is a log of some of their failures. My favorite parts were actually the Cosmonaut comics that were interspersed in the story.
August 7, 2008
These dudes are hilarious...a quick good read!
Read
February 24, 2009This is a really funny graphic novel for middle graders.
June 10, 2009
I was disappointed in this, the drawings were so cute but the humor was too crude and violent. A younger reader may enjoy this more.
November 6, 2009
It's been a while since I've read comics that were genuinely funny.
Leave it to the Europeans.
Leave it to the Europeans.
January 5, 2010
A fun ride as a couple aliens cruising the universe, destroying planets along the way. Nothing too complicated, but each episode finds new ways to subvert their efforts. Witty and humorous!
June 23, 2010
I have a real weakness for idiotic humor. This was very funny!
September 11, 2010
Cute. A good comic for kids whose parents appreciate senseless violence.
January 26, 2011
This is the perfect comic for your inner five-year-old boy.
More here.
More here.
March 8, 2011
Another great kids comic for boys. Think France's answer to shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" or "Ed, Edd and Eddy."
September 5, 2011
Good old Trondheim silliness!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews