The Panic Fables: Mystic Teachings and Initiatory Tales

Alejandro Jodorowsky Ariel Godwin, translator

Park Street Press Softcover $29.95 (304pp) 978-1-62055-537-8

This remarkable collection demonstrates that art, even in a form as humble as the weekly newspaper comic strip, can be transformative.

Panic Fables compiles 284 comic strips from Alejandro Jodorowsky, published between 1967 and 1973. Drawing wisdom from multiple philosophies and religions, this work is strange and wonderful.

Jodorowsky is perhaps best known for his controversial films and plays. The content of these comics is highly thought-provoking. Taken as a whole, they show the transformation of the central character, who is based on Jodorowsky, as he goes from being a seeker sitting in front of his teacher, to being a teacher himself. They are consistently compelling, starting with strips that are dark and pessimistic, and eventually transforming to tell stories that are hopeful and depict an optimistic, spiritual worldview.