The Complete Crepax Gift Box Set Volumes 7 and 8 brings together two extraordinary collections of the acclaimed Italian cartoonist Guido Crepax, known for his unique adaptations of erotic literature. This stunning box set offers more than 500 pages of captivating storytelling paired with exquisite black-and-white illustrations. Each volume presents a different facet of Crepax’s artistic vision, drawing readers into the intricate world of desire, fantasy, and the exploration of identity.

In Volume 7, titled ‘Story of a Story’ (1981), the narrative centers around the enchanting Milanese photographer Valentina. Alone in her home, she embarks on a journey of imagination, reinterpreting Georges Bataille’s notorious novella, ‘The Story of the Eye,’ by taking on all the roles herself. This innovative storytelling technique allows readers to experience the tale from multiple perspectives, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Alongside this, the volume includes the riveting stories “Emmanuelle” (1978) and “Emmanuelle: The Anti-Virgin” (1990), which chronicle the sensual escapades of the titular character as she navigates her life as the polyamorous wife of a French diplomat in Thailand.

Readers will be drawn into Emmanuelle’s daring adventures, from a provocative encounter on a plane to a steamy game of squash with a countess. Her journey continues as she falls for a woman named Bee and experiences an intense moment at a temple. Crepax’s rich illustrations vividly capture the essence of these transgressive exploits, which originate from a banned 1959 novel by Marayat Rollet-Andriane, pen name Emmanuelle Arsan, a Thai French author. In a delightful twist, Emmanuelle even crosses paths with King Kong, showcasing Crepax’s imaginative storytelling flair.

Volume 8 shifts focus to Crepax’s most ambitious work, ‘Story of O,’ which stands as his longest graphic novel. This volume explores themes of sexual submission and identity transformation as a woman finds fulfillment in yielding to a secret society. Crepax’s masterful artistry shines through as he meticulously illustrates every strike of the whip, immersing readers in the sensuality surrounding body modification and submission. Alongside this powerful narrative, the volume features the short story “The Unexpected Exchange,” which encapsulates Crepax’s signature style, filled with elements of lingerie, bisexuality, and a nod to the 1920s.

To enhance the readers’ experience, the box set includes insightful essays that contextualize Crepax’s stories within historical and cultural frameworks. Notably, Volume 8 features an introduction by Nouveau Roman novelist Alain Robbe-Grillet, renowned for works such as ‘The Voyeur’ and ‘Last Year at Marienbad.’ This introduction sets the stage for ‘Story of O,’ providing readers with a deeper understanding of the narrative’s significance in the realm of erotic literature.

In summary, the Complete Crepax Gift Box Set Volumes 7 and 8 is a treasure for art and literature enthusiasts alike. With its lavish slipcased presentation and over 500 pages of groundbreaking erotic comics, this set invites readers to delve into the intricate worlds crafted by Crepax, where fantasy and reality intertwine in mesmerizing ways.