A Chat with Cosmo D: From Manga Mysteries to Musical Dreams

Unraveling the Pages: Current Reads and Recent Adventures

Dive into the world of Cosmo D, the mastermind behind The Norwood Suite, Betrayal At Club Low, and Moves Of The Diamond Hand, as we explore his literary landscape. Currently, he's immersed in the epic sprawl of 20th Century Boys, a manga where a group of friends battles a sprawling, enigmatic cult. "The mystery unfolds like paper spewing from a malfunctioning printer," Cosmo D describes, highlighting the story's captivating blend of time-bending narrative and thrilling suspense. Having previously enjoyed Urasawa's Pluto (adapted by Netflix), he anticipates 20th Century Boys becoming a major anime event if adapted.

Fresh off the page is John Lurie's autobiography, A History of Bones. Cosmo D, finding inspiration in the vibrant New York art scene of the 80s and 90s, connects with Lurie's wild and vivid anecdotes. He describes the reading experience as being akin to "an odd old guy showing up at your house and rattling off an endless chain of wild anecdotes. And the way he tells it, you believe every one."

Next Chapter: Upcoming Reads and Lingering Quotes

Next on Cosmo D's reading list is Three Shades of Blue, a recommendation stemming from this very column and game designer Warren Spector. A quote that resonates deeply with him comes from China Miéville's The City & The City: a story of two interwoven cities existing in the same space, where citizens navigate a complex dance of "avoidance and unseeing." He found the gradual uncovering of this unique world and its intricate rules to be a "slow-burning pleasure."

Sharing the Literary Love: Recommendations and Adaptations

A manga Cosmo D frequently recommends is Blue Giant, a coming-of-age story about a young saxophonist chasing their dreams in the big city. He praises its earnest portrayal of a musician's journey, highlighting the fierce competition, diverse motivations, and the potential cost of pursuing such a demanding dream. "It's optimistic, yet poignant and grounded," he explains.

When asked about a book ripe for a game adaptation, Cosmo D suggests Robert Caro's The Power Broker. Envisioning a blend of SimCity/Cities: Skylines with the political intrigue of Crusader Kings – a "Frostpunk goes mid-century modern," he paints a picture of bureaucratic red tape and power plays. Imagine needing permits to build a road, requiring lobbying and cozying up to influential figures. "Every button locked behind bureaucratic red tape. But you've got the scissors," he quips, suggesting a game of strategic maneuvering and urban development.