Copper

**Copper** is a delightful collection of short, whimsical comics by Kazu Kibuishi, initially released as webcomics. At its heart, the series beautifully encapsulates the provided description: "Copper is curious, Fred is fearful. And together boy and dog are off on a series of adventures through marvelous worlds, powered by Copper's limitless enthusiasm and imagination." Each standalone strip plunges readers into vibrant, fantastical landscapes—from floating islands and ancient ruins to cosmic vistas and deep forests—all seen through the unjaded, wonder-filled eyes of the boy, Copper, and the perpetually anxious but loyal dog, Fred. The narratives are less about plot and more about atmosphere and emotion, celebrating the simple joy of discovery and the profound bond between its two charming protagonists. *Copper* unequivocally belongs on any list of Kazu Kibuishi's best works because it serves as a foundational showcase for the imaginative genius that would later define his epic *Amulet* series. While lacking the complex overarching narrative of *Amulet*, *Copper* distills Kibuishi's unparalleled ability to craft breathtaking worlds and evoke deep feeling through stunning visual storytelling and subtle emotional cues. The detailed, lush artwork and the sense of boundless possibility seen in these short adventures are direct precursors to the grander scale of his later graphic novels. It highlights his core themes of friendship, the power of imagination, and confronting fear with curiosity, making *Copper* not just an enjoyable read in its own right, but also an essential window into the artistic evolution of one of the most celebrated contemporary graphic novelists.