Fresh Approaches: Noteworthy New Editions and Reissues
This article originally appeared in SLJ’s Extra Helping. Sign up now!
Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 3/10/2008
Comic Book Comeback: The Return of “Classics Illustrated”
Papercutz, publisher of graphic-novel series such as The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Tales from the Crypt, is revitalizing the “Classics Illustrated” line of comic books. Originally created by publisher Albert Lewis Kanter (1897-1973) in 1941, these serialized comic-book adaptations of great literary works remained popular with readers for 30 years. In 1990, the line was revived by the Berkley Publishing Group and First Publishing in graphic-novel/book format with adaptations by well-known graphic novelists including Rick Geary, Bill Sienkiewicz, Kyle Baker, and Gahan Wilson.
According to Papercutz’s publisher, Terry Nantier, the line will be re-launched in two formats. “Classics Illustrated” will bring back titles published by First/Berkley that have long been out of print, beginning with Great Expectations (1990), adapted and illustrated by Eisner Award-winner Geary. Coming soon are Geary’s version of The Invisible Man (July) and Baker’s Through the Looking Glass (September).
“Classics Illustrated Deluxe,” explains Nantier, “presents longer adaptations, 144 pages and over, done by artists who love the work and don't wish to compromise it in any way. Our first, The Wind in the Willows, as adapted by Michel Plessix, is a great example of that. It's stunning and takes its time to properly tell the story in comics form.” Although Plessix’s adaptation was previously published in several volumes by NBM during the 1990s, upcoming titles in this series “…will be brand new, never before seen here.” Soon to be published are Tales from the Brothers Grimm (May), by various artists, and Christophe Gaultier’s adaptation of Robinson Crusoe, which has “a quite stark Christophe (Isaac the Pirate) Blain-like look” (November).
Great Expectations and Wind in the Willows were chosen to kick off the re-launch because, according to Nantier, “…both are gorgeous and intelligent well thought-out adaptations that set an excellent tone for our line… And the overall quality of our line is what makes it stand out. There are many rushing to do adaptations and mine the graphic novel gold rush helter-skelter. A lot of questionable graphic novels are being published now. Buyer beware!”
Nantier believes that “Classics Illustrated” remains relevant to today’s readers: “Classics are perennials as their message endures no matter how our society changes. Bringing them to great comics is both like making a great movie of them and making them available to a young audience that is very visually oriented and has many visual distractions. Graphic novels have been shown to be a great bridge from that visual world to the magic of books.” They play “a very important role as a gateway for kids to enjoying the rest of any library's collection.”
Papercutz may be on to something. The volumes are perfectly designed for library shelves, with sturdy bindings and a large enough size for kids to get a good look at the contents. The artwork is beautifully reproduced—crisp and clear—and each book contains background about the series’ history and a brief bio of the artist/adaptor. In fact, The Wind in the Willows was recently cited in SLJ's March cover story, “Graphic Novels Rule!: The Latest and Greatest Comics for Young Kids,” by Michele Gorman, highlighting 25 outstanding graphic novels guaranteed “to attract a new generation of young readers.” Go to the Papercutz Web site for a look at the books and more information.
Pub Info
DICKENS, Charles. Great Expectations. adapt. & illus. by Richard Geary. “Classics Illustrated #1.” March 2008. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-097-3.
GRAHAME, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. adapt. and illus. by Michel Plessix. “Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1.” Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-159707-095-9. pap. $13.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-096-6.
ea vol. Papercutz, dist. by Macmillan.
