Classics Revisited

Literary classics are well-told stories that continue to delight and enlighten readers of all ages and backgrounds. These works possess artistic quality, explore universal themes, withstand the “test of time,” transcend cultural differences, and have contemporary significance. Classics often introduce characters, settings, and dialogue that become generally well known and provide a common point of reference.

The nature and enduring themes of literary classics make them ideal for adaptation to such forms of entertainment as operas, musicals, ballets, plays, and movies–and most recently, graphic books. As comic-book authors and artists have come to recognize the rich source of material in these works, the number of classics offered in this format has increased substantially.

The successful literary adaptation into a graphic format serves as an introduction for first-time readers while inviting those who are already familiar with the work to experience it in new ways. Such an adaptation should retain the inherent essence of the original, capturing setting, characters, central themes, and language. The best graphic creators use the visual framework to highlight aspects of the original work and to open windows into fresh and even unexpected perspectives. Readers are then able to experience the story in new ways, with a broader understanding of and an increased appreciation for both the original work and the new creation.

The best adaptations treat these well-loved works with respect, reminding a new generation that literary classics are vibrant and relevant for today’s readers.

BRACKEN, Beth, retel. Cinderella: The Graphic Novel. illus. by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins. (Graphic Spin Series). Stone Arch. 2008. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-1-4342-0764-7; pap. $4.95. ISBN 978-1-4342-0860-6.

Gr 1-3–“Once upon a time a heart was broken” begins this adaptation of a timeless tale. This version provides a few new and interesting twists. For example, a tree growing on Cinderella’s mother’s grave plays an important role. Clever text is supported by sepia-colored illustrations. An interesting history of the story is included.

EISNER, Will. The Last Knight: An Introduction to Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. illus. by author. NBM. 2000. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-56163-253-4.

Gr 3-6–Cervantes himself retells the story of Quixote’s ideals of chivalry and nobility in this story of heroism and the power of following a dream. Through vivacious illustrations and a text that is faithful to the spirit of the original, Eisner illuminates the message of the “impossible dream” with his trademark artistic skill.

GRAHAME, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. adapt. & illus. by Michel Plessix. (Classics Illustrated Deluxe Series). Papercutz. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-095-9. pap. $13.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-096-6.

Gr 4-7–Children follow the adventures of Mr. Toad and his friends in this whimsical story that celebrates the joys of friendship in a world of endearing and eccentric creatures. Detailed pastel color illustrations enhance the English-countryside setting. Text retains enough of the original language to have a very British feel.

HOENA, Blake A., retel. Jack and the Beanstalk: The Graphic Novel. illus. by Ricardo Tercio. (Graphic Spin Series). Stone Arch. 2008. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-1-4342-0766-1; pap. $4.95. ISBN 978-1-4342-0862-0.

Gr 1-3–It’s “Fee Fie Foh Fum” when Jack runs smack into the beanstalk upon waking. Later a huge “rumble” spreads across the page when the giant enters the room. Large panels, easy-to-read speech balloons, and a muted full-color palette craft an effective retelling. Background history of the story, writing prompts, and discussion questions are included.

MAZAN, Cecile Chicault & Philip Petit, adapts. Tales from the Brothers Grimm. (Classics Illustrated Deluxe Series). Papercutz. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-101-7; pap. $13.95. ISBN 978-1-59707-100-0.

Gr 3-5–One familiar story, “Hansel and Gretel,” and three lesser-known tales, “Learning How to Shudder,” “The Devil and the Three Golden Hairs,” and “The Valiant Little Tailor,” remain true to the Grimms’ original versions. Violence is implied, but the illustrations refrain from graphic depictions. The dialogue is fresh and clever, with lots of action.

VERNE, Jules. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. retold by Carl Bowen. illus. by Jose Alfonso & Ocampo Ruiz. (Graphic Revolve Series). Stone Arch. 2008. PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-1-4342-0447-9; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4342-0497-4.

Gr 2-4–Red-uniformed officers of the Nautilus stand in stark contrast to their undersea world rendered in a blue-and-gray palette. With simplified text, Professor Aronnax narrates this encounter with Captain Nemo, his fantastic underworld, and the giant squid. Back matter suitable for classrooms is included in this introduction to the science-fiction classic.

WENZEL, David & Douglas Wheeler, adapts. Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm. NBM. 1996. Tr $50. ISBN 978-1-56163-140-7.

Gr 4-6–“Snow White,” “The Shoemaker and the Elves,” and “The Three Sluggards” receive visually delightful treatment in these classic tales. Vivid illustrations tell most of the story, but much of the Grimms’ original language is evident. These are not the Disney versions. Instead each story retains some of the original’s spirit and vitality.

DICKENS, Charles. A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel. American English, Original Text Version. adapt. by Sean Michael Wilson. illus. by Mike Collins, David Roach, & James Offredi. Classical Comics. 2008. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-90633-251-8.

Gr 6 Up–This edition features a slightly abbreviated version of Dickens’s classic. Skillful use of color heightens the drama as somber monochromatic tones open the story and provide an excellent contrast to Marley’s pale blue, frightening ghost. Christmas Past continues the story in warm sepia tones, while Christmas Present is portrayed in vibrant full color.

DUMAS, Alexandre. The Man in the Iron Mask. adapt. by Roy Thomas. illus. by Hugo Petrus, Tom Palmer, & June Chung. ABDO/Spotlight. 2009. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59961-597-4.

Gr 7 Up–Action and pathos abound in this retelling of Dumas’s classic tale of swashbuckling adventure in the 17th-century world of the French Musketeers. Six volumes retell the tragic stories of twin brothers, one a king, the other doomed to wear an iron mask, and the poignant end to the lives of four elite French fighters.

KOVAC, Tommy. Wonderland. illus. by Sonny Liew. Disney. 2009. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-0451-3.

Gr 7 Up–Kovac has taken characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic story, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Jabberwocky, and tossed them in the story blender to create a frothy new concoction that jumps with color and features White Rabbit’s maid, the dark-haired Mary Ann. Readers familiar with the original will appreciate this new twist.

PAGE, Philip & Marilyn Petit, eds. Romeo and Juliet. illus. by Philip Page. (Picture This! Shakespeare Series). Barron’s. 2005. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7641-3144-8.

Gr 5-8–This introductory edition guides readers into an understanding of the story while helping them appreciate and enjoy the play. Black-and-white illustrations illuminate speech balloons with actual text from Shakespeare’s drama. Vocabulary, setting, and plot explanatory boxes are placed throughout the text. An excellent resource for struggling readers.

POMPLUN, Tom, ed. Graphic Classics: O. Henry. Eureka. 2005. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-0-9746648-2-8.

Gr 7 Up–The language, settings, and characters of 11 O. Henry short stories, all illustrated in black and white, are skillfully captured by 20 artists and authors. Both well-known and lesser-known selections are included, showcasing this master storyteller’s classic plot twists and trademark surprise endings.

SHELLEY, Mary. Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel. American English, Original Text Version. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-906332-49-5. American English, Quick Text Version. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-906332-50-1. adapt. by Jason Cobley. illus. by Declan Shalvey, et al. Classical Comics. 2008.

Gr 7 Up–Available in a carefully abridged version or a “Quick Text” edition with fewer words, this horror classic features lush illustrations that capture the mood of the story. More than straightforward retellings, these volumes invite readers to explore important issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, and the nature of creation and destruction.

STEVENSON, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. adapt. by Alan Grant. illus. by Cam Kennedy. Tundra. 2008. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-882-8.

Gr 5-8–This adaptation of Stevenson’s horror classic, which chronicles the struggle between good and evil, remains true to the original edition. Color and drawings accurately capture the foggy Victorian London atmosphere. While the plot is well known, the story’s tension is maintained, keeping readers in suspense until the horrific conclusion.

STEVENSON, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. adapt. by Roy Thomas. illus. by Mario Gully. Marvel. 2009. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-2595-2.

Gr 7 Up–Readers join young Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and his crew of rum-drinking pirates for adventure and excitement aboard the Hispaniola. Well-drawn characters bring the spine-tingling drama to life. Black panel frames accentuate color, action, and emotion. Full-page character renditions and a glossary are a bonus.

THAYER, Ernest L. Casey at the Bat. illus. by Joe Morse. (Visions in Poetry Series.) Kids Can/KCP Poetry. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55337-827-3.

Gr 5 Up–Baseball’s most famous narrative poem receives an edgy update created in steel blues and grays. The game moves to an inner-city field surrounded by a chain-link fence and high-rise apartment buildings. Bold angular characters with strong facial expressions give an urban intensity to Thayer’s classic poem.

TOLKIEN, J.R.R. The Hobbit: An Illustrated Edition of the Fantasy Classic. adapt. by Charles Dixon & Sean Deming. illus. by David Wenzel. Del Rey. 2001. pap. $17.95. ISBN 978-0-345-44560-5.

Gr 7 Up–Tolkien’s charm and magical storytelling qualities shine through in this luminescent re-creation. Many of the clever phrases remain intact, and the storytelling is textually and visually rich. Art inspired by Howard Pyle gives the story a classic feel. Watch as Bilbo ages from fresh innocent face to a wiser and more wrinkled visage.

WILLIAMS, Marcia, retel. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. illus. by reteller. Candlewick. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3197-0.

Gr 4-8–Nine tales told during a pilgrimage come to life with detailed and lively drawings. The narrative runs beneath the panels while quotes from the original medieval English text appear in speech bubbles and illuminated margin art. The stories retain Chaucer’s bawdy humor, with physical comedy and numerous references to flatulence.

SHAKESPEARE, William. Julius Caesar. adapt. by Richard Appignanesi. illus. by Mustashrik Mahbab. (Manga Shakespeare Series). pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-7072-4. Abrams/Amulet. 2008.

Gr 8 Up–Mustashrik’s use of visual imagery adds depth and layers of meaning to this text, which is set in a contemporary world filled with cell phones and motorcycles. While the style of artwork appears “busy” for manga, the artist’s rendition of faces accurately captures each character’s feelings in this emotionally charged adaptation.

BRONTË, Charlotte. Jane Eyre: The Graphic Novel. American English, Original Text Version. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-906332-47-1. Quick Text Version. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-906332-48-8. adapt. by Amy Corzine. illus. by John M. Burns & Terry Wiley. Classical Comics. 2008.

Gr 8 Up–Devotees of Brontë’s gothic romantic masterpiece will appreciate this adaptation that carefully follows the English classic, remaining true to thematic elements as well as original text. Luminous watercolors depict both pastoral and darker settings effectively. A splendid interpretation of Jane’s search for love and self-fulfillment.

EDGINTON, Ian, adapt. H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds. illus. by D’Israeli. Dark Horse. 2006. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59307-474-6.

Gr 9 Up–This drama recounting an alien invasion of London is heightened with careful panel placement and visually arresting artwork. The color palette brings the story into sharp focus with the calculated introduction of red, highlighting the Martian presence. Sci-fi fans will appreciate this adaptation of Wells’s classic.

FITZGERALD, F. Scott. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A Graphic Novel. adapt. by Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir. illus. by Kevin Cornell. Quirk. 2008. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59474-281-1.

Gr 9 Up–Fitzgerald’s comedic and satirical short story on the effects of aging comes to life in this re-creation. Facial expressions are as effective as the text in conveying the characters’ emotions and ironic twists of fate. Sepia-toned illustrations serve as an effective canvas for this story. An afterword contains helpful background material.

HINDS, Gareth, adapt. Beowulf. illus. by adapter. Candlewick. 2007. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3022-5; pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3023-2.

Gr 8 Up–Hinds’s storytelling skillfully re-creates the atmosphere and setting of this eighth-century heroic epic, and his powerful, dark, and vividly graphic images illuminate the tale. Narrative text boxes support each panel’s action-packed sequences. A new generation of readers will relish this Anglo-Saxon classic.

LEE, Tony. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood. illus. by Sam Hart & Artur Fujita. Candlewick. 2009. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4399-7; pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4399-7.

Gr 8 Up–In this dark, introspective portrait of the Outlaw of Sherwood Forest who robbed from the rich, challenged the Sheriff of Nottingham, and wooed Maid Marian, the marked color contrast between scenes of yellow-green forest and purple-hued Nottingham Castle make the action easy to follow. While the legend dates back to the 1400s, this adaptation uses contemporary language.

SHAKESPEARE, William. Shakespeare’s Macbeth: The Manga Edition. adapt. by Adam Sexton. illus. by Eve Grandt & Candice Chow. Wiley. 2008. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-470-09759-5.

Gr 8 Up–Tragedy is immediately apparent in the distinctive dark art, accentuated by bold lines and terse text. Images such as the bloody bodies and Macbeth’s hallucinations grip readers, and the plotting Lady Macbeth is downright frightening. Readers looking for high drama will find it here.

SHANOWER, Eric. Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships. vol. 1. illus. by author. Image Comics. 2001. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-58240-200-0.

Gr 9 Up–Shanower’s detailed re-creation of the Trojan War shines with well-defined characters. The artwork and narrative highlight the human elements of this timeless tale. All of the drama associated with Paris, Helen, Achilles, Odysseus, and a cast of thousands comes to life on these pages. A splendid introduction to Greek mythology and literature.

SIKU. The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation. illus. by author. Galilee. 2008. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-385-52431-5.

Gr 8 Up–This entertaining encapsulation of stories from the Judeo-Christian tradition introduces readers to the Great Flood, Passover, and the Good Samaritan. While preserving the basic stories and thematic content, the dialogue and drawings are both clever and fresh. “Want to Know More” tags refer readers to book, chapter, and verse in the conventional Bible.

TENNYSON, Alfred Lord. The Lady of Shalott. illus. by Geneviève Côté. (Visions in Poetry Series). Kids Can/KCP Poetry. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55337-874-7.

Gr 8 Up–Côté’s version of this haunting poem uses watercolor and pastel in soft blue and warm golden tones. Her interpretation adds a new dimension as the lady emerges from death and isolation as a butterfly. Endnotes provide background on the poem, poet, and artist.

WHITEHEAD, Dan, adapt. Nevermore: A Graphic Adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Stories. Sterling. 2008. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4114-1592-8.

Gr 9 Up–Nine short works, including “The Raven,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” have been adapted and re-imagined by various authors and artists. Chilling black-and-white illustrations perfectly capture the mood and setting of these stories. A brief biography of Poe is included.

WILDE, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. adapt. by Roy Thomas. illus. by Sebastian Fiumara. Marvel. 2008. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-2654-6.

Gr 9 Up–This classic horror study of physical beauty and hedonism with echoes of Faustian drama is well suited to graphic adaptation. Depictions of beautiful people in soft shades of gray and lavender serve in stark contrast to the increasing ugliness of Gray’s character as well as the repulsive visage revealed in his portrait’s final incarnation.