The Tempest The Graphic Novel (American English, Original Text)
*Starred Review* In the Shakespearean graphic novel crowd, if Gareth Hinds’ adaptations are subtle and thoughtful artists, and the Manga Shakespeare series are wild, unpredictable rock stars, then the Classical Comics series might be the no-nonsense teachers of the group. With straightforward draftsmanship and three text versions (original, plain, and quick), Classical Comics titles are ready-made to lure intimidated students and aid in curricular comparisons that highlight the levels on which Shakespeare works. But with the publication of the original version of The Tempest, this solid, practical series has just added its first superstar. In vibrant color that far outmatches the standard, somber “historical” palette, the bitter and over-protective Prospero, looking like an extra-psychedelic Doctor Strange, maroons King Alonso and his men on his magical island. All the great strengths of the sequential art form are brought to bear, with creative panel shape and size, border textures, word balloon effects, dynamic motion, and magical figure work that makes the fairies sparkle and the harpy blaze like an inferno. It’s such a resounding success that readers may actually forget they’re learning something. Of the multitudinous Shakespeare graphic adaptations now available, this is the first to take total advantage of the medium’s full potential, appropriately aligned to the Bard’s most fantastical work. Grades 7-12. --Jesse Karp