Classics Illustrated #3: Through the Looking Glass (Classics Illustrated Graphic Novels)
Grade 5 Up–This is an admirable attempt at adapting a classic into a graphic novel, but it works better as a supplemental or introductory piece. Baker tries to remain true to the original work by leaving the dialogue mainly intact, though the transitional writing that he removes tends to cause confusion, especially in Carroll&'s world of fancy, imagination, and nonsense. Baker also has made a stylistic choice to eschew word bubbles; dialogue is instead placed under panels and directly under images of characters to which they belong. This takes some getting used to, even for seasoned graphic-novel readers. Baker&'s loose art style reflects the mood of this world, and his characters are drawn with great expression. However, small panel size and crowded layouts detract from appreciation of the art and comprehension of the story. A note at the end directs readers to borrow the original work from their school or public library, which is a valid suggestion in order to understand and appreciate Lewis Carroll&'sThrough the Looking Glassfully.–Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MDCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.