Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels)
With text taken from the No Fear Shakespeare series, which modernized Shakespeare’s original language, this entry in the No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels line makes the Bard even more accessible. The language has been further simplified, but not dumbed down, and the story stays true to the arc of the play, with the monologues and interiors nearly intact. Babra’s artwork, though far from flashy, is no mere window dressing, its clear, black-and-white scenes often shifting into a stark, expressionistic mode that heightens the drama. Along with a nicely digestible version of the play, this will give readers a feel for Shakespeare’s language and wordplay (many of the famous lines and naughty double entendres have been preserved). With all that going for it, this admirable effort is likely to succeed in the classroom, as well as appeal to those already drawn to Shakespeare. As far as graphic novel readers are concerned, however, sticking so close to the original may present a harder pill to swallow. Grades 9-12. --Ian Chipman