*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text. ISBN
978-1-906332-50-1.
*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text. ISBN
978-1-906332-49-5.
illus. by Declan Shalvey. While remaining true to the spirit of
Shelley's famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it
their way, savoring this horror classic with either the "Original
Text," or the "Quick Text," a simplified abridgement. More than a
straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore
important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and
ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and
destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both
versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered
in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific
elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in
monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative
without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is
the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of
contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers
follow the story's progression. Back matter includes a biography of
Shelley, a description of the novel's origin and history, and a
clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable
edition. Reluctant readers who start with the "Quick Text" will
probably be enticed to try the "Original Text" and continue to
explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic. --Barbara M.
Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
School Library Journal, May 2009
This classic tale of horror and obsession features an appropriately overwrought reading by three talented British actors. Dr. Victor Frankenstein becomes enslaved to the idea of reanimating the dead, spending years in a manic frenzy of scientific study and creation. But once his monster lives, Frankenstein is so horrified by the ugliness of "the demoniacal corpse" that he abandons it, never imagining that they will meet again in murderous circumstances. Daniel Philpott does most of the narration, employing a Germanic accent when he voices the good doctor's dialog. Roger May does a superb job as Capt. Robert Walton. The best performance, though, is by Jonathan Oliver as the Daemon. He makes listeners feel pity and compassion for this creature who longs only for love and intellectual stimulation; instead, he cannot help but be the personification of evil in his own mania for vengeance. VERDICT The reading is well paced, and the narrators are not afraid to sound overwrought when appropriate.-B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara P.L., Goleta Branch, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text. ISBN
978-1-906332-50-1.
*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text. ISBN
978-1-906332-49-5.
illus. by Declan Shalvey.
While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley's famous work,
this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this
horror classic with either the "Original Text," or the "Quick
Text," a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward
retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social
issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of
scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and
destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both
versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered
in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific
elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in
monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative
without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is
the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of
contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers
follow the story's progression. Back matter includes a biography of
Shelley, a description of the novel's origin and history, and a
clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable
edition. Reluctant readers who start with the "Quick Text" will
probably be enticed to try the "Original Text" and continue to
explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic. --Barbara M.
Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
School Library Journal, May 2009
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