Macbeth - The Graphic Novel - Quick Text

ISBN: 9781906332051
Title: Macbeth - The Graphic Novel - Quick Text
Author: Shakespeare, William (ed Clive Bryant)
Price: $25.95

Witches, murder, ghosts, and madness - one of Shakespeare's finest tragedies is also a perfect fit for the graphic novel format. This compelling adaptation depicts every blood-curdling scene in easy-to-follow illustrations, accompanied by Shakespeare's original text. An illustrated cast of characters reminds readers who's who, and fascinating background information on Shakespeare and the real Macbeth adds historical context.

Shakespeare for everyone takes on a new meaning with this publisher's clever multi-form at version of Macbeth. Using the same set of graphic illustrations, three separate volumes provide a different version of the text. The "Original Text" provides the unabridged script; unfortunately all sense of verse and lineation is lost as the words are divided to fit into speech bubbles. The "Plain Text" variant translates the verse into modern English. Although it is not presented as an abridged version, this Macbeth is substantially shortened. The "Quick Text" variant presents an artless, albeit fast-paced, version of the play composed of abrupt exchanges and declarative sentences.

The artwork for these three versions provides some sense of mood, emphasizes the violence and gore implicit in the play, and presents the mystical elements as full-fledged horror icons. The subtleties of character enabled by Shakespeare's language give way to stark characterizations in the illustrations - Lady Macbeth is conniving; Macbeth is brooding and anxious. Varied layouts and dramatic action enliven all three versions, although the need for strings of speech bubbles sometimes makes the pages of the "Original Text" version appear crowded. Q

Readers adverse to Shakespeare will appreciate the added interpretation provided by the graphic novel format, but anyone valuing the original language will regret the simplification of two of these variants as well as the distinctly unpoetic artwork that invites readers to replace introspection and linguistic range with lots of rippling capes and close-up portraits of grimacing faces. Other plays in this series are Henry V, The Tempest, and Richard III, with classics such as Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, and A Christmas Carol receiving the same three-version treatment. - Megan Lynn Isaac.Q

Original Text
This is the full, unabridged original script - just as the bard intended. This version is ideal for purists, students and for readers who want to experience the unaltered text.

Plain Text
We take the original script and "translate" it into modern English, verse-for-verse, whilst retaining the full essence of the play. If you've ever wanted to fully appreciate the works of Shakespeare but find the original language rather cryptic then this is the version for you!

Quick Text
We take the dialogue and reduce it to as few words as possible; but because it still features the same artwork, this version retains all of the characters, plots and motives from the play. Ideal for younger readers, reluctant readers, or for people who want to get a quick but full understanding of the play.

Publisher: Classical Comics
Publication date: 01/11/2008
Format: Paperback
Publishing status: Active