A solid addition to the Manga Classics series of literary adaptations.
Aboard a North Pole expedition ship, a gaunt Victor Frankenstein recounts the events that led him to the Arctic in this adaptation of the original 1818 version of Mary Shelley’s classic.
As a youth, Frankenstein had an interest in natural philosophy, which led him to pursue scientific studies at the University of Ingolstadt. His mastery of the curriculum progressed swiftly, and his thirst for knowledge turned toward the arcane—specifically, to the origin of life, which Frankenstein discovered after nights of grisly research and a moment of electrifying inspiration. He applied his discovery to the construction of a massive being, and on one fateful evening, he brought the being to life. What follows is a struggle between creator and creation, each presented as villain and victim and alike in wretchedness. Illustrator Liu vividly depicts Frankenstein’s and the creature’s emotions, capturing the force of their rage and horror. Frankenstein’s eyes are especially expressive, giving greater impact to the scenes in which his face is partially obscured. Visual details are concentrated on the foreground, with panel backgrounds frequently blank, filled by a gradient, or lightly sketched. This serves to draw readers’ attention to the characters, though the simplicity of the background art also detracts from scenes meant to highlight the sublimity of nature. Characters are depicted as White.
A solid addition to the Manga Classics series of literary adaptations. (cast of characters, how to read manga, character design sketchbook, artist's note, adaptor’s note) (Graphic novel. 13-18)Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-947808-16-4
Page Count: 324
Publisher: Manga Classics
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre may seem a fairly innocuous choice for a graphic-novel adaption, but Corzine proves otherwise. Eschewing much of the mystery of Thornfield Hall and trauma of Jane's early life, she opts to focus on the brooding romance between Jane and Mr. Rochester. An admirable intention, but one made, perhaps, without the audience in mind; the stodgy Victorian courtship isn't likely to rivet young teens. Worse yet, this version wastes the thrill and suspense of the "madwoman in the attic" subplot, thereby neutering one of the book's most memorable story lines and losing the opportunity to depict high-octane action scenes shrouded in eerie mystery. The illustrations are, save for a few wan action sequences, unremarkable though proficient enough. The text is mostly dialogue, with scarcely any action, resulting in endless panels of characters looking longingly, sadly or angrily at one another. The glossary is patently ridiculous, with age-inappropriate entries like "forgive" and "nightmare," and a biography of the author, while informative, is written in such stiff language as to turn young readers off altogether. Distinctly subpar. (Graphic classic. 13 & up)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4205-0375-3
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Lucent
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2010
Writer and artist Campbell introduces Brody, a rude surfer chick with a bad attitude who lives and plays by her own rules. While out surfing, she falls victim to a vicious shark attack that results in the loss of her right leg. Aided by her best friend and possible love interest Louisa, she tries to adjust to life after the accident. Plagued by nightmares, Brody struggles to keep up her tough exterior and not let those around her see how much she’s frightened. The two girls embark on a road trip up the East Coast to get Brody’s ex-boyfriend off Louisa’s couch—and out of Brody’s life—once and for all. Drawn with clean lines, Campbell’s trademark punky characters fumble their way through this graphic novel, trying to define themselves with no satisfactory resolution and no clear purpose. Clearly a stronger artist than writer, Campbell’s clumsy plot development plods along. Trying to be edgy with its no-holds-barred dialogue, this latest offering in the Minx line misses the mark and comes off as crude and at times, offensive. (Graphic novel. YA)
Pub Date: June 24, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4012-1147-9
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Minx/DC Comics
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2008
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