Gareth Hinds has actually done two versions of Beowulf. This version is a colloquial translation aimed at the young adult audience. In the author's note Hinds states, "we have attempted to strike a balance between easy readability and the poetic drama..." While I will give credit for readability, the poetic drama of Beowulf is largely stripped bare in this version.

If someone were struggling with getting through Beowulf in general and it were a choice between not reading it at all, or perhaps skimming a Wikipedia summary, this would be the much better choice. Unfortunately, the text is not groundbreaking in any other way. This does cover the full poem - from the original battle with Grendel to the battle with the dragon in Geatland.

What is amazing is the artwork. The artwork is saved from Hinds's Complete Beowulf edition (different translation) and is not drawn, but painted. The paintings are fantastic and detailed. The battle for Grendle's arm covers 10 pages and over 60 panels - all without the text of the original poem. With this, you have the fluid action that demonstrates what made this epic story of heroes survive the oral tradition as long as it did, albeit in visual form. ( )

A violent graphic novel rendition of the classic tale of Beowulf. This would especially be popular with guys because of the gory illustrations of the battles in which Beowulf engaged. But is it a tale with a twist? I'm not sure.

Can I just say that I do not like this story? This version was even more confusing and jumbled than others. The story was told mainly through monologues, which was fine, but they did not explain the action very well. The pictures were okay, but the violent and gory storyline are not my cup of tea. ( )

Gareth Hinds' "Beowulf" has beautifully crafted artwork. It seems dark and earthy in the appropriate places with special detail to certain fight sequences. Especially and most notably the scene where Beowulf rips Grendel's arm off. I was a little disappointed to not see the completion of that act, which was Grendel being beaten with his arm. I know that really a bit much, but for me it was a very layered act in the prose. I did like the way the reader had a close up in a large frame of the sinew tearing, and in a smaller frame inside the larger, the reader sees Beowulf brandishing the arm. The prose hits on the important parts, but loses the tone of the Old English and other translations. Overall, it was a worthwhile read and a great tool for a struggling student. ( )

Hinds, Garreth. (2007). Beowulf. New York: Candlewick. 128 pp. ISBN 0-7636-3022-5 (Hardcover); $21.99

In 2007 there were at least three versions of Beowulf published, which is probably more new editions of this book than we’ve seen in more than a thousand years. Certainly the fact that a very horrible movie of Beowulf also came out may explain its resurrection. Of the three, this one comes closest to capturing the drama that I see when I read this ancient epic poem featuring Beowulf battling the legendary Grendel and Grendel’s even more deadly mother. The other two versions have merit (and are far better than the movie) but it is this one that wins the prize. The deciding factor is the quality of mood set by the art in introducing the story. The ghost ship art setting the mood that this is a story passed down through the ages is fabulous. The next page showing the construction of Hrothgar and the intricate door panel carvings put you there and are faithful to the text. The battle scenes are sure to entice readers who NEVER would have picked this to read in ages past (the other books also have this strength). Nice job! Three versions of Beowulf! Wow!