I found this graphic novel, Rapenzel’s Revenge by Shannon Hale, to be an extremely entertaining and original twist of the much beloved classic fairytale. The author puts an amusing surprise in this story as she places the feisty Rapunzel in an Old West setting with a humorous sidekick and adds a spice of romance. In this interpretation Rapunzel is definitely not a damsel in distress, but the heroine. In addition Hale adds the touch of other fairy tales such as the Golden Goose and Jack in the Beanstalk to create a fun novel for young adults. The illustrations are excellent, drawn with great detail and vibrancy which carries the story on at a good pace. The main characters are engaging and satisfyingly complex, with some excellent dialogue and scenes between them.

In this tale a young girl named Rapunzel is confined in a luxurious villa with her mother Gothel. She is pampered and coddled, yet curious. One day Rapunzel discovers the truth that Mother Gothel has stolen her from true mother who is enslaved in the mines. Upon Rapunzel’s discovery, Mother Gothel abandons Rapunzel in an enchanted tree. Until finally Rapunzel escapes using her extensive brick-red braids.

Once Rapunzel is free of her prison she journeys into the world she’s never known, and is shocked to discover the effect of the Gothel’s wickedness. The heroine teams up with her new found friend Jack and travel through the land determined to rescue her mother. Along the way she realizes the hardships the citizens are put through every day because of Gothel, and stalls to help them. Eventually, she gets back to the villa, and bravely frees her real mother and, deals with Mother Gothel, whose magical powers lead to her downfall. Lastly Jack confesses his love for Rapunzel, who happily declares identical feelings for him.

In my opinion, this is a good book with a good message. Readers are shown the benefit of never giving up and staying determined. There is adventure and excitement in the storyline and that keeps readers interested. The illustrations are colourful and appealing so this novel seems appropriate for many ages. Also, it is easy for readers to relate to the heroine of the novel, and this makes it a better read. It is a well carried through plot with quite a good resolution. The dialogue between characters is appropriate and believable. Overall, it is an excellent book that will appeal to many different types of readers. ( )

I really enjoyed the modern western twist. Rapunzel was fierce, and not once did she even consider giving up. I know it's stereotypical, but her hair was great. The way she used ti to her advantage even through her frustations. I don't like the story of Rapunzel, but this was and amazing adaptation. I never would've suspected such a twist. AHS/EK

This delightful adventure yarn (or should I call it a braid?) starts off with a colorful Wild West retelling of Grimm’s fairy tale. Rapunzel upon discovering that the witch Gothel is not her real mother has a fit of rebellion that lands her in an arboreal prison. In this version Gothel, who has great power over plant life, imprisons Rapunzel high atop a tree not a tower. There the resourceful heroine grows out and braids her long hair into a lasso and rescues herself from the heights. She then proceeds to town and rescues a rogue named Jack and his pet goose in a bar fight. Together they plot the downfall of Gothel and the liberation of Rapunzel’s real mother and all of Gothel’s other serfs. ( )

What a riot! I am not usually a fan of the graphic novel, but Shannon and Dean Hale really wrote a winner here. What a fun story and I simply love the dialog. Beautiful illustrations too! A quick, fun read. ( )

What happens after Rapunzel lets down her famous hair? She seeks revenge, of course!