Tim Mucci

Tim Mucci and Ben Caldwell’s graphic novel All-Action Classic No.3: The Odyssey is on ALA’s list of 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Nominations.

The graphic novel gives young readers a good opportunity to know one of Ancient Greek masterpiece of literature—Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.” It is not easy to adapt a masterpiece into a concise graphic novel and keep the original flavor, but this book does a great adaptation.

The novel recounts the adventures that Odyssey had on show more his long voyage back home. He was victorious in Trojan War but he was cursed by jealous gods and set out in stormy sea. He encounters the dangerous lotus-eaters, fierce one-eyed monster Cyclops, and the revenge-driven Poseidon. He resisted the temptation of the Circe and Calypso. His ships were smashed and he was detoured into Hades…. Eventually, his wits and mighty strength coupled with his ability for trickery and slyness got him home!

The book is full of dynamic actions, constant movements and fast pace, along with the highest-energy, attention grabbing details, and twisted plots. The full-color drawings provide readers depth and perception to the story. Color varies frequently with the constantly changing scenes from dark green, blurry blue and mysterious purple, which strengthen the characters and the plots and influence readers’ response to the images. show less

This book condenses the Odyssey into a graphic novel and follows the adventures of King Odysseus as he tries to make his way home from the battle of Troy. His focus is his wife and son who fear he is no longer living. Odysseus wiles his way out of near destruction from a cyclops but in doing so enrages the cyclops' father, Poseidon, god of the sea. Poseidon determines revenge on Odysseus. Peril after peril presents itself, yet Odysseus prevails and eventually returns home.

I have never read show more the Odyssey and was hoping to get a better understanding of the book by reading this version. I came away even more confused. The discussions between the gods just baffled me. I didn't know who they were and since they were not drawn in as much detail as the other characters, I had difficulty figuring out who they were again when they showed up without introduction from time to time in the story. I think I would prefer to read the actual book in this particular instance, perhaps with a guide to Greek mythology by my side.

I could see a similar situation of confusion in the classroom if we explored this book. I would encourage the children to choose a part of the graphic novel that interested them. Then I would have them compare and contrast that section with its parallel in the real Odyssey by Homer. I think it would also be fun to split the class into groups of three or four. First, each group must devise a perilous situation that Odysseus might have gone through on his way home - something Homer might have thought up, but it didn't make it into the book. Then each group must trade its situation with another group. After reading through and discussing the situation they received, members of each group must think as Odysseus might in order to figure out how to get through the danger and lead the men to safety. show less

I rated The Odyssey as a four because it is a wonderful graphic novel that depicts Homer's story in a very easy way for children. The vivid pictures are wonderfully drawn. Children will have a fun time flipping through the novel as it reads like a larger comic book. This book could be used to introduce children to graphic novels and it could be a book a child could look at when creating their own graphic novel

Super abbreviated, even for graphic novel standards, I think. But close enough that I'm okay with my almost 3rd grader taking a stab at it on his own. Hoping it is a good way to introduce him to a classic.