Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels)

Book Review
Book Title: Hamlet
Book Author: William Shakespeare
Adapter/Illustrator: Neil Babra

Introduction: I love Shakespeare, and Hamlet has always been my favourite of all of his plays and sonnets so when I saw this little manga on sale at a location book shop I had to pick it up and read it. I read it about 3 years ago, but I finally found it again on my bookshelf and decided to read it again and review it.

Review:

This adaption is truly an adaption - it's not identical to the original, but it's great for younger readers wanting to get into Shakespeare. The typical Shakespeare form is not used, but that makes it easier for read for those not fluent in his verses.

This task of adapting the famous Hamlet into a shorter, simpler work would show more have been hard but Neil Babra makes it look so easy. The story is shortened into a perfect, young reader-friendly adaption. The famous lines are still in there, but they are so much easier to understand and read. The book is not dumbed down by any means, so readers do not have to worry - this book is a timeless, incredible adaption that should definitely be introduced to young readers.

The artwork is fantastic and matches perfectly with the story. The wordplay that Shakespeare uses is often seen within the pages of this book in illustrated form, which can make any true Shakespeare fan get a true chuckle out of this work.

Overall, this book was fantastic. The facial expressions, the artwork, the rewording, and the narrative are all fantastic.

Five out of five stars. show less

4P-Hamlet is a confused and deeply troubled teenager in this version, an interpretation which will make this version especially attractive to young adults. The illustrations are modern--they remind me of Daniel Clowes--and the adaptation is more than adequate.

NOTE: This is a "No Fear Shakespeare" graphic novel. I do not recommend the regular "No Fear" series which puts Shakespeare's language and modern language literally side by side. What incentive is there for the young reader to tackle Shakespeare's version?

This graphic novel can be used to help students understand the complex story of Hamlet. This will help students tackle the language of Shakespeare and the pictures are very modern. These "No Fear" book can help to differentiate the lessons.

Haradcover info: ISBN 10: 1725499713 ISBN 13: 9781725499713
call # needs Ms Friedman's attention.