King Lear: A Graphic Novel

This book is a graphic novel adaptation of Shakespeare's play, King Lear. I found the dialogue difficult to follow because of the sometimes confusing page layouts. The illustrations are very artistic, but at times can be hard to decipher. Still, I can see this book being valuable as a supplement for visually-minded readers. Personally, I would prefer to at least have the script close by as a reference to clarify any confusion about characters and setting, especially for one reading the play for the first time.

I'm all in favor of adaptations of Shakespeare; graphic novels do a great job showing readers who is speaking, who is in a scene, facial expressions, etc. I also LOVE the fact that the reader isn't constantly interrupted by footnotes, as one is when reading most Shakespeare texts. The artwork in this version is very well-done. The comic conventions of sound effects ("Shkkk!"--two swords cross; "Whock!" --Edgar takes out Oswald) in particular add a lot to the understanding & enjoyment of the reader.

However, there were a few problems. Most characters' appearances are very consistent, but the artist couldn't remember from page-to-page what Cordelia was supposed to look like. In the first scene, she's shown wearing her hair in braids. Turn show more one page, and she now has sausage curls. And a hat. I also couldn't decide in what period the novel was set--Lear is dressed in his customary fashion, with a Zeus-style robe; Queen Cordelia dresses in Elizabethan style, though the doctor she brings to attend her father is wearing a Victorian-style coat with a capelet, à la Sherlock Holmes. Edmund looks extremely young--about 14--when we first encounter him; it's hard for us to believe that a skinny little stripling such as he attracts the attention of powerful women like Regan and Goneril. show less

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Shakespeare is, of course, the backbone of many literary studies. But is there a way to add something fresh and new to the works of the ancient bard? Gareth Hinds has created the graphic novel interpretation of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, KING LEAR.

Although the presentation may be unique, the story holds true. The great king is dividing his realm. Three daughters will receive three portions, but each must prove herself worthy.

Lear's sanity is in question as he makes his demands known. The raging king could very well destroy his kingdom as he tests his descendants' loyalties.

The talent of Gareth Hinds is clearly evident in this graphic-style depiction of KING LEAR. show more The plot comes through loud and clear as each drawing captures both characters and emotion that words alone on the page often miss. Readers who find Shakespeare a difficult read might want to give this creative presentation a try. show less

Carefully researched and illustrated, a graphic novel may just be, as Gareth Hinds suggests, the best way to read Shakespeare.

I love Shakespeare. I love the Paul Scofield version of this play on video and I loved watching the RSC with Ian McKellan several years ago. I've read some fabulous graphic adaptations of Shakespeare's plays. This is not one of them. While Hinds is definitely a talented artist, the choice to use mostly pastels in a dark play is off-putting. The characters are very hard to distinguish and it took me a while to follow the dialogue. Hinds explains why he selectlvely edited text portions, and, while I know every production of the play is edited in some form, some of Hinds's choices seemed arbitrary.

This version of King Lear is a Graphic Novel adaptation of the original story. Obviously, it will be an easier read since you have pictures to look at and shortened text. The pictures in this book do a wonderful job expressing the action in the story.
I am not a fan of graphic novels, and I am not a fan of Shakespeare (gasp!). That combination did not make for an enjoyable experience with this book. Needless to say I read as quickly as I could just so I could get it over with. However, I think this could be an enjoyable book for anyone who likes Shakespeare.
If I were to use this book in class, it would have to be at t a high school level. I think it may be a good introduction for students before reading the actual novel of King Lear. It show more would give them some background knowledge as to what to expect in the story. show less