Book reviews - graphic novels

Sweeney Todd (The Graphic Novel Full Text) from Classical Comics

A true story, or not? You will have to make your own mind up about that, but with such a grippinlgy retold version, does it matter? The narrative flows smoothly, greatly aided by the artwork which manages to convey the atmosphere without being at all gory. Basically sepia, which is perfect for Victorian London, the flashes of red lift the pictures and make key points stand out. All the period detail is accurate too. From his barber shop in Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd, the Fleet Street barber targets customers and murders them to steal their money and valuables. People are suspicious, but nobody knows how he does it. What happens to the bodies? Is there a connection with the nearby pie shop? Suspicious friends of those who have disappeared investigate. Ideal to support the curriculum for Victorian Gothic horror; for KS3 history; but equally of appeal to the general market.

 An Egyptian Escape (A Charlie and Bandit Adventure) by K A Gerrard

Muhammad Ali - the King of the Ring (Campfire Biographies) by Lewis Hefland

Graphic books are an excellent way to draw in the more reluctant reader, as well as being an enjoyable read for everyone - perhaps as a change from heavily texted books. Most are in novel form, so it is good to see biographies included in this genre too, to interest those who enjoy non fiction. Starting life as Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali started his boxing career at the age of 12 and became one of the greatest boxers the world has known. He gave up all his fame by standing up for his faith, almost losing his freedom in the process. An inspiring story of courage and faith, vividly depicted through the illustrations. At the end of the book, you will find interesting information about other prize fighters, and about the making of this book. 

The Treasured Thief (Campfire Graphic Novels) by Ryan Foley 

Dracula (The Graphic Novel Original Text) by Bram Stoker

Dracula (The Graphic Novel Quick Text) by Bram Stoker

All the wonderful artwork from the Original Text version is here, allowing the reader to switch seamlessly from one version to another. Perfect for last minute revision, or for anyone who wants an overview of the story, this edition is suitable for readers of 10+. The quality of the production of Classical Comics' books is exceptional - they are produced on top quality glossy paper and they are a real pleasure to handle - please, do take a look. No eBook could possibly compare! The attention to detail in the illustrations is phenomenal and I genuinely think Classical Comics' books get better each time. If you are teaching English, then get these books to inspire your students.

 Great Expectations (The Graphic Novel Original Text) by Charles Dickens

Another excellent adaptation from Classical Comics. The stunning artwork, with its contemporary feel, combined with the gripping text of the original make this a book that students will return to over and over again, making studies of English Literature a real pleasure. I really enjoyed re-visiting a story I last read at school and it brought a whole new dimension to the story of Pip, Miss Havisham and Estelle. Pip struggles to better himself in order to gain the affection of Estelle and we are drawn into his story through the drama of the illustrations.

 Great Expectations (The Graphic Novel Quick Text) by Charles Dickens

THis version is in contemporary English and it is ideal to read to get a flavour of the story, to support studies of Victorian literature and for last-minute revision. Don't miss out on the full version, though! Usefully, there are also a comprehensive illustrated character list, biographical information about Dickens, and a summary of crime and punishment of the time - all these help the understanding of the book and its background - essential to get the full import of the story. There is also a Teachers' Pack available  Great Expectations Teachers' Resource (Classical Comics Study Guide)

Max Finder: The Case of the Movie Set Mischief and Other Mysteries by Liam O'Donnell and Michael Cho 

Ten mysteries to solve, ten bonus puzzles, DIY comic writing workshop and creator profile.
'This unique award-winning series combines graphic novel "solve-it-yourself" mysteries with exclusive bonus content including puzzles. Starring amateur detective Max Finder and his best friend, budding journalist Alison Santos, these two intrepid investigators must call upon their skills to crack each case. Short interactive adventure mysteries are packed with action, laughs and clues, and are perfect for readers who demand something more than just another mystery book. Bonus features develop readers' observation and logic skills.'
 

Max Finder: The Case of the Haunted Babysitter and Other Mysteries by Liam O'Donnell and Michael Cho

This series of books, in comic book format, is perfect for encouraging reluctant readers. The format is bright and colourful and the books are well produced on glossy paper, making them really appealing. An excellent series. The reader is drawn into the books by being given a series of dead ends and red herrings that challenge them to get at the truth. Ten graphic mysteries, three whodunnit short stories and bonus character profiles.

Max Finder: The Case of the Trail Trap and Other Mysteries by Liam O'Donnell and Michael Cho 

You, the reader, are invited to trace Max and Alison’s investigative steps to see if you can solve the mystery - who did it, how they did it and why they did it. Each interactive story is four pages long. The cases are quite challenging and will test the reader's deductive reasoning and observational skills. The detectives solve 10 mysteries - with the help of you, the reader. There are 10 code-breaking bonus puzzles, a sketchbook and comic drawing workshop - use the ideas to create your own mysteries (great way to develop creative writing), and creator profiles. A colourful and engaging series.

Max Finder: The Case of the Snake Escape and Other Mysteries by Liam O'Donnell and Michael Cho 

The Boss by John Aggs and Patrice Aggs 

Nas and Bella overhear a crook planning a daring robbery at the castle.The Boss is the one who can help,  with Class Five which he has trained into a crime-fighting unit. The class is for a field trip to the castle that very day, so here's the chance to show off their skills. The comic format, combioned with a really exciting and pact story, is just right to get reluctant readers involved. And the reader really does get involved, following the sleuths through this exciting story.

Wuthering Heights (The Graphic Novel Original Text) by Emily Bronte

All the ingredients of great literature are in this story of the thwarted and destructive love of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff - tragedy, passion, romance, ghosts and more. The text is abridged but none of the power and passion of the original text is lost.and the artwork is dramatic and vivid. Classical Comics' graphic novels stand out way above others in the genre. The quality of the artwork (in this case, by John M Burns) is exceptional - the detail, relevance to the subject matter and the way they convey the emotions of the book are wonderful and I cannot start to imagine the hours of work that go into them. You can see some sample pages on the Classical Comics website - please take a look and see the quality for yourself. What you won't see is the sheer quality of the production of the books - heavy, glossy paper make them a delight and a truly satisfying read.

 Wuthering Heights (The Graphic Novel Quick Text) by Emily Bronte 

The quick text version has all the drama of the Original Text version, but in language easily accessible for today's young readers. Read this to get an overview of the story, or for last minute revision, but please - do read the original too! The artwork is identical to that of the Original Text, making the books ideal to read side by side or for differentiated teaching in the classroom. These books should be in every school - they do bring great literature to life in a way that will appeal to students. More - Great Expectations The Graphic Novel: Original Text (British English) and Great Expectations The Graphic Novel: Quick Text (British English); Classical Comics: Frankenstein (Classical Comics: Original Text), and Jane Eyre The Graphic Novel: Original Text (British English) - all titles available in original text and quick text. 

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe adapted by Ian Graham

This well known adventure story tells of Robinson Crusoe's adventures when he is shipwrecked. The book includes useful background information about Daniel Defoe, Alexander Selkirk and pirates; unusually for a work of fiction, there is also an index. Graphic novels are an excellent way to engage readers, especially reluctant ones. The Graffex series is ideal for Upper KS2 or very early KS3. The layout is clear, with text, speech bubbles and colourful but uncluttered comic-strip style illustrations. The text is kept to a minimum but nothing of the story is lost. Some other titles available -  The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Graffex), Moby Dick (Graffex) and Dr.Jekyll & Mr.Hyde (Graffex)

 Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, adapted by Lewis Helfand

When I was first introduced to graphic novels, I was dubious about their value, but the excellent series produced by Campfire Books has made me see them in a much more positive light. Used as an introduction to classic works of literature, they will inspire a whole new generation to read and enjoy these works. After the introduction, in which Gulliver relates his early life, we follow him on four voyages, including his well known journeys to Lilliput and Brobdingnag. The wonderful illustrations really bring the story to life and will, I am sure, inspire readers to go on and read the original.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, adapted by Bruce Buchanan

This is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, set in the 17th century, it recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to become a guard of the musketeers. D'Artagnan is not one of the musketeers of the title; those are his friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, inseparable friends who live by the motto "all for one, one for all". This edition is one in the Campfire series of graphic novels, and like others in the series, succeeds very well in capturing the spirit of the original book whilst appealing to today's market. This particular title is a great one to get boys into reading as the presentation is guaranteed to appeal.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London, adapted by Lloyd S Wagner 

Another graphic novel by Campfire Books. The story tells of a previously domesticated dog named Buck, whose natural instincts return after a series of events leads to his serving as a sled dog in the Yukon during the 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush. the story is at once exciting and thought-provoking and the colourful comic strip formula is successful in conveying this. I think graphic novels are an excellent introduction to classic works of literature, as long as readers are encouraged to move on into reading the whole story and don't feel they have read it once they have read an abridged version.

 The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame adapted by Arjun Gaind

This story is really too well known to need any explanation, but here is a new way to follow Mole, Ratty, Badger, Mr Toad and all their friends as they enjoy their adventures. In contrast to the stark style of many graphic novels, this beautifully portrays the gentle life of the river bank in gentle colours used in pictures which bring the story to life and make it really easy for the reader to visualise these old favourites as they go about their lives. A lovely introduction to the stories from Campfire.

Beowulf retold by Jacqueline Morley

Graphic novels are a great way to introduce the great classics of literature. They draw children in and motivate them to read books which they may not otherwise attempt. This retelling of Beowulf introduces the characters and explains how the poem came to be written. The striking illustrations and speech bubbles will capture the attention. I especially like the inclusion of facts about the author, the poem and the historical setting, and the index is a useful feature. There are many more in the series, including Kidnapped and Oliver Twist. An excellent series.