Classical Comics

An Inspector Calls (The Graphic Novel Full Text Version) by J B Priestley

An Inspector Calls (The Graphic Novel Quick Text Version) by J B Priestley 

Romeo and Juliet Teaching Resource Pack by Karen Wenborn

Subtitled 'Making Shakespeare accessible for teachers and students', this pack is suitable for teaching ages 10-17. It has an accompanying CD which allows all the resources to be printed for use within the purchasing institution, or to be used on a whiteboard. It opens with an introduction to Shakespeare and related activities, thus putting the play into context. There are sections on Understanding the play; Characters; Language; Drama & Discussion; Creative Writing; Essay writing; Games and Activities. Stimulating and thought-provoking, this pack will help any teacher to ensure their students gain the full benefit from the play and, most importantly, enjoy it.  More about Classical Comics' Romeo and Juliet 

Macbeth Teaching Resource Pack by Karen Wenborn

I am not a teacher - although I studied Macbeth at A Level and I really wish our teachers had had access to such inspiring teaching resources - but I feel that, armed with this, I could make a good stab at encouraging a class to enjoy and understand the play. There is so much here to support learning - beginning with a very useful history of the Globe Theatre and continuing on to how the play came to be. There are questions on the characters of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan and Banquo. The book includes a range of activities to stimulate students - worksheets, games, quizzes, book reviews and more - ensuring all ages and abilities are catered for.  The accompanying CD contains all the resources and can be used on whiteboards.

Macbeth Interactive Motion Comic

As if the Classical Comics versions of Shakespeare have not already brought the plays alive enough, this interactive motion comic takes it one step further. The voices of Juliet Stevenson and Sir Derek Jacobi combined with the artwork make this an exceptional resource. Either use extracts to reinforce teaching of a specific scene, or watch the motion comic right through - impressive either way. "Using the the stunning artwork of our award-winning Macbeth - The Graphic Novel Classical Comics have created an Interactive Motion Comic featuring all three text versions (Original Text, Plain Text and Quick Text) in one engaging visual and audio experience! Not only that, but we also managed to secure the vocal talents of the fabulous Juliet Stevenson to play Lady Macbeth, and the eminent Sir Derek Jacobi for the title role in the Original Text version. This product is available in two editions: Single User Licence Edition and  Site Licence Edition". Preview it for yourself here.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Teaching Resource Pack by Kornell Kossuth

Like the other Teaching Resource Paks, this can be used with any version of Shakespeare - but I would encourage you to look at the Classical Comics' versions for their high quality graphics, accuracy of text and parallel versions. As do the other titles, this includes a useful scene-by-scene synopsis. It then has a series of comprehensions and these two things give a good initial overview. The rest of the book is packed with activities on characters, language, themes, drama & discussion and games & actvities. The range of activities is extensive and there are plent of illustrations and diagrams to stimulate understanding and discussion. The accompanying CD contains all the resources and can be used on whiteboards.

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.

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.

A Christmas Carol Teaching Resource Pack by Ian McNeilly 

Set the scene first by using the sections on Charles Dickens and the Victorians (both supported by activities) - this pack is a useful cros-curricular resource. Get an overview of the book from the stave summaries then check students' understanding with the questions. The layout will appeal to students, with the same comic-style illustrations as the graphic novels. The book can be used with any text version but the use of these images will surely encourage use of the Classical Comics' books in either Original Text or Quick Text versions. The range of activities - some fun and some more serious - is wide and varied and would give teachers all they require for an in-depth studt of A Christmas Carol.

Frankenstein Teaching Resource Pack by Neil Bowen 

Another study guide packed full of information and fun and engaging activities. As with the others in the series, there is a CD containing the text of the book, enabling the resources to be photocopied and used on a whiteboard - purchase allows use within the purchasing institution. The scene is set, with an introduction to Mary Shelley and Gothic novels. There is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, followed by sections on the characters, language, understanding the story, quizzes and guidance on creative writing. There is even some colouring and comic cards, to ensure all ages are given resources.

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.