March 1, 1993
Based on an HBO animated series, these condensations emphasize the dramatic content of some of Shakespeare's best known works. As abridged by Garfield in consultation with a panel of scholars, the books on the whole retain the magic of Shakespeare's vision and remain true to his poetics. Linguistic fluidity is perforce sacrificed (omitted lines are presented as italicized summaries interspersed throughout the dialogue), but these versions should still fire children's imaginations. Though the artwork varies in quality, the Eastern European illustrators generally capture the underlying theatrics. Palettes are subdued for the dramas, and appropriately brighter for the comedies (though the tone reproductions frequently seem off). Several plays' illustrations have a cartoony appearance; a few exhibit the stilted look of old Classics Comics. While the plays forgo their complexities--many subplots are omitted--as they become more linear in their themes (Macbeth loses much of his humanity, Romeo and Juliet is pared of its politics), their nobility shines through in these visualized introductions. One hopes that readers will be encouraged to move on to the originals. Ages 10-up.
Starred review from January 30, 2012
Audio productions of Shakespeare’s work can be a challenge to execute, but L.A. Theatre Works delivers a gripping full-cast dramatization that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. When Macbeth is told he will one day become king of Scotland, Lady Macbeth hatches an evil plot that ends in bloody regicide and tragedy. James Marsters delivers an admirable performance as Macbeth, conveying the character’s conflicting emotions and subsequent arrogance. Equally skilled is Joanne Whalley, whose Lady Macbeth transforms from a determined and opportunistic woman in the beginning of the play to a depressed and despairing one in the final act. Recorded in front of a live audience, this well-produced audio also features music and sound effects—all of which make for an absolutely entertaining listening experience.
March 1, 2019
Gr 9 Up-Udon takes a stab at a Shakespeare staple with this latest addition to the series, a staple of the English curriculum. After a hard-fought battle, Macbeth is greeted by three witches, who herald him as "king hereafter." Though Macbeth had been loyal King Duncan, the proclamation sets his imagination afire, and he and his wife decide to assassinate Duncan, paving the way for Macbeth's rise to the throne. Macbeth's lust for absolute power corrupts absolutely in this timeless work that is oft copied but rarely equaled. As with previous "Manga Classics" adaptations, the graphic format works well with the Bard's nuanced language. The original text is rife with metaphors, symbolism, and wording that lacks any semblance of modern flow. With the help of Choy's lush, shadowy illustrations, those Shakespearean turns of phrase are a bit easier to parse. Students who haven't seen a theatrical version of the play will greatly appreciate this adaptation, though some may still want or need a companion study guide to get the most out of the rich, tragic story. VERDICT With excellent endnotes, this is a worthy addition to libraries that serve high schoolers, undergrads, and new adults.-Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
This graphic-novel take on the Bard's Macbeth retains all of the original wording. Chan's (Romeo and Juliet, 2018, etc.) choice to use Shakespeare's unabridged text makes the presence of the imagery all the more important. Illustrator Choy (Romeo and Juliet, 2018, etc.) stays true to traditional manga style, portraying the white European characters with large eyes and delicate facial features. The art allows for visual clarification, offering clues to help readers who might struggle without it: Scenes such as the floating dagger or the ghost of Banquo sitting in Macbeth's chair at the banquet are rendered more accessible through the illustrations. Close-up views of facial expressions give clues to the characters' feelings, qualities, and even their sanity. The black-and-white shaded art conveys changes in Macbeth's personality throughout the story (softer and kinder at the beginning; more cunning and shadowed near the end), making the darker turns the story takes visible in a concrete way. While Shakespeare and manga may not seem like an obvious pairing, the illustrations here provide the visual entertainment and clarification that are integral aspects of enjoying a play. Readers of the classics may become manga fans, and manga fans may find the world of classic literature opening up to them thanks to this creative adaptation. (cast, creators' notes) (Graphic fiction. 12-18)
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