Puffin Graphics
- Posted by Johanna on May 29, 2006 at 2:12 pm
- Category: Graphic Novel News
Miss Classics Illustrated? Puffin Graphics has brought out a line of similar classic titles in graphic novel form.
I haven’t seen much discussion of them, even though they contain the work of some talented creators, and the books chosen lend themselves well to visual presentations:
Black Beauty, adapted by June Brigman (Power Pack, Brenda Starr) and Roy Richardson
The Call of the Wild, adapted by Neil Kleid and illustrated by Alex Niño
Dracula, adapted by Gary Reed (formerly of Caliber) and illustrated by Becky Cloonan (Demo, East Coast Rising), a particularly good choice for this title, with her fluid line and strong blacks making the horror story creepier.
Frankenstein, adapted by Gary Reed and illustrated by Frazer Irving
Macbeth, adapted by Arthur Byron Cover and illustrated by Tony Leonard Tamai — the story’s been revamped as science fiction with shojo manga-style art that works surprisingly well.
The Red Badge of Courage, adapted by Wayne Vansant (The ‘Nam) in an almost journalistic semi-realistic style, attractive and easy to read.
Treasure Island, adapted by Tim Hamilton
The Wizard of Oz, adapted by Michael Cavallero
There’s at least one more title planned, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, but since the titles were being packaged by the now-defunct Byron Preiss company, I’m not sure any further will appear. I hope I’m wrong, since adventure comics make for a great way to introduce readers to classic literature.
May 29, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I’ve been thinking about trying some of these. Most are at Wal-Mart, and Books A Million has many of them on sale for $5.
May 29, 2006 at 5:19 pm
There’s something about “shojo” and “MacBeth” that makes my head explode.
I have read the Reed/Irving Frankenstein. It’s a decent enough adaptation.
June 2, 2006 at 9:15 am
I’ve confirmed it with the editors at Penguin. The line is dead. So, there won’t be any more of the Puffin graphic novels.
I was looking forward to doing more. I was happy with the Dracula book. The Frankenstein was a bit tougher as I just did the script and not the story. It was great to work with Becky and Frazer and I thought they were both great choices. There were some interesting things in the works…but that’s how it goes.
June 2, 2006 at 10:54 am
I’m sorry to hear it, but thank you very much for the confirmation.