The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Author: Visit Amazon's Gareth Hinds Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0763642665 | Format: PDF
The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Description
From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up–Taking a world-famous epic poem and adapting it into a graphic-novel format for modern readers is certainly an enormous endeavor. But since Hinds already performed the same feat quite admirably with Beowulf (Candlewick, 2007) he has proven himself more than capable of the task. To sum up the classic story: Odysseus tries to get home after the Trojan War, but many obstacles are thrown in his way, and many people, creatures, and gods try to stop him. His men are loyal on the one hand, yet bad at following critical orders on the other, which results in even more delays. Meanwhile, his faithful wife Penelope waits for him while fending off scores of impatient suitors. Luckily for Odysseus, he does have a few supporters, including the goddess Athena. Hinds's beautiful watercolors skillfully capture the rosy-fingered dawn, the wine-dark sea, the land of the dead, and many other settings and characters that will inspire readers. This adaptation goes far above and beyond the “highlights” coverage that other versions such as Tim Mucci's The Odyssey (Sterling, 2010) provide. Hinds's work will be a welcome addition for fans of Homer's original work and for newcomers to this classic story.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Libraryα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* As the proliferation of recent Odyssey graphic novelizations approaches the record held by Shakespeare adaptations, it is perhaps appropriate that Hinds, the Bard’s premiere sequential adapter, should produce the most lavish retelling of Homer yet. Showing great artistic evolution since his rough-and-tumble Beowulf (2007), Hinds lets the epic story take its time, with a slow build and pages that aren’t afraid to alternate packed dialogue with titanic action. The sumptuous art, produced with grain, texture, and hue, evokes a time long past while detailing every line and drop of sweat on Odysseus’ face and conveying the sheer grandeur of seeing a god rise out of the ocean. Teens may be baffled by the hero’s commitment to the same pantheon of gods who heap trouble in his path, but they will not lose touch with the universal qualities of steadfastness that Odysseus still embodies. The mythic trials have seldom felt more grueling or genuine, and this makes a perfect pairing with Tim Mucci and Ben Caldwell’s adaptation for a slightly younger audience from the All-Action Classics series, affording a chance to see how an archetypal story can function so powerfully at both the realistic and the stylized ends of the artistic spectrum. A grand example of Hinds’ ability to combine historical adventure with human understanding. Grades 7-12. --Jesse Karp
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- Age Range: 12 and up
- Grade Level: 7 and up
- Lexile Measure: 840L (What's this?)
- Series: The Odyssey
- Hardcover: 248 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick Press (October 12, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0763642665
- ISBN-13: 978-0763642662
- Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7 x 1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Odysseus is stranded. A captive of the beautiful and yet enslaving Calypso, he longs for his home and family. What Odysseus is unaware of is the hoard of men seeking after his riches and longing to take away his kingdom. Through his epic journey against a powerful god, Poseidon, and throngs of evil Odysseus must prove himself to the gods and his family to show who truly is king of Ithaca. Told through the eyes of Gareth Hinds, this epic tale comes to life, making an age old tale seem like it happened only yesterday and not thousands of years ago.
This is an incredible graphic novel and completely unexpected. When I was in high school I actually had the opportunity of reading the original Latin text of this story for a language class I was in. It was such an amazing adventure! So, when I received this graphic novel version of the story I was completely taken by surprise. I wasn't even aware there was one, and then to discover that it was so well done was a wonderful treat!
Gorgeous illustrations. Some of the most stunning are from the water scenes where the oceans nearly jump off the page. So unbelievably well done.
For me, what was truly astonishing about this version of The Odyssey was how accessible it was. If you've read the original you will understand how difficult it can be to get through some of the text. What the graphic novel version Gareth Hinds has put forth are all of the very best moments from the story. It's action packed and perfect for teens who may normally get a bit bored with the tedious nature of classic texts. Not only that, but the story itself is an outstanding way to teach how important being honest and having purpose can be in life.
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