So You Want To Read Comics: Literary Adaptations II

We’re hitting the books in this week’s “So You Want to Read Comics”.  This is our weekly feature where we take a look at a single topic or genre, then give you two comic recommendations, perfect for new readers, based on that topic or genre.  This week we’re taking a look at even more literary adaptations.

Comic books are particularly unique in their ability to be adaptations of other mediums.  A while back we took a look at some pieces of classic literature that had been adapted into graphic novels (link). But that was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to celebrated works that have found themselves adapted into comics.  These types of adaptations work especially well because they are able to combine the vision of the original creator with the interpretation of the comics creator in a way that helps the reader better visualize what’s going on, while still allowing space for their imagination to fill in some spaces on their own.  Some of these adaptations take the source material into exciting new directions, while some of them simply aim to add a visual element to the original version.  Either way, comics provide a fun and unique way to experience these tales.

Here are two more adaptations of pieces of literature that will be great for both experienced comic book readers and newcomers.

GRIS GRIMLY’S FRANKENSTEIN
Writer: Mary Shelley
Artist: Gris Grimly
Publisher: Balzar and Bray

There are only a few novels that have had a massive impact on the literary world like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.  This novel is often listed near the top of lists for best literary works, best science fiction works, and best horror.  The tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monster has captivated readers for over a hundred years and has had its fair share of adaptations.  This particular one by Gris Grimly, blends the original text from the novel with highly stylized art that falls between Tim Burton-esque and antique anatomical sketches that really capture the macabre nature of the story while not dipping into full-on horror.  While you won’t find every word from the original here, there is very little deviation, which means that the original tale remains intact albeit somewhat expedited.  This is a great read not only for those who haven’t had a chance to read the original, but also for those who are familiar with it and are looking for a unique take on this legend of a story.

JANE
Writer: Aline McKenna
Artist: Ramon K. Perez
Publisher: Archaia

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is a standout of Victorian Era literature, but in many ways, it is as timeless as a novel can be.  To prove this, I present to you Jane, an adaptation of Jane Eyre that moves the plot from 1800s England to modern-day New York City and replaces the British upper crust with the cutthroat world of Manhattan private school society.  Even with the change of scenery, the critical eye that the original pointed at topics like religion, sexuality, class, and gender, remains on full display here.  There are hints of Gossip Girl and Cruel Intentions here with a heavy dose of Bronte depth, which is coupled with a gorgeous art style that effortlessly bounces between realism and artistic flare to emphasize the emotions of the scene.  As an added benefit this one is included with ComiXology Unlimited which means that it can be read for free (assuming you have an Amazon subscription that includes ComiXology Unlimited).

What are your favorite literary adaptations? What did you think of these recommendations? Let us know in the comments section below.

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