Product Description: A new way for readers to appreciate one of Shakespeare's most-quoted plays
Adapted for the cinema many times and performed regularly on stages around the globe, Hamlet is Shakespeare's most enduringly popular play, with sales regularly topping 50,000 copies a year. This manga edition retells the story of Hamlet using one of today's hottest book formats, making the play's action and meaning more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
A Vibrant Version of a Familiar Favorite This little version of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' is a sparkling gem, thanks to the dynamic illustrations by Tintin Pantoja. Since this play is a familiar favorite of mine I really didn't need another copy of it, but the beguiling cover art convinced me to indulge, and I wasn't disappointed.
The text inside is pure Shakespeare - the play has been skillfully pruned, but thankfully not paraphrased. The story moves along briskly with distinctive character designs, varied panel layouts, and brilliantly expressive figures. I keep returning to the beginning of Act V to appreciate my favorite scene: Hamlet by the graveside, cradling the skull of "poor Yorick", the jester from Hamlet's childhood. Two illustrations show Hamlet as a child enjoying the company of Yorick, and such is the advantage of this medium (manga/graphic novel) - that we can see Hamlet as a young adult in one panel and Hamlet as a child in the next.
I can only imagine that this manga edition would be an engaging first encounter with the play, but I can say with certainty that this is a pleasant reacquaintance with an old familiar favorite.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
