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The Merchant Of Venice (2008)

by Gareth Hinds(Favorite Author)

3.57 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0763630241 (ISBN13: 9780763630249)

languge

English

genre

Graphic Novels & Comics

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: A graphic remake of a Shakespeare classic. I acquired and read this book because I had read the Beowulf version from the same author/artist, as Beowulf is my favorite story. Being impressed with that, I was intrigued to see how Hinds handled Shakespeare. I found the art, as always, to be greatly pleasing to me. The tonal work put in, and the general care for detail are very pleasing to someone who has an interest in the arts. I was a little displeased with the story. While I can appreciate the art, I thought that the old Shakespearean phrasing matched with the "modern" art, and the modernized plot was just...too hard to concieve. I left it feeling as if Hinds had taken the most difficult part of Shakespeare (the language, which is also the most fascinating feature, don't g... moreet me wrong) and paired it with the modern themes and art. To me, this was TOO MUCH of a culture clash, too unbelievable. I left this feeling the same, if not more confusion than if I had actually read the Shakespeare version. This was a traditional, complex, Shakespeare plot smeared with modern (albeit good) artwork that did not, for me, connect at all. I gave it two stars for effort and trying something new (because isn't that what art is?) but it simply was not my cup of tea, so to speak.
review 2: I love Gareth Hinds' work -- his adaptation of Beowulf is one of the most spectacular I've ever seen. He worked from live models for this update of Shakespeare's play, and does a great job streamlining the story, without losing much. One of the things I like the most about this version is that Hinds starts the book by simplifying Shakespeare's original language (Portia even replies, "Good one" at one point). But as the novel moves on, he gradually includes more and more of the original text, so by the time the play reaches the courtroom scenes, much of the dialogue is in Shakespearean English. It's subtle, but it will help readers unfamiliar with the text to ease into the story and characters. Well adapted and beautifully illustrated. less

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