Odysseus

November 1, 2007
Gr 4-7-These volumes were written and illustrated with reference to particular translations and with the consultation of various university professors. The texts read like updates of the venerable Classic Comics series, attempting to render these tales in an accessible form that still maintains the tone of the source material. Jolley covers the events that befell Odysseus between the end of the siege of Troy and his departure from Calypsos island. Introduced as a wise strategist, he doesnt come across well here, as the narration focuses on choices he makes that result in many of his shipmates getting devoured. And while the book opens with some elegant depictions of the gods wrath witnessed as the power of nature, the actual anthropomorphization of the gods later on makes them seem lacking somewhat in potency. Similarly, some modern turns of phrase in the narration seem at odds with efforts to maintain a visually historical depiction. "Beowulf" reads like ancient poetry, the dialogue rife with stately declarations of heritage, complete with ceremonial repetition, an effective mimic of the tradition. The fetishizing of ancestry and weapons might elude the intended audience, and unfortunately hints to more sophisticated readers that some original content was left out. The action and character design are strong and clear, with solid, comfortable storytelling that is strongly helped by the capable color work."Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2008
These comics retell tales about mythical and legendary heroes. The format will attract some readers, but so much background is omitted from the stories that the plots are confusing. Characters are too modernized and, without historical context, their actions seem random. Each book begins with an introduction and includes an explanation of the author's and illustrator's creation processes. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)