Poe: Stories and Poems
A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds
by Gareth Hinds
Candlewick Press
Comics & Graphic Novels , Teens & YA
Pub Date 01 Aug 2017
EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9780763681128
PRICE $22.00 (USD)
FTC Reviewed ARC for Candlewick Press and Net Galley
Description
In a thrilling adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's best-known works, acclaimed artist-adapter Gareth Hinds translates Poe's dark genius into graphic-novel format.
In "The Cask of Amontillado," a man exacts revenge on a disloyal friend at carnival, luring him into catacombs below the city. In "The Masque of the Red Death," a prince shielding himself from plague hosts a doomed party inside his abbey stronghold. A prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, faced with a swinging blade and swarming rats, can't see his tormentors in "The Pit and the Pendulum," and in "The Tell-Tale Heart," a milky eye and a deafening heartbeat reveal the effects of conscience and creeping madness.
Alongside these tales are visual interpretations of three poems—"The Raven," "The Bells," and Poe's poignant elegy to lost love, "Annabel Lee." Written well over a century ago, the seven concise graphic narratives, keyed to thematic icons, amplify and honor the timeless legacy of a master of gothic horror.
My Thoughts
When anyone mentions Gothic Horror, I think of macabre and Edgar Allan Poe. And, Gareth Hinds has translated Poe’s work into 7 graphic narratives in this classic graphic novel format.
Gareth is certainly great at drawing disturbing scenes and anguished subjects. The illustrations for the cover and each narrative are created differently. In addition to digital, we see watercolor, ink, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, and pastel and color pencil.
The use of light throughout the narratives was awesome. Truthfully, I am surprised Candlewick used this portion of Tell-Tale Heart for their sample spread.
I personally think there are many better spreads inside such as The 'Masque of Red Death' where all the people are entering the castle, or 'The Cask of Amontillado' title page, or the 'Pit and the Pendulum' where the rats are crawling up out of the pit. The Annabel Lee narrative and Raven was exceptional and I felt the scrolls used for the Poe checklist and contents page were even better as a sampling.
The use of candle flame and the light supply was ingenious as was the skull holding up the torch flame. I did love the bubble graphic and placement of text font, better on the first section of narratives. But, that is probably because I am more keen on the antique look and the old style font.
Bottom Line: I was impressed by all the interpretations and some scenes stood out more than others This adaptation with historical notes included will surely draw more fans to classic literature and the works of Poe.
The use of candle flame and the light supply was ingenious as was the skull holding up the torch flame. I did love the bubble graphic and placement of text font, better on the first section of narratives. But, that is probably because I am more keen on the antique look and the old style font.
Bottom Line: I was impressed by all the interpretations and some scenes stood out more than others This adaptation with historical notes included will surely draw more fans to classic literature and the works of Poe.