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Don Quixote Adaptation by Rob Davis #1
Don Quixote Volume One
In a sleepy village in medieval Spain, a retired country gentleman spends his waking hours consuming tales of chivalry. Seeing no impediments, such as logic, propriety or sanity, to fulfilling his dreams, this would-be hero reinvents himself as the Knight-Errat, Don Quixote. He sets out across the arid open country in search of adventures accompanied only by his faithful steed, Rocinante, and his dim-witted squire and sidekick, Sancho Panza. Don Quixote Volume 1 perfectly captures the spirit of this classic novel in graphic novel format.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 13, 2020
Ron Davis has done a remarkable job of translating Cervantes’ masterpiece and bringing it back to life into a graphic novel that truly resonates with the modern reader. Not a small feat, considering the length and complexity of the original.
Although the author takes a few creative licences here and there, this comic book renders the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza quite faithfully: not just a few commonplace scenes — like, say, the combat against the windmills in I, 8. Aside from a couple of secondary chapters (e.g., the “Captive’s Tale” in I, 36-41) this adaptation covers the whole multi-layered narrative. And it does so with panels that genuinely stand out and remind me of the style of Gustave Doré’s illustrations. The dialogues, in contemporary English, are humorous and lively, in keeping with the constant irony and sarcasm of Cervantes, but in a language to which we can fully relate. Well paced, entertaining and funny indeed.
Although the author takes a few creative licences here and there, this comic book renders the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza quite faithfully: not just a few commonplace scenes — like, say, the combat against the windmills in I, 8. Aside from a couple of secondary chapters (e.g., the “Captive’s Tale” in I, 36-41) this adaptation covers the whole multi-layered narrative. And it does so with panels that genuinely stand out and remind me of the style of Gustave Doré’s illustrations. The dialogues, in contemporary English, are humorous and lively, in keeping with the constant irony and sarcasm of Cervantes, but in a language to which we can fully relate. Well paced, entertaining and funny indeed.
September 15, 2025
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
There is another note and a more favorable rating of this masterpiece on goodreads, my YouTube list and the blog.
Because this is the third or fourth time that I meet with the
- Knight of Sad Countenance
In fact, for some strange, maybe sad reason I think about the trial of another desolate, tragic figure- Jesus Christ:
- “And so the king is once again my guest.
- And why is this? Was Herod unimpressed?’
I hoped that this new encounter, in the form of an adaptation for the BBC might just do they trick and bring enjoyment.
Alas, even if I get the complexity, many facets of the chef d’oeuvre and the different angles that the reader can have, I still remain unimpressed.
Surely, it has to do a lot with the (too) great expectations that are associated with a work that is listed as:
- The Best of All Time
100 authors from 54 countries have been asked by the Norwegian Book Club to name their favorite books.
And among them, we have luminaries like the late Umberto Eco and Salman Rushdie, who listed Don Quixote at the very top.
- Well, I am not aware if the aforementioned two gave it as the very best, but the compiled rankings show Don Quixote as topping the preference of these creators
- Ok, but why??
I am being facetious, but then in spite of the complexity of the work, it is still a narrative about a lunatic fighting with wind mills, barbers and trapped lions, while proclaiming his love for a “lady” called Dulcinea Del Toboso.
What is it so compelling, fascinating and mesmerizing about this comedy where the hero is not much more than a fool?
The answer can be found in tomes of literary criticism and it may have to do with the already mentioned humor, but also the tragedy of the knight, the dreams, ideals that drive him to go on a quest for adventure, even if that can only entail ordinary folk, the fact that the imagination has no limits.
It may be better to live in a world where barbers are valiant adversaries than just relax on a sofa and watch football, a life with plenty of mockery but high ideals may just be preferable than a dull, insignificant existence.
There is also the love for Dulcinea, which even if invented to a high degree, can project again high hopes, goals of brave and aristocratic endeavors, with the image of Plato’s cave coming to mind as a similar and revealing story.
Like in the Republic, perhaps we, mere mortals are the ones living in a cave and seeing shadows of a real life, while Don Quixote is no fool, but on the contrary he sees the light and his magnificence is cause for laughter only for those who do not see…
- “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” – Hamlet
William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes have both died, in an astonishing coincidence, perhaps a sign or the hand of God- on the same day - 23 April 1616
Therefore the imagination and vitality of the rather old Don Quixote might be enough to make him one of the best, most admired heroes of classic literature, whether I dig it or not, but as stated, I seem to get the picture.
There must be something else, another reason for which I do not engage that well- at times not at all- with the Sad Knight- and it might have to be analyzed, in order to find repressed feelings, hidden desires…
But then again, I might just well drop it and enjoy other masterpieces and simply give up on this one…after all, it wasn’t third time lucky and there are other works to discover.
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
There is another note and a more favorable rating of this masterpiece on goodreads, my YouTube list and the blog.
Because this is the third or fourth time that I meet with the
- Knight of Sad Countenance
In fact, for some strange, maybe sad reason I think about the trial of another desolate, tragic figure- Jesus Christ:
- “And so the king is once again my guest.
- And why is this? Was Herod unimpressed?’
I hoped that this new encounter, in the form of an adaptation for the BBC might just do they trick and bring enjoyment.
Alas, even if I get the complexity, many facets of the chef d’oeuvre and the different angles that the reader can have, I still remain unimpressed.
Surely, it has to do a lot with the (too) great expectations that are associated with a work that is listed as:
- The Best of All Time
100 authors from 54 countries have been asked by the Norwegian Book Club to name their favorite books.
And among them, we have luminaries like the late Umberto Eco and Salman Rushdie, who listed Don Quixote at the very top.
- Well, I am not aware if the aforementioned two gave it as the very best, but the compiled rankings show Don Quixote as topping the preference of these creators
- Ok, but why??
I am being facetious, but then in spite of the complexity of the work, it is still a narrative about a lunatic fighting with wind mills, barbers and trapped lions, while proclaiming his love for a “lady” called Dulcinea Del Toboso.
What is it so compelling, fascinating and mesmerizing about this comedy where the hero is not much more than a fool?
The answer can be found in tomes of literary criticism and it may have to do with the already mentioned humor, but also the tragedy of the knight, the dreams, ideals that drive him to go on a quest for adventure, even if that can only entail ordinary folk, the fact that the imagination has no limits.
It may be better to live in a world where barbers are valiant adversaries than just relax on a sofa and watch football, a life with plenty of mockery but high ideals may just be preferable than a dull, insignificant existence.
There is also the love for Dulcinea, which even if invented to a high degree, can project again high hopes, goals of brave and aristocratic endeavors, with the image of Plato’s cave coming to mind as a similar and revealing story.
Like in the Republic, perhaps we, mere mortals are the ones living in a cave and seeing shadows of a real life, while Don Quixote is no fool, but on the contrary he sees the light and his magnificence is cause for laughter only for those who do not see…
- “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” – Hamlet
William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes have both died, in an astonishing coincidence, perhaps a sign or the hand of God- on the same day - 23 April 1616
Therefore the imagination and vitality of the rather old Don Quixote might be enough to make him one of the best, most admired heroes of classic literature, whether I dig it or not, but as stated, I seem to get the picture.
There must be something else, another reason for which I do not engage that well- at times not at all- with the Sad Knight- and it might have to be analyzed, in order to find repressed feelings, hidden desires…
But then again, I might just well drop it and enjoy other masterpieces and simply give up on this one…after all, it wasn’t third time lucky and there are other works to discover.
December 8, 2023
This was a great adaptation! Rob Davis’ illustrations were fresh and lively, and I’m impressed by how he’s managed to condense the novel and implement all the highlights from part 1, making the story both accessible and visually pleasing for modern readers. He’d used some clever artsy tricks to emphasize the mini stories and Cervante’s author commentary, which could sometimes be somewhat confusing when reading the full-text version.
I still find value in having read the original novel; it allowed me to spend more time in Don Quixote’s crazy, yet admirable, universe, and I also feel increased fondness of the scenes from having read them in full. Nevertheless, I’ll definitely recommend this as a great alternative to anyone who’d like to familiarize themselves with literature’s most famous knight errant!
Looking forward to reading the second volume soon:)
I still find value in having read the original novel; it allowed me to spend more time in Don Quixote’s crazy, yet admirable, universe, and I also feel increased fondness of the scenes from having read them in full. Nevertheless, I’ll definitely recommend this as a great alternative to anyone who’d like to familiarize themselves with literature’s most famous knight errant!
Looking forward to reading the second volume soon:)
May 8, 2016
I loved this book, and the illustrations were captivating. The ending broke my heart, and left me thinking for days - it didn't end the way I had hoped, but was still with the read. Cervantes was waaaay ahead of his times, in terms of literary tricks and ideas.
November 10, 2024
Las imagenes funcionan muy bien para que entienda el libro.
May 25, 2024
i haven't read the original don quixote so i wouldn't know if it's supposed to be this funny, but i laughed out loud a good few times. loved it. and the art is so dynamic, it works perfectly with the story.
September 16, 2013
Cervantes’ classic is retold in graphic novel format. Davis does a good job of keeping the tone and spirit of Cervantes while making the story understandable to the modern reader. Don Quixote is as comical and misguided as ever, with misadventure after misadventure.
Notes on content: A handful of swear words of varying levels in American and British English. Davis avoids strong swear words in American. A woman comes up to Don Quixote in an inn thinking he’s someone else, he turns aside her amorous attentions before it can go too far. There is a tale that some of the characters are reading towards the end of the book involving a man who forces his friend to woo his wife, which eventually results in an affair and the artist draws a man and woman who are both obviously naked and kissing(but avoids showing anything too too much at the same time). There’s a picture of a man’s bare backside in one frame too. Throughout the book there are violent encounters which often result in blood. Several tales also involve stabbings. The artist avoids making the drawings too graphic.
Notes on content: A handful of swear words of varying levels in American and British English. Davis avoids strong swear words in American. A woman comes up to Don Quixote in an inn thinking he’s someone else, he turns aside her amorous attentions before it can go too far. There is a tale that some of the characters are reading towards the end of the book involving a man who forces his friend to woo his wife, which eventually results in an affair and the artist draws a man and woman who are both obviously naked and kissing(but avoids showing anything too too much at the same time). There’s a picture of a man’s bare backside in one frame too. Throughout the book there are violent encounters which often result in blood. Several tales also involve stabbings. The artist avoids making the drawings too graphic.
February 26, 2012
I've read the original, which just makes this adaptation all the better! So good to be able to compare and contrast the differences, and the artwork (and contemporary translation) really livens the whole thing up (which, considering Don Quixote's adventures, is a real achievement)!
There a little bit of psuedo-fourth wall breaking in there too that I don't remember, but it was entertaining nonetheless!
There a little bit of psuedo-fourth wall breaking in there too that I don't remember, but it was entertaining nonetheless!
December 30, 2015
Don Quijote es un loco lindo.
Esta totalmente chiflado pero te da ternura y ganas de cachetearlo al mismo tiempo.
No tiene limite de edad disfrutarlo.
Si reconozco que no le di mucha bola cuando lo lei en secundaria, pero la verdad es un libro que hay que leer despacio y con ganas por la prosa.
En cuanto a esta version ilustrada: Divino. Quiero ver como sigue en la segunda parte.
Esta totalmente chiflado pero te da ternura y ganas de cachetearlo al mismo tiempo.
No tiene limite de edad disfrutarlo.
Si reconozco que no le di mucha bola cuando lo lei en secundaria, pero la verdad es un libro que hay que leer despacio y con ganas por la prosa.
En cuanto a esta version ilustrada: Divino. Quiero ver como sigue en la segunda parte.
September 19, 2011
Great book. Very funny. Beautifully drawn, with terrific comic timing. I think it's one that would repay a few rereadings. You can feel the amount of care and attention that went into this. Recommended.
August 29, 2012
Humourous romp with your main man, Don Quixote as he goes about basically attacking (quite poorly, mind) everyone or everything he encounters.
Hope a volume 2 sees the light of day.
Hope a volume 2 sees the light of day.
January 7, 2013
This is a cute graphic novel on Don Quixote, with a bit of Monty Python humor thrown in for good measure.
April 7, 2012
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the fist part of DQ. The drawing matches the tales very well.
February 11, 2013
Brilliant! Especially like the use of pencil line rather than inking. Funny, well paced and beautiful.
February 15, 2013
Listened to translation by John Ormsby. Great book to listen to while recovering from eye surgery.
December 18, 2013
Never usually a graphic novel reader, I loved it. Off to get part 2
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews