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The Tempest: The Graphic Novel
Cast onto the waters by his power-hungry brother Antonio, Prospero, the Duke of Milan, has been living on a distant island for a dozen years along with his daughter Miranda. In his years of banishment, Prospero has developed strong magical powers — powers that not only allow him to deduce that Antonio is on a nearby ship, but to cause the ship to run aground. At long last, Prospero has a chance to get revenge on those who have wronged him. But, will he also ruin Miranda’s chance for happiness? The Tempest is considered by many critics to be Shakespeare’s crowning glory. This full-color graphic novel presents the sparkling romantic comedy just as Shakespeare intended: in its original and unabridged format, and in its original setting. As with the other titles in this well-received series, it encourages readers to discover classical literature while staying true to Shakespeare’s vision. Also available are a Plain Text version, translated into modern U.S. English, and a Quick Text version, with less dialogue for a fast-paced read.
160 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
John F. McDonald
19 books7 followersI'm a professional writer. I've had 3 novels published, with another due out in September 2009 and two more being written. I've written 2 screenplays - one of which won the IndieProducer Screenwriter Award in Los Angeles in 2009. I've also 'ghosted' books for media celebs, politicians and business-people. I've scripted award-winning TV drama and graphic novels and I've written stage plays which have been performed in London and Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 5, 2024
I had imagined this Graphic Novel would use the actual original text from the play for the dialogue but instead I found it to be "modernized" and simplified. The art was decently colourful.
April 7, 2020
4/5stars
Really liked this as an adaptation but also just as a comicbook. very fascinated in the fact that this has THREE different versions - the original text, the plain text, and the quick text which are all the same drawings but with the dialogue adjusted. Very interesting from an adaptation perspective.
Really liked this as an adaptation but also just as a comicbook. very fascinated in the fact that this has THREE different versions - the original text, the plain text, and the quick text which are all the same drawings but with the dialogue adjusted. Very interesting from an adaptation perspective.
February 9, 2014
I read the "original text" version of the novel, which incorporates Shakespeare's actual language. The combination of the pictures and the text makes this highly readable and understandable.
May 22, 2019
When I first read this graphic novel and the actual version of the Tempest, I was a seventh grader. I really did not understand anything from the book but I see the pieces of memories come back to me as I weave through the story.
I heard from Ms Bystrack that the Tempest is not a tragedy, unlike every single Shakespeare novels. The book is about forgiveness.
It's about love.
And it's also a happily ever after.
'Hell is empty and all the devils are here.'
But his eyes are still full of smiles when he says, “Don’t worry. I didn’t know much about him until roughly a year ago. I still don’t understand half the things he says, so I think we’re going to get rid of most of it, but he did write a line I really liked.”
“What was it?”
...
It’s 2 lines. Font like a typewriter inked across the very bottom of his torso.
hell is empty
and all the devils are here
Yes. Interesting. Yes. Sure.
I think I need to lie down.
“Books,” he’s saying, pulling his boxer-briefs up and rezipping his pants, “are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them. Tattoos, for example, are very hard to forget.” He buttons his button. “I think there’s something about the impermanence of life these days that makes it necessary to etch ink into our skin,” he says. “It reminds us that we’ve been marked by the world, that we’re still alive. That we’ll never forget.”
“Who are you?”
I don’t know this Warner. I’d never be able to recognize this Warner.
He smiles to himself. Sits down again. Says, “No one else will ever need to know.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know who I am,” he says. “That’s enough for me.”
- Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
I gotta admit that I like that quote because AARON WARNER ANDERSON likes it and that's definitely a more-than-enough reason. I love him, I want to be like him.
But whenever I think of him, it's like I want to cry more.
But whenever I think of Aelin, I become more resolute, stronger.
I try so hard not to think of Jace, Will, Clary, Emma, etc. because I know that they'll just make me want to cry harder. But it's so odd how Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is different.
There are a few characters that I really like.
Emma Cordelia Carstairs
Julian Atticus Blackthorn
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius
Aaron Warner Anderson
But thinking about Julian.. breaks my heart. Reading about him and what he sacrificed for his siblings..
I heard from Ms Bystrack that the Tempest is not a tragedy, unlike every single Shakespeare novels. The book is about forgiveness.
It's about love.
And it's also a happily ever after.
'Hell is empty and all the devils are here.'
But his eyes are still full of smiles when he says, “Don’t worry. I didn’t know much about him until roughly a year ago. I still don’t understand half the things he says, so I think we’re going to get rid of most of it, but he did write a line I really liked.”
“What was it?”
...
It’s 2 lines. Font like a typewriter inked across the very bottom of his torso.
hell is empty
and all the devils are here
Yes. Interesting. Yes. Sure.
I think I need to lie down.
“Books,” he’s saying, pulling his boxer-briefs up and rezipping his pants, “are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them. Tattoos, for example, are very hard to forget.” He buttons his button. “I think there’s something about the impermanence of life these days that makes it necessary to etch ink into our skin,” he says. “It reminds us that we’ve been marked by the world, that we’re still alive. That we’ll never forget.”
“Who are you?”
I don’t know this Warner. I’d never be able to recognize this Warner.
He smiles to himself. Sits down again. Says, “No one else will ever need to know.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know who I am,” he says. “That’s enough for me.”
- Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
I gotta admit that I like that quote because AARON WARNER ANDERSON likes it and that's definitely a more-than-enough reason. I love him, I want to be like him.
But whenever I think of him, it's like I want to cry more.
But whenever I think of Aelin, I become more resolute, stronger.
I try so hard not to think of Jace, Will, Clary, Emma, etc. because I know that they'll just make me want to cry harder. But it's so odd how Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is different.
There are a few characters that I really like.
Emma Cordelia Carstairs
Julian Atticus Blackthorn
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius
Aaron Warner Anderson
But thinking about Julian.. breaks my heart. Reading about him and what he sacrificed for his siblings..
August 7, 2024
Having never read The Tempest (despite a degree in English Literature!) I thought I'd give the graphic novel version a go. The review though, has to be twofold. Firstly, Shakespeare's The Tempest - it is the tale of Prospero, who should be Duke of Milan, but was usurped by his brother Antonio, and the revenge he exacts. Prospero has been cast out to an Island where he lives with his daughter Miranda, and where he has learnt magic and works with the spirits and gods. He also has a slave, Caliban, who he treats terribly.
The story starts with a storm that Prospero conjures, wrecking the ship that his brother, and others are travelling on, and stranding the passengers on Prospero's island. The plot then unfolds, with wicked plans, revenge, and also some comedy. The story itself is a simple one, all set within half a day. It covers many different themes and interesting topics for discussion. It won't be one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, but I would recommend it to others.
Now, to the graphic novel. The artwork is fantastic, interpreting the characters and their expressions well. The play is obviously shortened an awful lot to fit it into graphic novel formula, but none of it is lost. The scenes are shown in a way that it is easy to understand, and flows nicely. This would be perfect for someone who wants to understand the plot of a Shakespeare play, but who doesn't want to, or struggles to read the full text. I have a few more of these graphic novel interpretations of classics, and I look forward to reading some more.
The story starts with a storm that Prospero conjures, wrecking the ship that his brother, and others are travelling on, and stranding the passengers on Prospero's island. The plot then unfolds, with wicked plans, revenge, and also some comedy. The story itself is a simple one, all set within half a day. It covers many different themes and interesting topics for discussion. It won't be one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, but I would recommend it to others.
Now, to the graphic novel. The artwork is fantastic, interpreting the characters and their expressions well. The play is obviously shortened an awful lot to fit it into graphic novel formula, but none of it is lost. The scenes are shown in a way that it is easy to understand, and flows nicely. This would be perfect for someone who wants to understand the plot of a Shakespeare play, but who doesn't want to, or struggles to read the full text. I have a few more of these graphic novel interpretations of classics, and I look forward to reading some more.
September 26, 2019
In the beginning:The book I read was the tempest original play with was by Shakespeare and adjusted by John McDonald. When I first picked the book up I had no idea what I was getting into. I wanted to read Shakespeare but comprehend the story so I picked up the graphic novel and it definitely helped in the end.
Characters: The tempest has a lotta characters which I only can assume is because when writing the play it made sense to have 27 characters when a good amount don’t do anything, so if you don’t know all of them by the end it’s not a big deal. Prospero is this main character. His daughter is Miranda Caliban is a half animal half human hybrid that serves him. Ariel is a spirit that also serves him. Just so you know all magical creatures are called spirits. Alsono is the king but you don’t need to know that because they never actually call him that in the story. His son is Ferdinand and his friends/Nobel men is Sebastian Antonio and Gonzalo. There is also Stephano and Trinculo and they serve the king. I missed a bunch of sides characters but that’s because they aren’t important.
Conflict:The tempest takes place on an island where Prospero and Miranda have been living there for 10-20 years due to the kings and Antonio forcing Prospero to step down from his place as duke of Milan . When the king and his men are crossing there waters. Prospero knows who’s on the ship and launches a plan he’s been making to make his daughter Queen and him duke again. The rest of the story is the world most complicated plan of revenge.
Pros
-There are really interesting Ideas: The Tempest is full of magic and great story elements such as books giving magic powers to the average joe (your teacher wasn’t kidding when she/he said books have powers) that’s awesome and original. Caliban is a half monster that is thrown in the story and everyone acts as if it’s normal. It feels like a hyper aggressive Disney movie.
-The artwork: the pictures are absolutely stunning! They were the only reason I made two sense of it all. The line work and color choices makes the story pop out of the pages. Each character was drawn to show not just who they were but how they felt which made it so good.
Cons
-It just ends. I believe the tempest is enjoyed more if you know the background because without it the book sucks. This was Shakespeare’s last play and because of that I feel as if he had a lot of cool ideas such as, half human animal hybrids, such and magic , such as secret islands but even though the ideas were cool the story gets a little hectic. Trying to follow the story is very difficult and I don’t know how people would pull it off without the pictures or a play making it easier to comprehend. It’s just very random. I’m not sure if it’s just outdated but as far as word choice it’s not the wisest choice. The end of the book doesn’t leave you wanting more or even satisfied. My first thought isn’t really school appropriate but the watered down version was, wait what?
Characters: The tempest has a lotta characters which I only can assume is because when writing the play it made sense to have 27 characters when a good amount don’t do anything, so if you don’t know all of them by the end it’s not a big deal. Prospero is this main character. His daughter is Miranda Caliban is a half animal half human hybrid that serves him. Ariel is a spirit that also serves him. Just so you know all magical creatures are called spirits. Alsono is the king but you don’t need to know that because they never actually call him that in the story. His son is Ferdinand and his friends/Nobel men is Sebastian Antonio and Gonzalo. There is also Stephano and Trinculo and they serve the king. I missed a bunch of sides characters but that’s because they aren’t important.
Conflict:The tempest takes place on an island where Prospero and Miranda have been living there for 10-20 years due to the kings and Antonio forcing Prospero to step down from his place as duke of Milan . When the king and his men are crossing there waters. Prospero knows who’s on the ship and launches a plan he’s been making to make his daughter Queen and him duke again. The rest of the story is the world most complicated plan of revenge.
Pros
-There are really interesting Ideas: The Tempest is full of magic and great story elements such as books giving magic powers to the average joe (your teacher wasn’t kidding when she/he said books have powers) that’s awesome and original. Caliban is a half monster that is thrown in the story and everyone acts as if it’s normal. It feels like a hyper aggressive Disney movie.
-The artwork: the pictures are absolutely stunning! They were the only reason I made two sense of it all. The line work and color choices makes the story pop out of the pages. Each character was drawn to show not just who they were but how they felt which made it so good.
Cons
-It just ends. I believe the tempest is enjoyed more if you know the background because without it the book sucks. This was Shakespeare’s last play and because of that I feel as if he had a lot of cool ideas such as, half human animal hybrids, such and magic , such as secret islands but even though the ideas were cool the story gets a little hectic. Trying to follow the story is very difficult and I don’t know how people would pull it off without the pictures or a play making it easier to comprehend. It’s just very random. I’m not sure if it’s just outdated but as far as word choice it’s not the wisest choice. The end of the book doesn’t leave you wanting more or even satisfied. My first thought isn’t really school appropriate but the watered down version was, wait what?
December 31, 2020
The Tempest lends itself to a graphic novel adaptation, with all the magic and fairies and goddesses and whatnot. It’s also handy that we can be shown the images in the stories that characters tell, which are otherwise offstage (e.g. we get to see Sycorax, Caliban’s mother, in a couple panels). The artwork was good, and though the style overall isn’t one I care for, I did particularly like Prospero’s robe and Caliban.
The text is unabridged, which I found impressive but unnecessary. There were plenty of parts that I think were difficult to get across in either text or images and could easily have been trimmed. I would be interested in comparing the “plain text” and “quick text” alternate editions to see how they were adapted, but in terms of just making it more accessible I would have gone with abridgment before “translation,” more like what Gareth Hinds does. I’m glad I got to see this as an alternate approach, though.
The text is unabridged, which I found impressive but unnecessary. There were plenty of parts that I think were difficult to get across in either text or images and could easily have been trimmed. I would be interested in comparing the “plain text” and “quick text” alternate editions to see how they were adapted, but in terms of just making it more accessible I would have gone with abridgment before “translation,” more like what Gareth Hinds does. I’m glad I got to see this as an alternate approach, though.
January 8, 2019
One of my chemistry professors told me that a person could not be considered educated unless they knew something about the plays of Shakespeare. I agree with that position and support that education by any tactic that can be used. This graphic novel provides another avenue where educators can introduce what was Shakespeare’s final play by solo authorship and one of his best. It is also considered to be his only work that was completely original
The images are all in vivid color with great detail and the text appears in standard dialog balloons. Readers are given an effective context for the dialog, which is of course pure Shakespearean. I would encourage English teachers to consider using copies of this book as texts for their classes on Shakespeare. For it is far superior to the stale pamphlets that is the normal fare.
The images are all in vivid color with great detail and the text appears in standard dialog balloons. Readers are given an effective context for the dialog, which is of course pure Shakespearean. I would encourage English teachers to consider using copies of this book as texts for their classes on Shakespeare. For it is far superior to the stale pamphlets that is the normal fare.
May 25, 2023
Even the best of these Classical Comics editions break lines in the wrong places and put on two pages lines that should be on the same page. Just as bad, there are times when a pause, an illustration without words, would be effective in letting a point or emotion sink-in. Additionally, this Original Text TEMPEST several times has illustrations that go against the meaning of the lines in the panel, not in a revealing way but cluelessly. To be fair, this book has some excellent moments but not enough to redeem the flaws.
May 24, 2017
The complete text of the play with Shakespeare's own words was used. The illustrations portrayed a justifiable interpretation of the play. It was fun to see what the illustrator made of Shakespeare's words.
March 23, 2019
This version gives not only the narrative but sense of characters. Of course it doesn’t have the poetic language but reading its entertaining, especially with the multi-cast recording that accompanies the book.
August 2, 2019
While I prefer Shakerspere's tragedies to his comedies, I feel that this fantastic graphic novel has done The Tempest the justice. The original text certainly comes to life on each page, beautifully illustrated.
August 9, 2017
(+) edition quality, explanation about the play and background
(-) boring plot, difficult to understand text
(-) boring plot, difficult to understand text
May 28, 2018
Shakespeare's The Tempest is set in a genre for young people - the graphic novel.
September 12, 2021
Not sure why this is not more popular? Great intro to Shakespeare.
July 17, 2025
LOVE the Tempest, not a huge fan of the illustrations though as they feel a lot darker and heavier than the tone that was originally conveyed in the play.
February 13, 2012
This graphic novel series by Classical Comics has original Shakespeare plays in three formats: original text, plain text or quick text. I read the original text, but thought I must have been reading the plain text until I checked-- so it's not too hard of a read for young adults. The stunning format forced a new realization in my understanding of Shakespeare. This play is fantasy-science fiction, if there ever was an example of the genre. I read this book to help me "picture" if there were any sea monsters in this book. Caliban is illustrated as a swamp-thing creature. I always understood this play was meant to contrast a human, native Caliban with the savage acts of the rest of the "civilized" characters. In this illustrated version, yes I did read the text too, he is just a monster that can speak. He doesn't draw any sympathy. I am pro graphic novels for reaching people on their level-- arguably, even a higher one. However, as an artist I did have some disagreements about style and pacing with this illustrator, especially how he designed the characters. As for color, style and action. It's awesome. I reccomend this series and I hope to read them all. Oh, and I really wish I could make graphic novels too. Hoping to work up to it. I got some great tips from Gene Yang about what to read as I start. I'll post them on goodreads.
July 8, 2012
This was a great rendition of Shakespeare's Tempest. I have a difficult time understanding Shakespeare, unless I am in an English class and there is a teacher to explain what is occurring and why. My version of this graphic novel contained the original text from the play, but a modern text, and quick text versions are also available. The play was introduced with a visual cast of characters, and the graphics were outstanding. The graphics brought the play to life and I can see that that this rendition would appeal to students as well as teachers. The graphic novel also contained a couple of additional features, a short biography of Shakespeare and a survey of the houses where he lived. It also contained an explanation of some of the concepts the Tempest used. The idea of settling a new land was quite a popular idea in Shakespeare's time, when England was trying to set up colonies in the new world. It also explained how one of Queen Elizabeth's men was the inspiration behind Prospero. I know this version would motivate non-Shakespeare readers to give it a try, because my husband only reads graphic novels and I had to retrieve it from his nightstand when it was time to read it.
May 11, 2011
I love Shakespeare, but The Tempest is not one of my favorites. I appreciate that it is considered one of his best plays because unlike his other works The Tempest is an original story, but I just don't connect to it. That being said, I really like this graphic novel version. The illustrations are beautiful, with vibrant colors and great action panels that help keep the reader connected to the plot.
Classical Comics produces three versions of the play, original text, plain text, and quick text. I read the original text version, but the book had examples of each version. The plain text translates Shakespeare's words to modern language, while the quick text version conveys the meaning while more closely fitting the comic/graphic novel archetype of less text.
The book also includes background information on Shakespeare, the Shakespeare Trust, The Tempest and The Globe Theatre, as well as a step-by-step guide to the process of turning the play into a graphic novel. Teaching resource packs can also be purchased from Classical Comics. I think it would be a great teaching tool.
Classical Comics produces three versions of the play, original text, plain text, and quick text. I read the original text version, but the book had examples of each version. The plain text translates Shakespeare's words to modern language, while the quick text version conveys the meaning while more closely fitting the comic/graphic novel archetype of less text.
The book also includes background information on Shakespeare, the Shakespeare Trust, The Tempest and The Globe Theatre, as well as a step-by-step guide to the process of turning the play into a graphic novel. Teaching resource packs can also be purchased from Classical Comics. I think it would be a great teaching tool.
March 11, 2016
Cast onto the waters by his power-hungry brother Antonio, Prospero, the Duke of Milan, has been living on a distant island for a dozen years along with his daughter Miranda. In his years of banishment, Prospero has developed strong magical powers 14 powers that not only allow him to deduce that Antonio is on a nearby ship, but to cause the ship to run aground. At long last, Prospero has a chance to get revenge on those who have wronged him. But, will he also ruin Miranda 19s chance for happiness? The Tempest is considered by many critics to be Shakespeare 19s crowning glory. This full-color graphic novel presents the sparkling romantic comedy just as Shakespeare intended: in its original and unabridged format, and in its original setting. As with the other titles in this well-received series, it encourages readers to discover classical literature while staying true to Shakespeare 19s vision. Also available are the Original Text version, with the Bard's unabridged work, and a Quick Text version, with less dialogue for a fast-paced read.
December 30, 2013
The Tempest as a graphic novel was incredibly helpful with context in dialect. It made who was talking to who much clearer than I found in a script. This made the reading smoother. I thought that some of the character depictions (their appearance, I mean) were a little odd, but it was still fun. I would recommend this especially to people who have trouble understanding Shakespeare's in script form. I like the story itself because it is such an original classic. When I skimmed a Cliff Notes on it, I thought, "This is Shakespeare?" I guess it didn't seem like something of his because I didn't expect this kind of story in a classic. I can't really place what kind of play it is: drama, comedy, revenge, romance, sorcery...... I think this is part of what gives it its charm.
March 2, 2014
This is the quick text edition of THE TEMPEST graphic novel from Classical Comics. This means that the dialog is updated to modern English and thinned out to tell the story simply. The problem is that Shakespeare elegant verbosity kept the verbal responses of other characters from seeming inappropriately abrupt. Here the responses seem inappropriately abrupt on about every other page. Add to this that some of the original language is nearly as clear as the updated language and it becomes obvious that rewriter John McDonald was on a mission to leave no line unchanged. I am completely open to adapting Shakespeare into other mediums, but this is a good example of how not to do it.
February 6, 2016
Saved $14 because I Snagged @ the Library!
I give the graphic novel 5 stars, I give the Shakespeare play only 3--so I compromised and gave this book a 4. No doubt I would NOT have appreciated or enjoyed this play nearly as well without the illustrations to help me understand what was going on and give me some perspective. Because of the comedic factor of many scenes, the illustrators made the comedy come through especially well, completing the buffoonery that is no doubt present in a true Shakespearean treatment.
This is a great way to read an appreciate Shakespeare in the original text. I recommend it for as many titles as you can find.
I give the graphic novel 5 stars, I give the Shakespeare play only 3--so I compromised and gave this book a 4. No doubt I would NOT have appreciated or enjoyed this play nearly as well without the illustrations to help me understand what was going on and give me some perspective. Because of the comedic factor of many scenes, the illustrators made the comedy come through especially well, completing the buffoonery that is no doubt present in a true Shakespearean treatment.
This is a great way to read an appreciate Shakespeare in the original text. I recommend it for as many titles as you can find.
January 10, 2016
The art style was really cool, very colourful and neat. Never read the play before and I thought "why don't try with the graphic novel?" Because it doesn't make the Shakespearean's English easier to read, you dumb ass, that's why!!!
Sorry, I was scolding myself. Anyway...Yeah, since English is not my first language, and especially early modern English such Shakespeare's one, this graphic novel was quite difficult for me to read.
I will one day read all Shakespeare works but I will have to study and translate probably most of the world and I wasn't going to do it for the graphic novel, so...Yeah, but that's me, I'm sure many others will enjoy it.
Sorry, I was scolding myself. Anyway...Yeah, since English is not my first language, and especially early modern English such Shakespeare's one, this graphic novel was quite difficult for me to read.
I will one day read all Shakespeare works but I will have to study and translate probably most of the world and I wasn't going to do it for the graphic novel, so...Yeah, but that's me, I'm sure many others will enjoy it.
October 30, 2010
The Tempest is certainly not one of Shakespeare's more complex plots but it has its charms (including sprites and goddesses).
I enjoyed reading this as a graphic novel even though that genre is pretty new to me. The illustrations certainly brought the text to life more than a standard script - it felt one step closer to seeing it on stage as it was intended to be experienced.
I enjoyed reading this as a graphic novel even though that genre is pretty new to me. The illustrations certainly brought the text to life more than a standard script - it felt one step closer to seeing it on stage as it was intended to be experienced.
September 7, 2010
This is a really cool idea. I looked at the "original" version, not the "plain English" or "condensed." The illustrations are pretty solid, And, thought the verse lines a slightly off kilter, it didn't phase me as much as a non-Philistine.
November 27, 2013
A brightly coloured and historically costumed telling of Shakespeare's great story of love and shipwrecks. The various spirits speaking their lines in coloured text with coloured outlines to their speech bubbles was a nice touch.
August 21, 2016
The pictures definitely make this story easier to understand. The language in this version also make it easier to understand. I just really like the language of Shakespeare, and that is what is missing in this version of the story.
March 22, 2010
This is awesome. Great play, great illustrations! Kids taking Shakespeare in school would definitely enjoy seeing this classic play in a comic format.
September 30, 2010
I'm contributing to a book in which I write about this series. I would not be fair to the editors and the publisher to comment here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews