Henry V: Classic Graphic Novel Collection

by Brigit Viney

The Classic Graphic Novel Collection is a revolutionary new series of graphic novels which re-tells classic literature for learners of English. Graded at the intermediate level, the fresh blend of accessible storytelling and captivating artwork ensures that students will want to return to these stories time and again. Shakespeare's famous story of war and peace between England and France during the reign of Henry V is presented here in a different and exciting way. This wonderful play is presented as a full-color graphic novel with stunning illustrations to motivate students. Shakespeare's original play has been rewritten so that all students can enjoy Shakespeare. Experience the Battle of Agincourt as never before -- and learn about an important piece of history.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Comics

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Lisa .]

Ne, des isses nicht. Des durchkreuzt meinen meisterhaften Plan erst alle Shakespeare-Stücke als Comic zu lesen, um dann den Originaltext besser verstehen zu können.

[Franco Gerónimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy entretenido e interesante. Excelente para quienes queremos practicar y aprender inglés. Muy útil la sección de glosario e información anexa para entender el contexto histórico.

[Theresa Ratti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language in this adaptation was easier to understand than the original Shakespeare text. The language and illustrations both helped to communicate the story. I still don’t really like the side stories which seem to be thrown in as asides just for humor without adding much if anything to the story.

[Eric Piotrowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize, until I'd gotten it home from the library, that this is a modern-language "translation" of Shakespeare's play. Doubly unfortunate, the language becomes dull and nearly incoherent at times. Boldface appears at random moments, causing bizarre inflections to those of us who have trained our eyes to emphasize boldfaced words in our mind's ears.

I can see no reason to mutilate Shakespeare in this way, when making a comic book. The biggest stumbling block to understanding The Bard is getting a sense for what's going on in a scene. But comics can alleviate this dilemma through format alone. Dumbing down the language (especially in such a milquetoast fashion) only drains the scenes of their life and passion.

The artwork is great -- characters are memorable, and the battlefields are rendered in stark detail. I'm not familiar enough with the original to say how well the story adheres to the play, but I can say that this isn't worth the reader's time.

[Sydney Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice quick read this with pictures. I chose the real version, but wonder if I should have sacrificed for straightforwardness because I am hoping my son will read this (he loves the Mark Twain graphic novel). But in the end I was glad to read the famous quotes, especially the rousing: "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers."

[dave grimmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Shakey's finest, but I really enjoyed this.
Some amusing moments with the Anglo- French relations, and some rousing speeches from the main man.
I loved reading this as a graphic novel with the full unabridged script - a new way of reading the plays.