The Fall of the House of Usher

by Matthew K. Manning

Edgar Allan Poe's gothic tale of the crumbling Usher mansion -- and its ghastly inhabitants -- comes to life as never before in this one of a kind graphic novel adaptation.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Horror, Classics, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Gothic

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Matthew K. Manning is the author of over eighty books and dozens of comic books. He has written books for Scholastic, Disney Press, Abrams, Amazon, Capstone, DK Publishing, Insight Editions, Andrews/McMeel, and Running Press, dividing his time between writing original chapter book series and coffee table books. His chapter books include the six-book series Xander and the Rainbow-Barfing Unicorns (Capstone), the four-book Drone Academy series (Capstone), Backstories: Batman and Backstories: Batgirl (Scholastic), and Artemis Fowl: How to be a LEPrecon (Disney Press), released in both paperback and on Audible. Many of his books have reached best-seller status on Amazon, including DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman, DC Comics Encyclopedia, and Batman: A Visual History. In addition, Manning specializes in comic books, writing for the titles Beware the Batman, Teen Titans Go!, The Batman Strikes!, Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century, Justice League Adventures, Scooby-Doo, and Looney Tunes for DC Comics, Marvel Action: Avengers for IDW/Marvel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Amazing Adventures and TMNT: New Animated Adventures for IDW, and the top-selling Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures for DC/IDW, nominated by the Diamond Gem Awards for comic of the year. Manning’s work has received acclaim in Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and The Washington Times. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Dorothy and his daughters Lillian and Gwendolyn.

Buy his books and support independent booksellers on Bookshop at https://bookshop.org/shop/matthewkman...

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick overview of The Fall of the House of Usher, which I shamefully haven't read. This was a very visual comic, with lots of atmospheric scenes and artful use of certain colours (ie green). It's actually made me interested to read the original, and I think this is a good gateway book into further Edgar Allan Poe reading, especslly for younger readers.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this graphic novel of The Fall of the House of Usher after I read Edgar Allen Poe's original Gothic novel, for I wanted to find out if I had understood the original well enough. I wasn't disappointed. Graphic novel aren't widely spread as phenomenon in my country. A pity, because many stories can come to life with the use of images.

[Mauricio Simões · Rating 3 out of 5]

O caminho sombrio percorrido pelo medo até a melancolia.

Farol HQ é um selo da Editora Farol Literário. Em 2014, a editora lançou uma mini-coleção com quatro contos de Edgar Allan Poe em versões para HQ. São vários artistas fazendo as adaptações e ilustrações, sempre com a tradução de Cassius Medauar. Cada edição conta com 72 páginas, com ótimo acabamento, papel de excelente gramatura e uma impressão de altíssima qualidade que ganha destaque num projeto gráfico em que as cores são quase como personagens das histórias. Aliás, essa é uma característica digna de nota. Em “A Queda da Casa de Usher” (verde), “O Poço e o Pêndulo” (amarelo), “Assassinatos na Rua Morgue” (vermelho) e “O Coração Delator” (azul), as cores são exploradas de forma estratégica, carregando informações, alterando o clima e acrescentando elementos que dão suporte à narrativa. Os contos são, em geral, foram hiper-resumidos, deixando lacunas importantes, o que compromete bastante a profundidade do suspense, característica fortemente presente no estilo clássico de Poe.

O conto “A Queda da Casa de Usher” foi publicado em 1839 e aborda o medo de forma ampla e ao mesmo tempo concisa numa história onde transborda o estilo gótico de Poe. O medo do real, do imaginário, da perda, da morte, do sobrenatural, da doença, da solidão. Roderick Usher mora com a irmã Madeline numa enorme mansão no meio de um pântano e afastada da cidade. Doente, ele escreve para um amigo de infância pedindo companhia para aqueles que considera ser seus últimos dias. O amigo atende e encontra uma casa em processo de profunda degradação, um estado que reflete a degeneração moral e psicológica de seus moradores. Essa fusão é tão bem explorada por Poe que transforma a visita em um evento angustiante, tenebroso e... mortal. Há múltiplas leituras e camadas a serem interpretadas, conduzindo o leitor para o limite entre a realidade e o fantástico.

A adaptação para o formato de HQ foi feita pelo quadrinista Matthew K. Manning e as ilustrações ficaram por conta de Jim Jimenz. O resultado nos traz uma diagramação moderna, dinâmica, desenhos com traços elegantes, competente uso de luz e sombra, palheta de cores bem escolhidas, incluindo e um magnífico uso estratégico da cor verde. O contraste cromático com as páginas de fundo preto favorecem o clima sombrio que a história exige. As ilustrações deixam um pouco a desejar no que se refere às expressões dos personagens. Já a história muito reduzida faz com que os diálogos fiquem bastante empobrecidos.

Nota do livro: 6,66 (3 estrelas).

[Tahlia Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk this was ok

[Kristen Fort · Rating 2 out of 5]

Among the new books distributed to English teachers. This is missing a lot of the text of the short story, but in the case of EL or SPED students, this may be good alongside teaching the whole story.

[Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had the essence of Poe in both imagery and writing but not the soul. The narrative was there but not nearly as engaging as the original. I think it would be a good introduction for middle school readers.

[Book Tea 🫖 with Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how Manning retold Edgar Allan Poe classical story, and the art work was beautiful and realistic.

The Fall of the House of Usher, is about a man name Roderick. Who lives with his sick sister, Madelyn. Eventually he calls his only friend Edgar. From the time Edgar comes into the picture, stranger things start to happen.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books of Edgar Allan Poe!

[Carla Parreira]

Ao iniciar a leitura de “A Queda da Casa de Usher”, sou imediatamente transportada para uma atmosfera sombria e opressiva, característica da obra de Poe. A narrativa em primeira pessoa intensifica a experiência de terror, uma vez que não apenas testemunho os eventos, mas os vivo junto ao protagonista, que, sem nome, se torna um reflexo de todos que já experimentaram o medo e a angústia. A descrição da casa da família Usher é vívida e quase poética, com suas paredes cinzentas e o lago envolvente que a circunda. Cada detalhe revela um caráter fantasmagórico, uma construção que parece pulsar com as dores de seus moradores. O protagonista, ao descrever as impressões que a casa e o ambiente causam, torna palpável a tristeza e o aperto que lhe invade o coração. A relação entre a casa e a deterioração mental de Roderick Usher é uma das facetas mais intrigantes da narrativa, simbolizando a conexão entre o espaço físico e a psique dos personagens. Roderick, um amigo de infância do narrador, aparece como uma figura debilitada e vulnerável. Sua condição mental e física abalada suscita preocupação, além de refletir uma crítica às formas de viver que nos aprisionam. A presença da irmã, Madeline, ainda mais ausente e doente, escancara a atmosfera de desespero que permeia a narrativa. À medida que o enredo se desenrola, o desconforto cresce, levando-me a questionar a sanidade e a realidade que cercam esses personagens. O diálogo entre Roderick e o protagonista traz à tona a mistura de loucura e melancolia, refletindo a maestria de Poe em explorar os limites da razão. À medida que o protagonista tenta trazer alívio a Roderick, percebo a futilidade de suas tentativas, diante de um espírito tão desgastado. Essa profundidade emocional marca a força do conto, gerando uma conexão direta entre a leitura e as emoções do leitor. Com a aproximação do desfecho, o clima de terror psicológico se intensifica, apresentando eventos sobrenaturais que dilatam a tensão. A relação entre a casa e Roderick, como reflexos de suas identidades interligadas, acrescenta uma camada de complexidade ao conto. O simbolismo da casa como um reflexo do estado mental de Roderick é revelador e instigante, levando-me a pensar sobre como espaços podem carregar histórias e emoções profundas. Em suma, a leitura de “A Queda da Casa de Usher” é uma jornada inquietante que desvenda a fragilidade da mente e como o ambiente pode moldar nossas percepções de realidade. A atmosfera opressiva, junto à riqueza das descrições e à complexidade dos personagens, solidifica este conto como um dos melhores de Poe, deixando o leitor com uma sensação de inquietude que persiste mesmo após o término da leitura.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

And travellers now within that valley,
Through the red-litten windows, see
Vast forms that move fantastically
To a discordant melody;
While, like a rapid ghastly river,
Through the pale door,
A hideous throng rush out forever,
And laugh --but smile no more.

It is probably obvious by now that I adore a graphic novel adaptation of a classic horror story, whether it be H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, or M.R. James.

This time it is back to Edgar Allan Poe and his classic story The Fall of the House of Usher.

The story follows an unnamed narrator who receives an urgent message from his friend Roderick Usher. On arriving at his friends estate, he finds Roderick and his twin sister, Madeline, in ill health and their family home is a state of disrepair. What occurs next is typical Poe with twists and turns and a descent into madness.

Both the original short story and this great adaptation are worth a read and this gets 4 stars.

[David Meditationseed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful work for an awesome tale

Poe's narrative is so genius that even though some scenes may look like Standards from so many films and books that were inspired by his works, his texts are creepy and once we focus on reading and meditate on the scenes, they become a beauty sublime.

Usher's house is like this: a haunted place, surrounded by a frightened atmosphere, with people who look like ghosts all spinning in a sort of delirium between dream and wakefulness where realities mingle according to our perception. Its a good place to spend some time, isn't ? :)

A tale to read at night, alone at home and with a candle lit. If possible with a rain outside or a full moon in the sky.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art and style of this graphic novel is the strength of the work. The scale of the panels is impressive. There are some two page representations of the scenes that are on an impressive scale, including the introduction to the Gothic mansion on pages 8 and 9. There are also some interesting shifts in presentation, such as on page 17 where the two main characters are only suggested through outline and strokes. The sheen of the pages are also attractive. The light seems to be both reflected and captured on the page, adding an interesting layer to the artwork.

[Dashawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was about he want to se his brother because he did not see him in a long time and he thing something is wrong with the house and him and his brother was down in the bestmet and there where carrying a chest with a dead body and there and it fall and they ran up stair and his bother was reading a book to him and every time he say something from the book it happen i real life and he cupe asking his brother do you her that and the bother say yes and he said it our fault we did this the bother and usher ran out siade and the house fall down

[Tehnehn Kaijaah Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully drawn and colored adaptation of a classic horror novel by Edgar Allen Poe. I had read the original story when I was younger, but could not remember what it was about. Within the first few pages I realized which story this was. What makes this such a great version is the art and illustration. It is short, sweet and to the point and does a great job building tension. My only gripe with it is that it seems unfinished. At points I was like...are there pages missing because I feel so much is being left out storywise.

[Kyrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the early artwork. The plants in particular were spooky and foreboding. Then it just sort seemed to be all green and black and lost the creepy factor for me. I'd also forgotten that Poe is creepy, but not by today's standards, so it was light on the scare factor.
BUT if I wanted to introduce Poe to an indifferent middle school group, I'd go with these books. I think the graphic novel work would appeal and if you haven't read him before, it'd still startle you.

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am doing the LEWA challenge and had to read a classic. I wasn't into that so I had crossed it off my Bingo Card, but then while browsing Comics Plus I came across this. Well, that is definitely a way for me to read a classic, haha. This was a fun book to read, I believe I have read it earlier plus even more recent with What Moves the Dead. I liked the art and it was nice and spooky (though at the end I had a bit of laugh with how that tongue flopped around).

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per "The Pit and the Pendulum" in graphic novel format, I really enjoyed reading the story via this medium. The original is so intense and spooky in its own right, and the artwork here brings it to life in a different way. Really enjoyable...and seriously thinking about buying more for the school collection - will be promoting these to the students, now I've read them! :-)

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and enjoyable, makes me want to reread the actual short story to compare, i like how creepy the characters looked in this rendition and how there were deep thinking questions at the end as if it were for a class to discuss. it took on a supernatural aspect that i didn’t remember the short story having

[Stijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Had a bit of a trouble linking green to the type of story and how the characters illustration does not feel 'right' in such an open-ended story. They should be as uncomfortable, obscure, I would say, while they now look more 'secure' and 'clear'.
The castle and the final sections were better, in my view.

[Lily Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The details are amazing! Even though it's short it's still exciting and interesting. I would recommend it for people that like mystery and comics. It creates suspense and eerie in the story because of the colors and shading. I wish it would be longer but it's still a good book.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book fell flat to me and I found that the graphic novel didn't convey the creepiness of the story.

The story however did intrigue me and I would be interested in reading the original story as I would imagine it to be more immersive as a spooky read.

[Pug · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy way to read and digest Poe! Lovely and creepy artwork. Still not entirely sure how I feel about the odd story, though. So the house was somehow connected to the health and sanity of its inhabitants???

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are dark and mostly green, which suit the mood. However, the text is often small and hard to read, and there are some moments that are hard to follow and that don’t make sense.

The original tale is on my TBR list, so hopefully that makes more sense.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit cheesy and over-dramatic. Gives the story a more jumpy kind of horror rather than the slow building tension and suspense of the original. However, would be good for young readers who might be overwhelmed by the vocabulary and descriptions of the original.

[Aryanna Tunstall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect combination of my two favorite things; Edgar Allan Poe and graphic novels. The imagery was beautiful and the story was told in a very fun and simple manner. Highly recommended to everybody.

[Murillo Soranso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful graphic novel art. The graphics made it easier to understand the story. But it did lose some of the mystery and the darkness the prose created. It’s a sad sad story no matter what. Ah and I read this in Portuguese which was a treat.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing art to accompany Poes amazing story.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cool graphic novel retelling, like the green mist that seems to entwine through everything and symbolizes the madness within

[Megan Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it was, I really enjoyed it. Great art work.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a creepy story!!! And honestly, still confusing, even in this wonderful simplified version but so good if you like Poe!!!