The Ugly Duckling: The Graphic Novel

Graphic Spin

by Martin Powell (Adapter), Hans Christian Andersen

In a faraway land, perched upon her little nest, Mother Duck waits for her last remaining egg to hatch. When the odd little egg finally breaks open, Mother Duck is shocked to see an ugly duckling staring up at her. Despite its homeliness, Mother Duck adores her awkward child and does her best to protect him. Unfortunately, no one else on the farm wants anything to do with the Ugly Duckling, and he is driven from the farm to fend for himself. Survival, however, takes more than good looks, and the plucky little duck plods bravely into the wilderness.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Juvenile, Classics, Animals

ebook

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This entry is for Martin ^ Powell.


Martin Powell is the author of hundreds of science fiction, mystery, and horror stories. He has worked in the comic book industry since 1986, writing for Marvel, DC, Malibu, Caliber, Moonstone, and Disney, among others, and has been nominated for the coveted Eisner Award. Martin also writes children’s books, and frequently contributes prose for many short story anthologies. He resides in Saint Paul, MN.

Reviews

[(Lectrice Vorace) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The panels are hideously charming.

[Jennifer Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the graphics, typical storytelling of the ugly duckling.

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the ugly duckling as you’ve never seen him before. As in other titles in this series, Blecha re-imagines the duckling and his companions in a visual style that’s half Tim Burton and half SpongeBob SquarePants. With a few exceptions, the story is intact in its traditional form. The mother has no part in the abuse of our young protagonist. There is no mention of the cave by the lake from the original story. And instead of going to the lake to seek death by swan-pecking, Duckling is going to the lake for no apparent reason at all when he sees his pleasing reflection. And it just so happens that the swans are there, too. Although Duckling’s experiences along his journey don’t make a lot of sense from an adult point of view, the illustrations and side jokes have massive kid-appeal. As with other volumes in the Graphic Spin series, this includes a glossary, background information about the author, reteller, and illustrator, discussion questions and writing prompts. All of these add value for educators to a version of this story that will catch the eyes of their students.

//SSBRC review. Personally, I found the gentlification of the story rather offputting. But I'll live. And I really do think kids'll like that cover.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is the traditional telling of the classic with clear, bright illustrations. At the end of the graphic novel, the author includes a glossary, a short history of the story, discussion questions, writing prompts, and a website for further exploration.

[Kellylynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like this one as much as The Elves and the Shoemaker. This is a standard retelling of the Ugly Duckling, so you really can't go too wrong with that. But again, the graphics were fun and totally entertaining.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting retelling of The Ugly Duckling. The illustrations are very reminiscent of Ren and Stimpy. I agree with other reviewers that this story does not shine as brightly as some of Martin Powell's other treasures.

[Kimberly Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of a series of graphic novels all with the same author/illustrator. This is the traditional story of The Ugly Duckling, but with vivid graphics to make students interested in reading.

[Katelynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute!

[Diane Cassell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same classic story. only difference is that this version is in graphic novel form. I did not like the pictures as I thought they were crude.