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Marvel Classics Comics #9
Dracula
The tale begins with Jonathan Harker, a newly qualified English solicitor, journeying by train and carriage from England to Count Dracula's crumbling, remote castle (situated in the Carpathian Mountains on the border of Transylvania, Bukovina, and Moldavia). The purpose of his mission is to provide legal support to Dracula for a real estate transaction overseen by Harker's employer, Peter Hawkins, of Exeter in England. At first enticed by Dracula's gracious manner, Harker soon discovers that he has become a prisoner in the castle. He also begins to see disquieting facets of Dracula's nocturnal life. One night while searching for a way out of the castle, and against Dracula's strict admonition not to venture outside his room at night, Harker falls under the spell of three wanton female vampires, "the Sisters". He is saved at the last second by the Count, because he wants to keep Harker alive just long enough to obtain needed legal advice and teachings about England and London (Dracula's planned travel destination so as to be among the "teeming millions"). Harker barely escapes from the castle with his life.
Not long afterward, a Russian ship, the Demeter, having weighed anchor at Varna, runs aground on the shores of Whitby, England, during a fierce tempest. All of the crew are missing and presumed dead, and only one body is found, that of the captain tied to the ship's helm. The captain's log is recovered and tells of strange events that had taken place during the ship's journey. These events led to the gradual disappearance of the entire crew apparently owing to a malevolent presence on board the ill-fated ship. An animal described as a large dog is seen on the ship leaping ashore. The ship's cargo is described as silver sand and boxes of "mould", or earth, from Transylvania.
Not long afterward, a Russian ship, the Demeter, having weighed anchor at Varna, runs aground on the shores of Whitby, England, during a fierce tempest. All of the crew are missing and presumed dead, and only one body is found, that of the captain tied to the ship's helm. The captain's log is recovered and tells of strange events that had taken place during the ship's journey. These events led to the gradual disappearance of the entire crew apparently owing to a malevolent presence on board the ill-fated ship. An animal described as a large dog is seen on the ship leaping ashore. The ship's cargo is described as silver sand and boxes of "mould", or earth, from Transylvania.
52 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 3, 2021
In 2012 I read the original Dracula for the very first time and when reviewed it I mentioned this 1970s "graphic novel." I use quotes because that term didn't really exist in the 70s. This book, one of a series, is referred to as an illustrated classic. Pendulum Press did a whole range of classic novels in this graphic novel format with the aim of getting classics into the classroom in an easily accessible version. There are study guide questions at the end intended to help teachers encourage close reading among their students. I didn't meet Dracula in the classroom, however. Unless you count receiving the Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde three-pack of illustrated classics through the Weekly Reader book order form at school...
I loved reading these adaptations then--there was just enough of the books' creepy storyline to give me the shivers without thoroughly freaking me out. Rereading Dracula now over forty years later, I'm impressed with how much of the story Farr managed to pack into this condensed version. All the important plot points are covered and kids reading this version would have a very good grasp of the Stoker story--from Jonathan Harker's first encounter with the Count in Transylvania to the final showdown with the vampire in England. I have to say I enjoyed the graphic version every bit as much now as I did when I was young.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
I loved reading these adaptations then--there was just enough of the books' creepy storyline to give me the shivers without thoroughly freaking me out. Rereading Dracula now over forty years later, I'm impressed with how much of the story Farr managed to pack into this condensed version. All the important plot points are covered and kids reading this version would have a very good grasp of the Stoker story--from Jonathan Harker's first encounter with the Count in Transylvania to the final showdown with the vampire in England. I have to say I enjoyed the graphic version every bit as much now as I did when I was young.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
August 29, 2023
A graphic adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic. This graphic novel is a classic itself for Nestor Redondo's graphic storytelling.
The Filipino graphic novelist was known for bringing into life with his lined art, as the co-creator of the beloved homegrown superhero, Darna. Redondo was probably more recognized for his run on Swamp Thing by DC fans.
This was a decent adaptation of the novel, but I really enjoyed it more for art.
The Filipino graphic novelist was known for bringing into life with his lined art, as the co-creator of the beloved homegrown superhero, Darna. Redondo was probably more recognized for his run on Swamp Thing by DC fans.
This was a decent adaptation of the novel, but I really enjoyed it more for art.
January 26, 2011
Despite its presentation as a graphic novel, the comic holds to the basis of Bram Stoker’s original story. Though the comic book is much shorter than the novel, it does not omit important scenes; the same sequence of events is kept without any of the theatrical interpretations that are so often seen in movies.
The character roles are also preserved in this latest version, allowing readers to view the real relationship between Mina and Jonathan, as well as the multiple suitors for Lucy. Van Helsing is portrayed as the wise and brave doctor that Stoker always intended Helsing to be. And, although Dracula may appear more distant and mysterious than fans are accustomed to, his character stays true to Stoker’s original depiction.
The story is presented in bright colors and vivid sketches – a great addition from the perspective of a graphic novel. Although the original novel tries to be as detailed as possible, often the hyperbole of the old fashioned writing can feel long-winded and unnecessary, which can be a bit stifling for some of us readers, who do not speak the way Stoker wrote (he did write it in the 1890’s, after all).
Dare I say that the comic book is an improvement of the original story of Dracula? I mean no disrespect to Bram Stoker, especially since the basis of his story was such an inspiration to the horror genre; however, Thomas and Giordano did an excellent job of cutting the fat from the novel and keeping the juiciest meat of the story.
Halloween or not, almost any time is a good time to catch up on a classic, even if it is in comic book form.
-EZ Read Staffer Amelia
The character roles are also preserved in this latest version, allowing readers to view the real relationship between Mina and Jonathan, as well as the multiple suitors for Lucy. Van Helsing is portrayed as the wise and brave doctor that Stoker always intended Helsing to be. And, although Dracula may appear more distant and mysterious than fans are accustomed to, his character stays true to Stoker’s original depiction.
The story is presented in bright colors and vivid sketches – a great addition from the perspective of a graphic novel. Although the original novel tries to be as detailed as possible, often the hyperbole of the old fashioned writing can feel long-winded and unnecessary, which can be a bit stifling for some of us readers, who do not speak the way Stoker wrote (he did write it in the 1890’s, after all).
Dare I say that the comic book is an improvement of the original story of Dracula? I mean no disrespect to Bram Stoker, especially since the basis of his story was such an inspiration to the horror genre; however, Thomas and Giordano did an excellent job of cutting the fat from the novel and keeping the juiciest meat of the story.
Halloween or not, almost any time is a good time to catch up on a classic, even if it is in comic book form.
-EZ Read Staffer Amelia
February 23, 2011
Despite its presentation as a graphic novel, the comic holds to the basis of Bram Stoker’s original story. Though the comic book is much shorter than the novel, it does not omit important scenes; the same sequence of events is kept without any of the theatrical interpretations that are so often seen in movies.
The character roles are also preserved in this latest version, allowing readers to view the real relationship between Mina and Jonathan, as well as the multiple suitors for Lucy. Van Helsing is portrayed as the wise and brave doctor that Stoker always intended Helsing to be. And, although Dracula may appear more distant and mysterious than fans are accustomed to, his character stays true to Stoker’s original depiction.
The story is presented in bright colors and vivid sketches – a great addition from the perspective of a graphic novel. Although the original novel tries to be as detailed as possible, often the hyperbole of the old fashioned writing can feel long-winded and unnecessary, which can be a bit stifling for some of us readers, who do not speak the way Stoker wrote (he did write it in the 1890’s, after all).
Dare I say that the comic book is an improvement of the original story of Dracula? I mean no disrespect to Bram Stoker, especially since the basis of his story was such an inspiration to the horror genre; however, Thomas and Giordano did an excellent job of cutting the fat from the novel and keeping the juiciest meat of the story.
Halloween or not, almost any time is a good time to catch up on a classic, even if it is in comic book form.
The character roles are also preserved in this latest version, allowing readers to view the real relationship between Mina and Jonathan, as well as the multiple suitors for Lucy. Van Helsing is portrayed as the wise and brave doctor that Stoker always intended Helsing to be. And, although Dracula may appear more distant and mysterious than fans are accustomed to, his character stays true to Stoker’s original depiction.
The story is presented in bright colors and vivid sketches – a great addition from the perspective of a graphic novel. Although the original novel tries to be as detailed as possible, often the hyperbole of the old fashioned writing can feel long-winded and unnecessary, which can be a bit stifling for some of us readers, who do not speak the way Stoker wrote (he did write it in the 1890’s, after all).
Dare I say that the comic book is an improvement of the original story of Dracula? I mean no disrespect to Bram Stoker, especially since the basis of his story was such an inspiration to the horror genre; however, Thomas and Giordano did an excellent job of cutting the fat from the novel and keeping the juiciest meat of the story.
Halloween or not, almost any time is a good time to catch up on a classic, even if it is in comic book form.
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February 1, 2014I really wanted to read this novel but I wish I could
March 11, 2014
A good adaptation
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews