Beowulf: The Graphic Novel

by Stephen L. Stern

Before Lord of the Rings, before Conan—there was BEOWULF! The Viking warrior must defeat the ogre Grendel and his vengeful mother before facing the fire-breathing dragon that will spell his doom. This stunning graphic novel captures the power and majesty of the greatest sword and sorcery hero of them all!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Classics, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Mythology

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Stephen L. Stern is best known as the writer/creator of the independent comic-book, 'Zen Intergalactic Ninja', which has sold over 3 million copies and spawned two videogames, a line of action figures and many other licensed items. He is also the author of the 'Beowulf', 'A Christmas Carol' and 'War of the Worlds' graphic novels, as well as the author of the official comic-book adaptation of the animated classic, 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.' His current projects include 'Frickin' Butt-Kickin' Zombie Ants' and 'Serving Supes', and his autobiographical graphic novel, 'Majestic Comics', is scheduled for release in 2017. Stern is also the founder of Storyboard Graphic Novels.

Reviews

[Ken W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was tempted to go with 4 stars because it was so short… but it was an excellent graphic novel adaptation of a classic story! Great artwork! Five stars and highly recommended!

[Amity Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wish we could just read the poem. I like the story line but absolutely hate the way it was portrayed.

[Wyatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating would likely be a 2.5 if possible and purely because the art is that good. I’m sure that the actual novel (that I’ve yet to read) is much better than this retelling, but for what it’s worth, there wasn’t much depth to Beowulf or Grendel and the story more unfolded because it did and not because it needed to. A bit awkward storytelling but maybe it was more of a commentary on what was happening historically with the Danes.

One day I’ll read the novel and return here with more clarity.

[Ανδρέας Μιχαηλίδης · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and watched quite a few adaptations of Beowulf, and I can confidently say this one does the most justice to the original source. No embellishments, no weird contemporary additions, and any subtle personal touch from the creators is only depicted in the art without comment.

It is a short graphic novel, though, so much of the poetry and rhythm is gone, but the epic feel is all there and straightforward: no messing around, no going around in circles.

I would have liked the whole thing to be in color, as I have seen Steininger's colored work and the style is very fitting; on the other hand, the black-and-white apparently charcoal strokes serve to make the comic reminiscent of some old illustrated scroll

[Christy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Beowulf in high school. This time I got to see it through pictures and words. I didn't remember the ending because all I remembered was his fight with Grendel. I didn't even remember him having to take on Grendel's mother or the dragon.

Really loved and found it wonderful though bittersweet as well because of the ending. Yet Beowulf was a man that was generous even upon his death.

The graphics where great. I just wish that it was easier to read on a Kindle without having to zoom in so often. Checked this out on hoopla from the library.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art style was really dark and grim and very appropriate for the tone of Beowulf. I had to read this for class but I was able to enjoy it as well. I liked the visualization to go along with what I already know about the Beowulf story. I especially loved the depiction of Grendel's mother.



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[Chimene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first GN - so I'm pretty late to the party. I was encouraged to take a look at this genre as I was under the impression it was all comic book super heroes. Shame on me for being closed minded.

I thoroughly enjoyed the artwork and it was easy to sink into.

The story of Beuwulf is pretty well known and the retelling in this GN was easy to follow.

I think I will need to explore further.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a student who needs help with BEOWULF? This Graphic Novel is a pretty easy way to get an overall understanding of the plot.

Reading it, I wondered if anyone has ever optioned the characters for an epic series, a la Game of Thrones. Maybe I should check out some series asking these lines — Vikings? I dunno.

[Myriam X♥︎O ¬_¬ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had an English class today where our teacher assigned us this comic book to read and discuss. Although I love reading comics, this one was quite confusing. In fact, I had to create a family tree and a map on paper just to keep track of the storyline.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a nice short version of Beowulf. I would have liked a few lines with some poetry similar to the full text. I also would have preferred some color in the pictures. Overall, it is a good read especially for those who don’t like reading or find the full text confusing.

[Daniel Tol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded down to 3 stars.

Read this right after finishing the poem to get a visual adaptation of the story and if I missed something significant.

The art is take it or leave it but the layout was good and for such a short read it was pretty decent.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the comments about the need for color.

[Viktor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic black and white artwork. Beowulf, however, looks like a jerk.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overly simplistic.

[Sarah-Jane Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first graphic novel. I only gave the low stars because this is simply not my typical genre or style and I found it such a limiting way to enjoy a story. I definitely prefer words!!!

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good classic story, too much condensed and with subpar art.

[Lacee Bergstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for mythology class

Nice, short read with a really good artstyle! I loved how the monsters were shown, and the battles were also done really well. Only took me like 10 mins to read

[Stacey M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Beowulf and was very excited to start this graphic novel. In truth it felt like a watered down version of the tale. The illistrations also left much to be desired. This book fell far from my expectations and was a disappointment.

[KV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an quick read novel & full of action oriented story. This is the first time i heard about Beowulf. I enjoyed the scene when Beowulf killed Grendel & his mother.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author introduction acknowledges Grummere's 1910 translation as the original inspiration. Heaney's 1999 translation was the catalyst that got this graphic novel going. Stern mentions the historical figure Hygelac. He also praises Tolkien's 1936 essay, which is probably the reason that Beowulf is taught in English classes today (and "middle earth" is an actual term, mentioned several times, in Beowulf).

Black and white pics. The extended prologue (about Shield Sheafson's arrival on a sail-less boat sent by Odin) was unfamiliar to me (although Shield is described as a foundling). It's not in Grummere's edition (which appears in the Harvard Classics). Other details are changed too: we hear more about Breca from Beowulf, Unferth conspires to help Grendel's mother to return Grendel's arm (and she kills him later, so he does not offer Beowulf his sword, Hrunting), and there is no mention of God (although Grendel is described as a descendant of Cain). The "novel" ends like the movie 300: the remaining warrior (Wiglaf) charges into battle against the Swedes, defiant to the end.

I liked Gareth Hinds's graphic version better because it's more faithful to the original plot and because the graphics are not sexually charged (it's minimal in Stern's version, but still present).

[Rose Lillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was searching my library for Beowulf I found this there too, so I decided I might as well read both. The art style was great and all, but I preferred the writing style more in the original. I do recommend reading both, this one second of course, since the graphic novel aspect really helped me visualize parts I couldn't on my own while reading the original.


Gave me strong vibes of what I imagine a Witcher graphic novel to look like. Honestly think this illustrator would be great for that.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book with a lot of detailed drawings, but it's really gory.

[Gabriella Araujo · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read, good graphics. To bad it was in black and white because I imagine some color would have made some of the pages really jump out at you. All in all, an enjoyableand quick read.

[Mariam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book told the narrative a little too quickly, but is ok as a summary story.

[Danae]

Review to follow.