Beowulf: Monster Slayer [A British Legend]

Graphic Myths and Legends

by Paul D. Storrie, Ron Randall (Illustrator)

Beowulf is a brave and mighty warrior, known to have the strength of thirty men. At home in Geatland, Beowulf hears about the terrible troubles of his father’s friend, Hrothgar, the king of the Danes. Hrothgar’s land is plagued by Grendel, a vicious monster who attacks the Danes by night. Beowulf sets sail to aid Hrothgar and the Danes. But is Beowulf strong enough to slay the monstrous Grendel? And even if he succeeds, what other dangers lie ahead for the warrior-hero?

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

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Paul D. Storrie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He started writing professionally in 1998 with the comic book ROBYN OF SHERWOOD about Robin Hood's daughter.

Since then, he has written comics and graphic novels for Moonstone Books, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Devil's Due Publishing, Bluewater Productions, and Lerner Books' Graphic Universe division. He has also written short stories for the prose anthologies WEREWOLVES: DEAD MOON RISING and THE GREEN HORNET CASEFILES.

He currently lives in the Detroit suburbs.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love this, but found some appreciation for the author and illustrator's effort upon a closer look. Part of the review I wrote for class:

Beowulf: Monster Slayer is a modern graphic novel adaptation of the epic poem Beowulf. The date of composition of the original Beowulf is a matter of controversy, and many believe the poem was originally transmitted via spoken tradition in various dialects of Old English. The written manuscript dates from somewhere between 975 and 1025, and it is one of the founding texts of English literature. Set in pagan Scandinavia, the poem is a Germanic heroic legend that tells the story of the hero Beowulf's slaying of the monster Grendel.

Still in regard to the original text, Beowulf is a famously difficult work for modern ears and eyes. J. R. R. Tolkien himself—author of the Lord of the Rings fantasy books—talks about the hardships of translating this poem in his 1940 essay “On Translating Beowulf”. Anglo-Saxon poetry uses alliteration as the principal device to indicate metrical structure, rather than rhyme and rhythm. There is also no fixed number of beats or syllables. And the language itself is unintelligible to speakers of modern English.

The graphic novel comes to the aid of the 21st century audience, then, and seeks to popularize this text of complicated access using contemporary storytelling language and style. The illustrations resemble those of typical superhero comics—which makes sense, as the author and illustrator have both worked at Marvel and DC Comics. It is difficult to speak of the adaptation's accuracy, as I have had no other contact with the original text, but the book's introduction claims that the author, illustrator, and their consultant—a Ph.D from the University of Minnesota—“used traditional sources to ensure accuracy.” Additionally, they looked at “Anglo-Saxon armaments, ships, clothing, and architecture to shape the story’s visual details.” So the adaptation appears to have been elaborated with care. There is also a friendly “Glossary and Pronunciation Guide” at the end of the book.

Not super thrilling overall, but I guess Beowulf: Monster Slayer does what it seeks to accomplish.

[Doctor Doom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Artwork was pretty good, the story bored me but that may be the fault of the original story [I don't know for sure] because I saw the animated flick a few years back and that bored me as well. That also had good artwork.

[Punpun]

This is book it was very fun and it has a lot of fighting scene.

[Amanda Cavalcante · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was too simplified I think... It is almost a plot-overview... Didn't like the adaptation. Maybe it is more for one who knows what the story is about.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well adapted within the allotted space and rendered by an above-average artist!

[Stephen Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this Beowulf Graphic novel. The art is top notch, bright and bold. The story is an accurate presentation of Beowulf. There is some loss to the epic nature but I think it is at no fault of the creators of the comic, but a sort of inevitable consequence of losing the long grand narratives of the poem for this medium. With that in mind, this is a great supplement for the comic and Beowulf enthusiast, and a great intro for young readers that can’t grasp the old language just yet.
⚠️Parental Warning ⚠️
If you’re familiar with the tale, you will know that there is a lot of bloodshed from the monster fighting, but this comic limits the graphic imagery so much that I can’t imagine any parent would mind if they were already contemplating giving the tale of Beowulf to their kids.
Also, unlike other depictions the humanoid monsters are fully clothed/covered. No need to worry about shadowed or deformed nudity that you might find in the other depictions.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting to aid his father's friend Beowolf, a mighty warrior, goes to fight Grendel, a horrible monster. Grendel has been eating men one after another. Is Beowolf strong enough to vanquish this threat? Only a truly honorable man would even attempt such a thing. Hrothgar, King of the Danes is surprised his friend's son would travel far to come to the aid of his people. Beowolf goes against the terrible Grendel in an intense battle.
I never knew the legend of Beowolf. This story brings it to life with great graphics and a well told tale.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of an ancient Old English tale originally written in rhyme. In this version it is presented in a graphic novel with visually stimulating illustrations.
Beowulf, son of a king, is also a great warrior. When a monster begins terrorizing a neighbouring kingdom, Beowulf and his men set out to help those people.
Many years later, Beowulf attempts to conquer a dragon that is killing people in revenge for an act against it.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beowulf: Monster Slayer is a retelling of the centuries-old epic about Beowulf, who travels to Denmark to defeat a monster of which he has heard tales. The graphic novel is divided into “chapters” based on that story, beginning with Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark (“The Coming of Beowulf”), the story of the monster that terrorized the people in Denmark and Beowulf’s plan to defeat it (“The Horror of Heorot”), the hero’s fight with the monster (“Grendel”), and so on. This graphic adaptation takes a story that is likely difficult for many readers to understand and makes it accessible for audiences of all ages, but especially those middle school students for whom it is intended. Paul D. Storrie’s adaptation of the epic, along with Ron Randall’s superhero-worthy illustrations, combine to make this graphic novel version of the story almost better than any film adaptation of it. As an added bonus, a glossary and pronunciation guide are included at the end of the book, along with further reading and websites and an index. For these reasons, Beowulf: Monster Slayer is an essential purchase for middle school and public libraries.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Beowulf: Monster Slayer”
“Not far from here, I can hear the sea crashing on the shore.
Raise a barrow there for me.”
[* barrow = Old English beorg hill, mound]

Very good series giving a generalised overview of the predominant myths and legends that have shaped our worldviews.
- - -

[James Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good version of an old tale

Good version of an old tale. Captures the spirit of the tale. Clear illustrations and dialogue. Format does not easily display on page and jumps around screen.

[Liz C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This could have been a lot better. Story was good but needed developing. I read this on Amazon prime so got it for free. I wouldn't buy it unless it was developed further.

[Aysha Badawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good 👍

I wish it talked about Leofric Beowulf's best friend. I do like how it was in a comic strip and this is my first ever reading a comic📚. Great experience👌

[Pearlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this version for class with my high school students, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Jasmine Brooks]

so slay

[Monique]

"Wake, worm, and make war!"

[Shona Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good considering the length but not the best graphic universe comic I've read

[Kim_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't get it. Why did they kill the dragon?
A man stole from it first, though.🤔
Its rage was men's fault. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Gina Pickering Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read Beowulf in years, and needed a refresher before I started "Grendel." This was short and sweet and did the trick! I was reminded of his exploits and heroism.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably the last of my forays into beowulf. this graphic novel really helps to clear up a lot of things that other beowulf renderings don't. when seniors struggle with the actual beowulf i will recommend this - it has maps that give ideas of actual locations - it explains "geatland" it's simple language will help complement the actual legend. yes, maybe it over simplifies beowulf but for a lot of students that may be what they need to hit the "aha" factor.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel adaptation of Beowulf. Story is retold in plain language and accompanied by fairly standard American superhero graphics. Mildly violent. Has different strengths than Gareth Hinds' version.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

2007 Cybils Nominee

[Samantha Heater · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

[Raka Kurnia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the retold story of Beowulf. It was well written in a very simple language about the bravery of Beowulf. I quite enjoy reading this comic book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great version for introducing the story of Beowulf in an accessible form for the elementary age child.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the book was a ok book but the ending was interesting when beowulf killed grendel and the mother and then became king of the kingdom

[Paula Greenfield]

I really enjoyed this book. I do like myths and folktales. This was very interesting.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to the tale

Great for kids, parents and artists. Nice to see classic literature presented to new audiences. I love love to see more like this.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful graphic novel adaptation of the classic gory story of Beowulf. It is a quick and very basic version of the original tale.