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No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels
Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels) (Volume 3)
Read Shakespeare in graphic-novel form—with NO FEAR!
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels is a series based on the translated texts of the plays found in No Fear Shakespeare. The original No Fear series made Shakespeare’s plays much easier to read, but these dynamic visual adaptations are impossible to put down. Each of the titles is illustrated in its own unique style, but all are distinctively offbeat, slightly funky, and appealing to teen readers. Each book will feature:
Illustrated cast of characters<!--?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /-->
A helpful plot summary
Illustrations that show the reader exactly what’s happening in each scene—making the plot and characters even clearer than in the original No Fear Shakespeare books
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels is a series based on the translated texts of the plays found in No Fear Shakespeare. The original No Fear series made Shakespeare’s plays much easier to read, but these dynamic visual adaptations are impossible to put down. Each of the titles is illustrated in its own unique style, but all are distinctively offbeat, slightly funky, and appealing to teen readers. Each book will feature:
Illustrated cast of characters<!--?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /-->
A helpful plot summary
Illustrations that show the reader exactly what’s happening in each scene—making the plot and characters even clearer than in the original No Fear Shakespeare books
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
26 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 22, 2009
This graphic novelization of Shakespeare's most famous -- but maybe not his best -- play absolutely stunned me. I've already read the play twice and seen I-don't-know-how-many recreations on stage, in film, and on television, and so I confess my expectations for this newer interpretation were quite low. What fresh air could a graphic novel possibly breathe into a story so common it's become a cliche? You'll be surprised. Or at least I was.
For one thing, the artwork is fabulous: beautiful, inventive, playful, modern. For another, the novel uses modified English that communicates Shakespeare's themes clearly but doesn't water them down. This version of the play will be an exciting tool in my classroom -- already I wish I had bought thirty copies instead of just one -- but more than that, it is a piece of art in itself. When I hit the last page, when the Capulets and the Montagues finally reconciled their age-old rivalry, I felt my eyeballs burn with tears, as though I were reading Romeo & Juliet for the first time. It's that good. Highly recommended, even if you're not an English teacher who, like me, is just looking for stuff to help him teach the play for the first time.
For one thing, the artwork is fabulous: beautiful, inventive, playful, modern. For another, the novel uses modified English that communicates Shakespeare's themes clearly but doesn't water them down. This version of the play will be an exciting tool in my classroom -- already I wish I had bought thirty copies instead of just one -- but more than that, it is a piece of art in itself. When I hit the last page, when the Capulets and the Montagues finally reconciled their age-old rivalry, I felt my eyeballs burn with tears, as though I were reading Romeo & Juliet for the first time. It's that good. Highly recommended, even if you're not an English teacher who, like me, is just looking for stuff to help him teach the play for the first time.
Read
May 3, 2017This graphic novel version of Romeo and Juliet is wonderful. Because it depicts the tale by combining shakespeare's language with modern day english, it is easy for students to understand. By using this text, students will be able to grasp the storyline of Romeo and Juliet in its play form through pictures.
When reading Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Middle School, it is important to choose a text that they will be able to understand. Because Shakespeare's original language is incredibly confusing, this graphic novel version of the play would be of great use in a Middle School class. When teaching Shakespeare, there is a highly performative quality. With Romeo and Juliet, I would have the class read through each act together, with students following along as different characters. Then, after we have read the act, I would break the students up into groups and have each group create their own performance of the act. In doing this, students who enjoy performing will be able to really grasp this lesson, and by putting students in groups, the the fear of performing for some will be limited. After the groups have performed, the students will write a 5 sentence summary (quick write) on the act. In writing the summary, they are practicing their (Blooms) summarizing and synthesizing skills. For each act they will do this, and on a piece of paper they will continuously be adding their summaries as a 'log' that will be collected at the end of the play.
Romeo and Juliet relates to the concept of struggle in the sense that the story questions man vs. self and man vs. world, as Romeo and Juliet must choose between their love and their families acceptance.
When reading Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Middle School, it is important to choose a text that they will be able to understand. Because Shakespeare's original language is incredibly confusing, this graphic novel version of the play would be of great use in a Middle School class. When teaching Shakespeare, there is a highly performative quality. With Romeo and Juliet, I would have the class read through each act together, with students following along as different characters. Then, after we have read the act, I would break the students up into groups and have each group create their own performance of the act. In doing this, students who enjoy performing will be able to really grasp this lesson, and by putting students in groups, the the fear of performing for some will be limited. After the groups have performed, the students will write a 5 sentence summary (quick write) on the act. In writing the summary, they are practicing their (Blooms) summarizing and synthesizing skills. For each act they will do this, and on a piece of paper they will continuously be adding their summaries as a 'log' that will be collected at the end of the play.
Romeo and Juliet relates to the concept of struggle in the sense that the story questions man vs. self and man vs. world, as Romeo and Juliet must choose between their love and their families acceptance.
May 26, 2017
Not the biggest fan, though I've only read one of the No Fear Shakespeare's. It literally has nothing to do with the illustrations or fact that they did it. I guess once you go Shakespeare you can never go back. As an English teacher, the value is apparent as the words are amended to be understandable to anyone, but as I read it, it felt stiff, blatant, and un-Shakespeare-like. Yes, I know that that is the point, which is why it was okay. It does its job. However, it's not something that provides entertainment, rather it serves a purpose as an alternative for those that don't wish to spend brain power on understanding Shakespeare.
September 26, 2025
Ngl im pretty obsessed with this
OKAY I WAS obsessed before I even read this. I still havent read the actual book (js this comic version which is SO COOL) and I still would like to. I remember reading a book a while ago and it had a few other quotes from THIS book (well not this exact one, js Romeo and Juliet, you get my point).
I had um
Memorized those quotes because I rly liked them
3 years ago
And I still remember them
MOVINGONMOVINGON
"There never was a tale of such woe
Than of Juliet and her Romeo"
*hurls book off a cliff and follows after it*
Okay, so there were flaws with this book.
IK somehow the hopeless romantic finds something wrong with only the greatest love story ever.
Romeo and Juliet were WHINY.
Mhm mhm, you heard me. They both thought in the same way which was cute tho.
Nurse: Juliet your husband js got banished
Juliet: thats as good as dead! *wails
Nurse: hey now, that doesn’t mean you cant be with him, hes js in the town over-
Juliet: I gUeSs iLL jUsT hAvE tO KiLL mYsElF
Nurse: NO-
Friar: Romeo, hate to break it to you, since you killed Tybalt out of revenge you've been banished
Romeo: IM DEAD IM DEAAAD
Friar: uh no, you've been BANISHED
Romeo: and people in hell have been banished from heaven
Friar: fair point but this isnt heav-
Romeo: *pacing and wailing dramatically
THE FLIES
THE FLIES GET TO SEE JULIET'S BEAUTY AND I DO NOT
THEY GET TO HOLD HER HAND, KISS HER CHEEK, AND I DO NOT
(I actually like this speech tho. It isnt the exact quote ofc)
Friar: bruthr stop crying i have a PLANNNN hear me a PLANNN
Romeo: THE FLIESSS- wdym a plan old man‐ THE FLIIEEESSS
Friar: well‐
Romeo: too late you didn't tell me fast enough
I gUesS iLL jUsT KiLL mYseLF TheN
Friar: NO–
Anyways. I js thought that banishment wasnt a huge problem, seeing as Juliet could js go with Romeo out of town, and away from the feuding families.
Also smth im in general pissed abt
Did it REALLY take them DYING for the montauges and capulets to make up?
Bruh
Anyways.
Fun thing that I NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE: apparently Romeo was originally in love with a girl named Rosaline. She isnt shown in the play, but apparently shes super pretty, and the love is unrequited. But the moment Romeo looks at Juliet he falls in love with her and forgets about Rosaline
HOWVE I NEVER KNOWN THIS BEFORE. Ive read many books mentioning Romeo and Juliet, making it a big theme in it, ive watched many TV shows, and NEVER ONCE did it mention Rosaline. 🤨
Anyways
Here's what Romeo said when he first saw Juliet, I js think its sweet:
"Oh she teaches the torches to shine bright! She hangs on the dark night like a jewel in an Ethiopians ear. Beauty too costly for use, too precious for this earth!
A snowy dove surrounded by a flock of crows...
I'll watch where she stops and then, by touching her hands, ill make my rough hands holy.
Did my heart love til now?
...my eyes were liars! For i never saw true beauty til this night."
Adorable.
But it took him only a page to be able to rizz Juliet up and kiss her
Twice
HE CAN DO THAT!?!?!
although that scene was cute.
"The only one I love born
From the only one I hate!
I saw him too early
And knew him too late!"
Aw Juliet
Here's the part that I memorized/am going to try to memorize in its original form
"Oh Romeo Romeo why must you be Romeo?
Forget your father and shed your name. Or if you wont, just swear your love to me and ill no longer be a capulet
Its only your name thats my enemy. You'd still be yourself even if you stopped being a Montauge. What's a Montauge anyway? Its not a hand, a foot, an arm, a face, or any other part of a man.
Oh be some other name! The thing we call a rose would smell as sweet if we called it by any other name.
Romeo would be just as perfect if he wasnt called Romeo. Romeo, lose your name, trade in your name, which has nothing to do with you and take all of me in exchange."
Then Romeo reveals that he was listening the whole time
"Romeo?"
"My little bird?"
"What time tomorrow should I send the messenger to you?"
"By nine o'clock"
"I wont fail, from now until then seems like twenty years
...
Ive forgotten why I called you back"
"Let me stand here til you remember"
"I'll forget it, to have you stand there forever. I only remember how I love your company"
"I'll keep standing here, even if you keep forgetting. I'll forget that I have any other home besides this spot right here."
"Id let you leave but only as far as a spoiled child let's her pet bird hop away before pulling it back with a silver thread tied around its legs like a poor prisoner in twisted chains."
"I wish i was your bird"
"My sweet so do i, but i would kill you with too much caressing,"
And my favorite quote from the book (hmmm I wonder whyyy)
"Good night good night, parting is such sweet sorrow that ill say goodnight until tonight becomes tomorrow"
IN SHORT
I rly like this book 😃
OKAY I WAS obsessed before I even read this. I still havent read the actual book (js this comic version which is SO COOL) and I still would like to. I remember reading a book a while ago and it had a few other quotes from THIS book (well not this exact one, js Romeo and Juliet, you get my point).
I had um
Memorized those quotes because I rly liked them
3 years ago
And I still remember them
MOVINGONMOVINGON
"There never was a tale of such woe
Than of Juliet and her Romeo"
*hurls book off a cliff and follows after it*
Okay, so there were flaws with this book.
IK somehow the hopeless romantic finds something wrong with only the greatest love story ever.
Romeo and Juliet were WHINY.
Mhm mhm, you heard me. They both thought in the same way which was cute tho.
Nurse: Juliet your husband js got banished
Juliet: thats as good as dead! *wails
Nurse: hey now, that doesn’t mean you cant be with him, hes js in the town over-
Juliet: I gUeSs iLL jUsT hAvE tO KiLL mYsElF
Nurse: NO-
Friar: Romeo, hate to break it to you, since you killed Tybalt out of revenge you've been banished
Romeo: IM DEAD IM DEAAAD
Friar: uh no, you've been BANISHED
Romeo: and people in hell have been banished from heaven
Friar: fair point but this isnt heav-
Romeo: *pacing and wailing dramatically
THE FLIES
THE FLIES GET TO SEE JULIET'S BEAUTY AND I DO NOT
THEY GET TO HOLD HER HAND, KISS HER CHEEK, AND I DO NOT
(I actually like this speech tho. It isnt the exact quote ofc)
Friar: bruthr stop crying i have a PLANNNN hear me a PLANNN
Romeo: THE FLIESSS- wdym a plan old man‐ THE FLIIEEESSS
Friar: well‐
Romeo: too late you didn't tell me fast enough
I gUesS iLL jUsT KiLL mYseLF TheN
Friar: NO–
Anyways. I js thought that banishment wasnt a huge problem, seeing as Juliet could js go with Romeo out of town, and away from the feuding families.
Also smth im in general pissed abt
Did it REALLY take them DYING for the montauges and capulets to make up?
Bruh
Anyways.
Fun thing that I NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE: apparently Romeo was originally in love with a girl named Rosaline. She isnt shown in the play, but apparently shes super pretty, and the love is unrequited. But the moment Romeo looks at Juliet he falls in love with her and forgets about Rosaline
HOWVE I NEVER KNOWN THIS BEFORE. Ive read many books mentioning Romeo and Juliet, making it a big theme in it, ive watched many TV shows, and NEVER ONCE did it mention Rosaline. 🤨
Anyways
Here's what Romeo said when he first saw Juliet, I js think its sweet:
"Oh she teaches the torches to shine bright! She hangs on the dark night like a jewel in an Ethiopians ear. Beauty too costly for use, too precious for this earth!
A snowy dove surrounded by a flock of crows...
I'll watch where she stops and then, by touching her hands, ill make my rough hands holy.
Did my heart love til now?
...my eyes were liars! For i never saw true beauty til this night."
Adorable.
But it took him only a page to be able to rizz Juliet up and kiss her
Twice
HE CAN DO THAT!?!?!
although that scene was cute.
"The only one I love born
From the only one I hate!
I saw him too early
And knew him too late!"
Aw Juliet
Here's the part that I memorized/am going to try to memorize in its original form
"Oh Romeo Romeo why must you be Romeo?
Forget your father and shed your name. Or if you wont, just swear your love to me and ill no longer be a capulet
Its only your name thats my enemy. You'd still be yourself even if you stopped being a Montauge. What's a Montauge anyway? Its not a hand, a foot, an arm, a face, or any other part of a man.
Oh be some other name! The thing we call a rose would smell as sweet if we called it by any other name.
Romeo would be just as perfect if he wasnt called Romeo. Romeo, lose your name, trade in your name, which has nothing to do with you and take all of me in exchange."
Then Romeo reveals that he was listening the whole time
"Romeo?"
"My little bird?"
"What time tomorrow should I send the messenger to you?"
"By nine o'clock"
"I wont fail, from now until then seems like twenty years
...
Ive forgotten why I called you back"
"Let me stand here til you remember"
"I'll forget it, to have you stand there forever. I only remember how I love your company"
"I'll keep standing here, even if you keep forgetting. I'll forget that I have any other home besides this spot right here."
"Id let you leave but only as far as a spoiled child let's her pet bird hop away before pulling it back with a silver thread tied around its legs like a poor prisoner in twisted chains."
"I wish i was your bird"
"My sweet so do i, but i would kill you with too much caressing,"
And my favorite quote from the book (hmmm I wonder whyyy)
"Good night good night, parting is such sweet sorrow that ill say goodnight until tonight becomes tomorrow"
IN SHORT
I rly like this book 😃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
I liked the medium but the story itself is what caused my to mark it down.
So Neil Gaiman wrote "It may help to understand human affairs, to be clear, that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people."
And I feel like this quote perfectly sums up not only the story of Romeo and Juliet, but also how it has been misinterpreted and misunderstood throughout its rise to infamy and review in more modern times since its creation.
It was a lot more simplistic than I had been led to believe by its reputation and a lot less calculating and devious.
It was just children being children and people making stupid mistakes. Like that annoying episode of a TV show where the two people who you know are meant to be together keep JUST missing each other, one stepping out of a room just as the other enters. Or in this case, leaving or arriving at a place just before they should.
It did make me wish for a happy ending despite me knowing that it ends in tragedy.
Basically, ultimately I think Shakespeare did a good job with his story & writing, but I think that it's reputation has created an untrue impression of the intentions of the characters & feud that can potentially lead to the reader having the wrong expectations about what's going to happen.
So Neil Gaiman wrote "It may help to understand human affairs, to be clear, that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people."
And I feel like this quote perfectly sums up not only the story of Romeo and Juliet, but also how it has been misinterpreted and misunderstood throughout its rise to infamy and review in more modern times since its creation.
It was a lot more simplistic than I had been led to believe by its reputation and a lot less calculating and devious.
It was just children being children and people making stupid mistakes. Like that annoying episode of a TV show where the two people who you know are meant to be together keep JUST missing each other, one stepping out of a room just as the other enters. Or in this case, leaving or arriving at a place just before they should.
It did make me wish for a happy ending despite me knowing that it ends in tragedy.
Basically, ultimately I think Shakespeare did a good job with his story & writing, but I think that it's reputation has created an untrue impression of the intentions of the characters & feud that can potentially lead to the reader having the wrong expectations about what's going to happen.
Read
May 1, 2017This book is great for students who really cannot understand Shakespeare, but you still need to teach the play. This would be a great introduction to Shakespeare to younger students who don't really need to read the play in the original text. It's also great because it is a graphic novel so students will be intrigued by it.
Gallagher's whose to blame strategy goes great with this play because it gets them thinking because it is not straight forward. The students have to explain why they think people are to blame, not just state they think that person is to blame which promotes critical thinking. An addition to this strategy would be to have students who have blamed different people try and convince the other student of their answer and change their opinion. So its a two-fer. They work on critical thinking and persuasion.
Gallagher's whose to blame strategy goes great with this play because it gets them thinking because it is not straight forward. The students have to explain why they think people are to blame, not just state they think that person is to blame which promotes critical thinking. An addition to this strategy would be to have students who have blamed different people try and convince the other student of their answer and change their opinion. So its a two-fer. They work on critical thinking and persuasion.
November 16, 2017
it was a slow read but a good one. if you are a good reader i would recommend this it will be a challenge but it as a good ending.
November 16, 2017
this book was a very slow read and wasn't very eventful. although the humor in the book was what brought up my rating.
April 18, 2019
This is such an excellent resource! I work one-on-one with struggling students & this helps decipher the language and offer an accurate visual to supplement their reading of the original.
April 15, 2020
I like this very much!
May 18, 2021
- 3 stars
Could’ve done a better job at summarizing, and the illustrations weren’t my favs. It was still enjoyable, though.
Could’ve done a better job at summarizing, and the illustrations weren’t my favs. It was still enjoyable, though.
Read
May 18, 2017um this book was good but stupid at the same time. because i know like people fall in love but who kills themselves for each other it could have ended another way without so many people dying but other than the stupid horrible cruel ending it was a good book
June 9, 2024
when he says 'gn' but romeo said 'I wish you sleep, and I wish you peace. And I wish that I were sleep and peace, so I could rest there sweetly with you'
thanks free cancelled school library books <3
thanks free cancelled school library books <3
May 6, 2014
This takes place in ancient Verona, during a huge grudge held between two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Juliet, a Capulet,and Romeo, a Montague, fall in love with each other at the Capulet ball that the family has for Juliet's upcoming.
Romeo is still sprung over Rosaline, Juliet's cousin, because Rosaline doesn't want to give up her virginity to Romeo and doesn't like him back. Romeo's depression aggravates his cousin Benvolio. when both hear about the ball and see Rosaline's name on the list, Benvolio instantly makes Romeo attend to see that there are way more women than just her in Verona. They go in masks to disguise themselves from the guards. Romeo spots Juliet as she dances beautifully on the dance floor. He then takes the chance to dance with her and they instantly exchange kisses. When they part and find out who each other are, they curse the family grudge that prohibits their love. They secretly meet at Juliet's balcony to announce their love to each other and plan to marry the next day by Friar Lawrence. They marry because Friar Lawrence believes the family grudge will end. After they marry, they plan to celebrate at night together. However, Romeo's friend Mercutio and Juliet's hateful cousin Tybalt battle in a gory fight in which Mercutio is slain. Romeo becomes enraged by this and kills Tybalt, his cousin in law. He blames fortune/fate for this mishap and fears to show Juliet his face. Juliet struggles to balance out her loyalty to her husband and to her family due to Romeo killing Tybalt.
Romeo is banished from Verona and Juliet is forced to plan out her escape to be with Romeo. She goes to Friar Lawrence about her issues and he comes up with an ultimate plan to help her. He gives her a potion to make her appear dead before her wedding day with County Paris. Then, when she is put in the vault, Romeo will appear there for them to love together happily forever. He will send a letter to Romeo to describe the plan, but this never gets to Romeo. When Romeo and Paris visit Juliet, Romeo slays him and proposes his death to Death itself to be with Juliet with poison he purchases from an apothecary. Juliet wakes to find Romeo dead and slays herself with his dagger. When Friar Lawrence tells the Prince and the families what occurred, they end their family grudge to avenge Romeo and Juliet's death.
Romeo is still sprung over Rosaline, Juliet's cousin, because Rosaline doesn't want to give up her virginity to Romeo and doesn't like him back. Romeo's depression aggravates his cousin Benvolio. when both hear about the ball and see Rosaline's name on the list, Benvolio instantly makes Romeo attend to see that there are way more women than just her in Verona. They go in masks to disguise themselves from the guards. Romeo spots Juliet as she dances beautifully on the dance floor. He then takes the chance to dance with her and they instantly exchange kisses. When they part and find out who each other are, they curse the family grudge that prohibits their love. They secretly meet at Juliet's balcony to announce their love to each other and plan to marry the next day by Friar Lawrence. They marry because Friar Lawrence believes the family grudge will end. After they marry, they plan to celebrate at night together. However, Romeo's friend Mercutio and Juliet's hateful cousin Tybalt battle in a gory fight in which Mercutio is slain. Romeo becomes enraged by this and kills Tybalt, his cousin in law. He blames fortune/fate for this mishap and fears to show Juliet his face. Juliet struggles to balance out her loyalty to her husband and to her family due to Romeo killing Tybalt.
Romeo is banished from Verona and Juliet is forced to plan out her escape to be with Romeo. She goes to Friar Lawrence about her issues and he comes up with an ultimate plan to help her. He gives her a potion to make her appear dead before her wedding day with County Paris. Then, when she is put in the vault, Romeo will appear there for them to love together happily forever. He will send a letter to Romeo to describe the plan, but this never gets to Romeo. When Romeo and Paris visit Juliet, Romeo slays him and proposes his death to Death itself to be with Juliet with poison he purchases from an apothecary. Juliet wakes to find Romeo dead and slays herself with his dagger. When Friar Lawrence tells the Prince and the families what occurred, they end their family grudge to avenge Romeo and Juliet's death.
November 24, 2016
What was I thinking?
I have never enjoyed R&J. Thought everything about it was overrated and dull. So, seeing Ala Great Stories talk about it, made me want to pick it up and try again. Why do I listen to other people?
I got about twenty pages in and remembered why I disliked this so much. Romeo is such a crybaby and ruins anything about love.
What I actually liked about this (oh don't act so shocked) was it's in a form that kids can connect with and it's in modern english. I find it would be a great teaching tool for anyone trying to bring this into the classroom. It's more up to date and modern. It still didn't make me fall in love. Just end thy life now.
Lets not forget about that plague. The best part!!
I have never enjoyed R&J. Thought everything about it was overrated and dull. So, seeing Ala Great Stories talk about it, made me want to pick it up and try again. Why do I listen to other people?
I got about twenty pages in and remembered why I disliked this so much. Romeo is such a crybaby and ruins anything about love.
What I actually liked about this (oh don't act so shocked) was it's in a form that kids can connect with and it's in modern english. I find it would be a great teaching tool for anyone trying to bring this into the classroom. It's more up to date and modern. It still didn't make me fall in love. Just end thy life now.
Lets not forget about that plague. The best part!!
Want to read
January 25, 2008A friend of a friend of mine drew this comic book version of Romeo and Juliet, and he's very talented, so I'm excited about reading it.
March 1, 2019
Spoiler Alert: They die at the end.
I am not a fan of Shakespeare. I bought this book for my son in high school in case he reads the play and doesn't fully grasp what was going on. I decided to read it myself and it was fine. There were a lot of sexual innuendos, which I thought was funny. But good grief, the "love" was just ridiculous. Insta-love galore. Romeo is whining about how much he loves Rosaline, which from what I can tell is just based on her looks. Then he sees Juliet and Rosaline is quickly forgotten. He tells Juliet he loves her the same night and they marry the next day. I fail to see how this is romantic. I know, I know it was written in a different time, but I still don't see how it was romantic. Although I will say, a lot of the confusing parts in the movie Romeo and Juliet (Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes) did make more sense after reading this. I may have to rewatch it. :)
Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
2017 Pop Sugar Challenge - A book that's been mentioned in another book
2017 Llama Library Romance Challenge - A classic romance book
2017 One Classic A Month
I am not a fan of Shakespeare. I bought this book for my son in high school in case he reads the play and doesn't fully grasp what was going on. I decided to read it myself and it was fine. There were a lot of sexual innuendos, which I thought was funny. But good grief, the "love" was just ridiculous. Insta-love galore. Romeo is whining about how much he loves Rosaline, which from what I can tell is just based on her looks. Then he sees Juliet and Rosaline is quickly forgotten. He tells Juliet he loves her the same night and they marry the next day. I fail to see how this is romantic. I know, I know it was written in a different time, but I still don't see how it was romantic. Although I will say, a lot of the confusing parts in the movie Romeo and Juliet (Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes) did make more sense after reading this. I may have to rewatch it. :)
Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
2017 Pop Sugar Challenge - A book that's been mentioned in another book
2017 Llama Library Romance Challenge - A classic romance book
2017 One Classic A Month
January 17, 2021
my rating had nothing to do with the graphic novel, but the actual story - the graphic novel does exactly what it says on the cover it's a telling of Romeo and Juliet in plain English, done in a way that will get the intended target (probably students in high school) into reading Shakespeare/Romeo&Juliet in a way that will get them interested and they can understand it. The artwork might not be everyone's cup of tea, kind of reminds me a little bit of 'Persepolis' but more 'American.' and there's nothing wrong with it.
October 20, 2024
I've never had any desire to be read Romeo & Juliet, so I thought I would try this, just to fill that gap in my education. It was pretty OK. The modern translation coupled with the graphic novel format made a story that I wasn't very interested in a little more entertaining. At least I can probably answer basic trivia questions about the plot and characters now.
December 5, 2018
I really like that students do not get caught up in the Shakespearean language becasue they can look at the other side of the page and see it translated into modern day English. Who doesn't like Romeo and Juliet?
December 31, 2020
As with the Hamlet graphic novel, I think this is a very fun way to interact with Shakespeare. However, I don't think the art style suited this story the same way it did Hamlet, and for that I don't think I enjoyed it quite as much as I could have.
December 6, 2021
For school use - graphic novel is more comprehensible than the original, but still contains a ton of complex language. Will need to scaffold for ELs. I wish there were a glossary or footnotes were more frequently used to define words.
November 4, 2023
I didn't enjoy the "translation" of Shakespeare's words. I did enjoy the artwork. The story is as good as ever.
Seriously, who thought "But wait! What's the light in that window there?" was superior to "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?"
Seriously, who thought "But wait! What's the light in that window there?" was superior to "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?"
March 13, 2017
R & J in plain English in comic book format. Great for those who are not comfortable with Shakespearean English.
May 18, 2017
its was pooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
May 18, 2017
good book
May 30, 2017
Romeo and Juliet was so good. I read this book, but not the graphic novel. I loved it just as much as Macbeth.
January 31, 2018
In the beginning, I was on the fence about it but I ended up loving it! It's amazing! 10/10 would recommend
November 18, 2020
Still uses shakepeare language but in a simpler way
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