El turó de Watership

Watership Down

by James Sturm (Adapter), Vanessa Palomo (Translator), Richard Adams (Original Author)

A beautiful and faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’s beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home.

“Every rabbit that stays behind is in great danger. We will welcome any rabbit who joins us.”

Watership Down is a classic tale of survival, hope, courage, and friendship that has delighted and inspired readers around the world for more than fifty years. Masterfully adapted by award-winning author James Sturm and gorgeously illustrated by bestselling artist Joe Sutphin, this spectacular graphic novel will delight old fans and inspire new ones, bringing the joy of Watership Down to a new generation of readers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fiction, Fantasy, Classics, Comics, Animals, Adventure

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2023

About the author

James Sturm is the author of several award-winning graphic novels for children and adults, including James Sturm’s America, Market Day, The Golem’s Mighty Swing and Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow. He is also the founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies and the National Association for Comics Art Educators. He created Adventures in Cartooning with collaborators Alexis Frederic-Frost and Andrew Arnold. Sturm, his wife, and two daughters live in White River Junction, Vermont.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamess...

Reviews

[Nataliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, sincerely and wholeheartedly.

It’s hard to explain why the seemingly simple story of a ragtag bunch of rabbits setting on a dangerous odyssey through English countryside has burrowed its way into my heart ever since I was a child and not only held up but got even better on each and every one of quite a few rereads. But capture my heart it did, and I regret nothing.

This graphic novel adaptation of Watership Down does the novel justice. It’s lovely, keeping a lot of Richard Adams’ text and condensing the story enough while still keeping the spirit of it. Just look at this art, simply beautiful and just absolutely perfect for the feel of the story, the lovely countryside that is the world of the rabbits, which at any moment can become quite a terrifying place in an eyeblink.

Can it be read without knowing Richard Adams’ novel? Well, yes — but for Frith’s and El-Ahrairah’s sake, why would you? It’s perfect for the fans of the original story, but for the newcomers I’d suggest to also read the original book to appreciate everything more. Because let me tell you - I’m a certified superfan of Watership Down (Bigwig and Hazel, you are my dream team!) and this looked exactly how I’d ever imagine the story, and if you love the original, I can’t fathom you not loving this as well.

(Oh, and if you have watched the 1978 British cartoon adaptation and was terrifyingly traumatized by Woundwort/Bigwig fight, you’re in luck. Ok, just kidding — it’s just as terrifyingly brutal as you remember, but awesomely so. I mean, fluffy bunnies, right? Right?)

(And just like in the original, you didn’t need any translation here to know exactly what Bigwig means when he tell Woundword to “Silflay hraka” :)

Easy 5 stars. It joins Slaughterhouse-Five, or the Children's Crusade and To Kill a Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel as another adaptation done right.

——————

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson/Potter/ Ten Speed Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Also posted on my blog.

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic tale of violence, survival, and badass rabbits running rampant, Watership Down is an absolute knock-out. While you may already have been scarred for lifes seeing the animated adaptation too young as a kid, this classic tale has once again been given a new visual life in an incredible graphic novel format, adapted by James Strum and gorgeously illustrated by Joe Sutphin. So now you too can be haunted by this scene:

The artwork here is simply divine and the adaptation successfully maintains the integrity of the original story without having to sacrifice much while also complimenting the uneasy vibes with its visual medium. I love the way the pastoral scenes and rather breezy landscapes and scenery contrasts with the moments of violence and trauma and the pacing of the frames and excellent balancing of dialog makes this completely impossible to put down. You feel all the dread building and the sudden moments of violence strike so well. This truly is a marvelous adaptation.

This story is metal as hell

I recently read the original story and reviewed it here if you are looking for a proper review of the narrative as I’ll try to keep this focused just on the graphic adaptation and perhaps an improper review of how completely awesome this story is. After having set myself up for disappointment reading a graphic adaptation of a book I super loved earlier this month, I was going to wait to read this so as not to nitpick every difference but then noticed that one of my favorite graphic novelists, Tillie Walden, said this sets a new bar for graphic adaptations. Okay FINE, I will trust Walden and was right too do so because this really does hold up. Of course I’d encourage anyone to read the actual novel and this will make a great companion piece, but this would also read just as well for those experiencing the story for the first time. Of course there are things cut out or condensed but for the most part you won’t feel lacking. A lot of the lore had to be cut but the key tales are retained during storyteller scenes—especially the Black Rabbit going and committing some mass murder after being impressed by how hardcore El-ahrairah was trying to spread pestilence with nary an ear or tail left on him—and the cool rabbit language, Lapine, is still there with a glossary of key terms.

The Black Rabbit of Inle is as scary as you assumed he would be

This is great from start to finish and I was so impressed by the art. It manages to get a lot across emotionally despite a very limited expression range on the rabbits due to trying to maintain a more realistic style. Eyes wide in fear work quite well hear and Cowlip looks as outright creepy as that little shit should be:

So whether you be a fan, familiar with the story, or a complete newcomer, this graphic adaptation is a great choice. Great art, great adaptation, and just a great story all around. Instead of noticing all the differences with this from the novel, I just kept realizing I loved this story even more than I thought I had. Tillie Walden was correct, this does set a high standard for adaptations. I loved every gorgeously illustrated frame.

4.5/5

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because I haven't read Richard Adam's classic, all impressions I state here are strictly about the graphic novel, I can't draw any comparisons between the novel and this adaptation.

The first impression was that this is a story I'd probably have liked better when I was younger and more attuned to enjoying anthropomorphic stories on their own merit. That doesn't necessarily mean I disliked the anthropomorphic aspect of this story, only that I'm perhaps more desensitised to it and it doesn't appeal or speak to me the way it would have when young. I have enjoyed other anthropomorphic stories as an adult, "Maus," "Animal Farm," etc., but those had a symbolism and metaphors that were easy to spot and understand.

Which leads to my first issue with this graphic novel: I can't see whatever metaphors or messages it was supposed to deliver. It's simply a story about and with rabbits. Now, before you come tell me the gazillion interpretations of this story from parable to allegory to political thesis, I would kindly remind you that this isn't the novel and most likely there's nuances that simply couldn't be put in illustration. For all I know, this story's message is glaringly obvious in the book. But it isn't in this graphic novel. Not that I could see it, and I tried very hard. I even looked up what the author had said his story was about, and everywhere I looked, he'd say the same: it's simply a story about rabbits, it's not meant to be a parable or anything else. His daughters, for whom he created this story, say the same in interviews: It's just a story.

Which is fair, there's nothing wrong with just a story about rabbits. But here we circle back to my first point that, if so, I'm past the age when I'd appreciate just a story about rabbits best. At my age, I need more than just that. All the children's books I love, anthro or not, have something more. I love Ferdinand because I can see the metaphor quite clearly even though it's written like just a story about a bull. But if I don't see the metaphor in "Watership Down" clearly, then it means whatever it is will be one that comes from others' interpretation projected onto it rather than from my own reading of the story. And from what I can see, this isn't exactly lacking in interpretations.

Could it be the fact that this is an adaptation without input from the author? Very possible. James Sturm does admit in the author's notes that there's been omissions from novel to graphic adaptation and that there are cuts in terms of characters and scenes, as well as changes he had to made to fit the visual medium.

So let's judge it as "just a story," then. The beginning, when Hazel and Fiver decide to lead the rabbits from their warren into a new land to escape danger is confusing, and very slow. We don't know what the danger is, and we won't know till much later, through flashbacks at that, so for the majority of the first half, all you get is rabbits running and running, and having adventures. Whether you'll find these adventures interesting will depend on your age and tastes, and they didn't suit mine. It's overlong and boring, and the only saving grace was that I rather liked Hazel, whom I initially mistook for a girl rabbit. Hazel, and to a lesser extent Bigwig, were the only characters I cared about, because the rest of the rabbits were forgettable and could be lumped into one single rabbity blob, even Fiver.

Then the story starts to get darker, once the rabbits stop running aimlessly and find a place they want to dwell in in safety. They're faced with challenges that come not from men, the rather predictable and mostly faceless "danger" they had been running from originally, but from other animals. They find two warrens of rabbits, one wild and complacent and bloated, and another aggressive and dictatorial, and things finally become interesting. This was the part I liked best, it was the best-written and better paced part. And when the final stand at the underground warren when the Efrafa rabbits attack Hazel's people, I was really engrossed and almost deflated when I thought my favourite bit the dust.

Long story short: first half mediocre, second half good.

The art is another thing that saves this adaptation. It's beautifully done, and the main rabbits have distinctive features: Hazel's lines are softer (which is why I thought he was a girl rabbit) and his fur is slightly lighter, Fiver has the Crazy Prophet face of a madman, Bigwig has a gruff Clint Eastwood aura, General Woundwort looks like a big bully, and so on. The artist took care to not make all look rabbits indistinguishable, which is appreciated. The artwork delineates the characters better than the writing does, I'd hazard to say.

In conclusion, as a story about rabbits, it does stand on its own. It might be a tad too dark and bloody for what one is used to expect from anthropomorphic stories with animals one associates with harmlessness and cuteness, but that also can be a sell for audiences that like their cute a bit bloodied.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
--Margaret Mead

I waited almost the entire Year of the Rabbit for the new graphic novel of WATERSHIP DOWN, but I did it, I got my hands on a library copy and read it this weekend, just three weeks shy of the Chinese Zodiac turning over to the Year of the Dragon.

I wasn't disappointed. James Sturm and Joe Suthpin, the author/illustrator team responsible for this graphic novel adaptation, took it seriously enough to travel to England to spend time with Richard Adams's two daughters, “whose intimate knowledge of WATERSHIP DOWN is unparalleled.” They also took hundreds of photographs and spent time in the English countryside where Mr. Adams was once inspired to create his famous novel.

The illustrations here are nothing short of outstanding. Most of us would probably jump at the chance to have pieces of this original artwork framed on our own walls, particularly any of the individual scenes of the woods and the striking woodland creatures (the owls, badgers and foxes being particular stand-outs for me).



I've read the original novel at least three times now, and nothing ever replaces the original, of course, but I do want to share that I had 2 fresh takeaways, inspired by this illustrated work.



First, this is a story of male friendships, a theme that, as far as I'm concerned, never has enough airtime in novels. Interestingly enough, the last book I read, Richard Bausch's THE LAST GOOD TIME, is also centered around a friendship between two men.

Second, this is a story about the importance of individual contributions and how they benefit a group. There was something special about seeing the characters illustrated while also learning about their particular contributions and skills. I think it makes this book an excellent choice for teens, as a coming of age story. Yes, our gifts do matter, and it is important that we share them with others.

In the final note from James Sturm, he mentions that Mr. Adams once wrote that rabbits have an “intuitive feeling that Life is Now.”

As we approach the next Lunar New Year on February 10, and we say goodbye to the humble hare and welcome in the daring dragon, let us not forget that gentle wisdom of the rabbit: “Life is Now.”

[Jenna ❤ ❀ ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Watership Down a couple years ago, read perhaps a page, and quickly DNF'ed it. I did not want to read a book with rabbit conflict, knowing there was bound to be a lot of injury and/or death.

It's funny that reading a graphic novel with depictions of those injuries and death, complete with blood, wasn't very disturbing to me. My imagination is a whole lot more realistic and "graphic" than graphic novels. (I assume that's true for most people?)

Anyway, I can deal with the cartoons but not a book that has my brain creating movies with animals being hurt. 

I thought the book was cleverly done and it was a quick read, though a lot of pages (almost 400 pages). The rabbits all looked unique - and adorable, even the "bad" ones.

There's not a lot of dialogue and I think it took a couple hours to read. 

I'm glad to finally know the story and get it in a way I can handle. I'm loving graphic novels more and more!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a wee lad I came across the novel Watership Down and it gave me Bright Eyes, burning like fire.
I read the novel quite often and the libary told me I could not jog the book all the time. So I bought my first copy.
For me this book belongs to my all time favorites along with Frank Herberts Dune series and Tolkiens Lord of the Rings books.

So now there is a comic which tells the story of the original book albeit somewhat more condensed than the Richard Adams book. I love the original movie and its art too, which is quite a standaard to live up too.

This comic delivers in spades but does leave me wonder who is really the target audience?- For me the book was sheer recognition while I think that New readers should read the novel first.
I really enjoyed the comic and it Will look lovely on my bookshelves next to collectors editions of Dune and LOTR.

Great art and a brilliant tale about rabbits, so if you ask me Whats Up doc, I Will tell you to read this well made comic version of WD, but really read the book first.

[Corn8lius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, quelle épopée ! Je ne m’attendais pas à un tel voyage, surtout avec une bande de lapins, mais il faut croire que l’anthropomorphisme a encore de beaux jours devant lui.
Dans Watership Down nous allons suivre le lapin Hazel, accompagné de son petit frère et du reste de leur bande. Ils vont devoir fuir leur garenne après que celle-ci soit menacée par les projets immobiliers des hommes. Si leur but premier est de trouver un nouvel endroit où s’installer, leur épopée sera semée d’embûche et de rencontres aussi aussi tragiques qu’épique.
Si on pourrait croire à première vue qu’il ne s’agit que d’un simple livre d’aventures avec des lapins, ce serait sans compter sur l’extraordinaire talent de Richard Adams pour créer un univers riche et une linguistique propre aux animaux. J’ai adoré plonger dans cet univers et je me suis pris d’affection pour Hazel et tous ses compagnons. J’ai particulièrement apprécié la fin forte en émotion qui m’a laissé rêveur lorsque, j’ai tourné la dernière page.
Cette édition illustrée de chez Monsieur Toussaint L’ouverture était une belle découverte et j’ai maintenant hâte de découvrir le roman original !

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original book by Richard Adams is one of my favorites. James Sturm has done a marvelous job in turning it into a graphic novel. It's one of the great things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic! Sturm writes in "Adapting Rabbits" at the end of the book:

"The COVD-19 pandemic coincided with the years I worked on adapting Watershed Down. Holed up in Vermont during these challenging and scary times, I felt it a gift to have Adams's resilient and plucky rabbits as my constant companions."

Favorite quote: "My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today."

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember being very bored when I read the overlong original novel back in 1985, and the animated movie did nothing to improve my opinion of the story. But this graphic novel adaptation finally made me care about these rabbits and their desire to start a new life of liberty away from oppressive regimes and deadly predators.

It's a thick adaptation -- and heavy enough to give me a little back strain when I tried to read it while walking -- but the plot has been distilled down to the exciting bits and the art is lovely, managing to distinguish most of the large cast of rabbits from each other while still letting them look like real rabbits.

[André Zimmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I haven't read the original, but I've seen the (very traumatizing) film as a kid. This is a review of the graphic novel and only the graphic novel

Characters (6/10)
They are all very well characterised, but there is little to no character development and side characters are often very one dimensional like "The smart one" or "the one making puns all the time"

Story (10/10)
Great line of plot. It was interesting to read. Don't know what to say other than that without spoilers

Concept (5/10)
It's a story about anthropomorphic rabbits. Yes it is very well made and it was made before anthropomorphic Fantasy really got a thing, but it isn't really unique as a concept.

Setting (10/10)
The world and culture of these rabbits get conveyed really well and the setting plays a huge role in the charm of the whole graphic novel

Themes (6/10)
Yeah there are themes about the destruction of nature or a critique of fascism. But (at least in the graphic novel) they don't get taken further than "this thing exists and is bad"

Execution (8/10
The pictures are beautiful but it is rather hard to distinguish the rabbits. Other critiques also say that much of the more subtle themes get lost in translation, which is something I can't really falsify without reading the original

Conclusion (9/10)
Good Book, would recommend

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful graphic novel is a fine example of a great adaptation. The original award winning book written over fifty years ago captured the hearts and minds of America’s young. The story follows a group of wild rabbits as they leave an endangered warren and journey to establish a new home. Any time a book is adapted into a video or graphic novel it is a challenge to stay true to the spirit and mood of the original work. James Sturn has done a fine job of winnowing the elements to include in this adaptation. The story is told in a gentle manner and includes the basic story as well as many charming tales told by Dandelion the storyteller. The original author’s pastoral setting set in memorable prose has been captured by the enchanting muted earthtone illustrations by Joe Sutphin. He also varies his style so that Fiver’s nightmarish visions and Dandelion's brightly colored stories each appear in unique manners. Whereas the original novel was recommended for ages 12 and up, I think that this graphic adaptation can also be enjoyed by children a few years younger. I would encourage anyone in middle grade or older to spend a few hours reading this book. I think that it may lead readers to seek out the original to read more of Dandelion’s stories and Bluebell’s jokes. Anyone who remembers the original fondly will also appreciate this book.

I would like to thank Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this unbiased review are entirely my own and I highly recommend this fantastic adaptation.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is gorgeous and conveys the landscape and atmosphere of Adams’ tale admirably, but for the love of Frith read this after you’ve already read the classic novel! This adaptation is a wonderful companion piece, and the creators did a superb job capturing the English countryside and vivid characters that made Adams’ novel a classic.

As with any adaptation some changes were made with some events and characters elided or removed, but the faithfulness to its source material is admirable and Sturm and Sutphin definitely produced a thing of beauty. Highly recommended for lovers of the novel.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great adaptation of one of my favourite books over the last 45 years! The illustrations are fantastic and the classic story of rabbits moving from one warren to another moves along at a fast rabbits clip.

[hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it SO MUCH. Definitely captures the spirit of the novel.

[Reading Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watership Down is a classic tale about a society of rabbits and their adventures. I think this graphic novel is a wonderful addition. The artwork really brings the story to life. I haven't read the novel Watership Down but plan to add that to my list. I found the graphic novel to be engaging and heartfelt.

[Rojda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT enjoy reading this. It shows the way of nature. Survival of the fittest. The sick and the weak get eaten. Only the strong survive. This was painfully beautiful. 💔
I remember watching the movie WAY too young and remember only that it was disturbing and bloody. The graphic novel in comparison was not that traumatising so I would definitely recommend reading instead of watching Watership Down. Trust me. 🥲

[Dione Basseri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, look. Look. I’ll consume anything Watership Down. I’ve read the book three times. I’ve read the sequel, “Tales From Watership Down,” just as much! I even read the semi-connected “Plague Dogs.” I’ve watched the original movie countless times (and the “Plague Dogs” movie once, as well). I’ve seen the Netflix series. I’m on a quest to find the 1999 Canadian series, as bad as I’ve heard it was. Hell, I just saw there’s an audiobook version of Tales and bought it in under a minute, holy crap, I’m PSYCHED.

Ahem.

What I’m saying is, I love Watership Down. I’ve got skin in the game. I have Opinions.

And my opinion is…this adaptation is GOOD. Faithful, first of all. No weird plot differences, all the regular characters, and I think just about every plot point. I can’t recall anything missing between the book and the graphic novel, and that’s impressive. A roughly 450 page book turned into a 380-ish page graphic novel, and nothign important was lost? Nice.

The art style is a bit reminiscent of the original movie, but with a more earthy, sketch-like quality. Not an unfinished quality, but something that feels more organic, a bit more wild. A good job was done to visually differentiate the rabbits, which can be difficult, which such a large cast. A few of the side characters can get a little samey, but you never mistake anyone important. I especially like how Hazel and Fiver, brothers, are quite similar, but can still be easily told apart. They’re related, not identical!

as with all good adaptations of this work, the artists didn’t shrink from the blood. These are some murderous rabbits!

I do think a good bit of the visual aesthetic of the comic was lifted from the original movie, but it’s more homage than tracing. After all, we’ve got pretty good descriptions of the characters and world from Adams. You can’t stray entirely from the source material. (I’m looking at you, 1999 version.)

So, look. If you love Watership Down, this HAS to go on your shelf. If you’ve ever been interested in reading the book, but it’s a bit intimidating, then the graphic novel will be a quicker, more accessible version. And I think it’ll be enough to tempt you into the full text.

But damn, do not give this to kids. Please, do not traumatize another generation!

…I mean. Not until they’re, like, 10 years old, at least. Got to show them some classic rabbit murder sometime!

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and beautifully illustrated. I have never actually read Watership Down in its original form but it has moved up my TBR list now. Highly recommended! 💜

[The Sporty Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adaptation graphique du célèbre livre de Richard Adams, cette BD raconte l'histoire d'une colonie de lapins. Ceux-ci font l'objet de nombreux dangers : l'activité humaine, les intempéries, une colonie rivale. Nous suivons donc les péripéties de Hazel, Fiver et leurs amis dans cette quête du bonheur lapinesque.

C'est une BD qui m'a rendu un grand service. Je n'avais vraiment pas envie de me farcir le livre en deux tomes sans images pour un roman jeunesse. Cela m'a permis de découvrir ce livre culte en Angleterre sans y passer trop de temps. Il faut reconnaître que l'histoire est agréable. Les dessins sont également très beaux. Un bémol néanmoins, les solutions trouvées dans la plupart des cas à leurs soucis sont basés sur des visions d'un lapin divinatoire ce qui est un peu ridicule.

La vision de la nature donnée dans cet ouvrage est idéalisée. Les lapins ont souvent une vision patriarcale de la société avec un chef prenant des décisions, les lapines ont une mission reproductive et l'objectif principal est la création et la protection du terrier.

C'est un peu une vision chrétienne (avec le lapin christique) et très classe moyenne (avec son lotissement confortable pour la multiplication des lapereaux) de la nature. Le livre original date de 1972, on ne sera pas surpris.

Pour un livre destiné à des enfants, cela fait le job néanmoins.

[Brigitte Cromey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t think this story could get any better, then I found this adaptation. Gorgeous, beautifully conveyed, and just as emotional as the original.

[Jaiden Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want it to be over!💖🥺

Writing: Five stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustrations: Five stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~~~
Language: One use of the D word, used as in to 'condemn'. A few places where characters say 'What the...' but never finish.

Violence: Lots of fighting. This is a graphic novel so, the injuries are visible, it's not detailed at all, just red. Fiver has nightmares where he sees pools of blood, but again it's just drawn as red, no details. But if you are sensitive to the sight of blood, this might not be your cup of tea.

Magic: Nope.

This was an awesome graphic novel!!! I loved the BBC Watership Down series, but couldn't get through the original novel with my dyslexia, so when I heard this graphic novel was coming out, and that it was illustrated by my favorite illustrator, I got sooooooo excited!!! I've been waiting on this graphic novel for forever, and when it was on sale, (on my birthday too!) I had to snag a copy!!
Watership Down is such an interesting and wonderful concept! Rabbits fighting wars in the wild? Yes please!!! I love rabbits, so anything about rabbits, is right up my alley, and Watership Down does not disappoint! It's perfect!!!!💖👌👌🤩🤩
I will say, if you want to read this graphic novel you might want to read the original novel or watch the BBC series, there are a few parts that might be confusing if you don't have the original context. Tho the BBC series is a little different from the book, I haven't ever finished the original novel, and just with having watched the BBC series, I could keep up with the graphic novel very well. So of you want to read the graphic novel without reading the giant book, the BBC series is great, and very well done too! Definitely recommend!💖👌
All in and all, Watership Down is perfect for any rabbit lover! And this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, adds a perfect layer of wonder and awe to the original story!!
I can see many, many, many, re-reads in my future, this graphic novel, is perfection! Rabbits are my favorite thing to draw (as I started out drawing fanart for the Green Ember series) and now I have sooooo many awesome references!! The art style is just👌💖

10+

[Kavitha Sivakumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are elaborate and beautiful! I am well past the mindset to enjoy this story, I guess. Not bad but not enthralled either.

[Amanda Skogjordet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying on the bus rn

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sturm and Sutphin’s adaptation of Adams’ iconic novel “Watership Down” is a beautiful and haunting work of art as we follow the harrowing journey of rabbits Hazel and Fiver who are attempting to lead their fellow rabbits from danger and into a new home. The striking illustrations perfectly capture the nature, adventure and suspense of their story. You’ll truly feel the spirit of the beloved novel in this flawless graphic novelization. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G. Just O.M.G. This book is out-of-this-world. The original is one of my all-time favorites. This adaptation more than does it justice. I could NOT put it down. What a wonderful Christmas gift from my husband.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not really sure how to review this...lol...I loved it! But also, it's a graphic novel, so not told in words as much as pictures. But it was so good!

Illustrations:
The illustrations are beautiful! Joe Sutphin is my favorite Illustrator, and his work is beautiful! I loved every moment. The attention to detail is just astounding!
This is a book about rabbits fighting for survival, so some of the pictures do contain fights and blood that might be too much for sensitive readers, but they didn't both me.

The story:
Watership Down is a great book! I've listened to audible a few years ago... but this adds a layer of engagement with pictures that drew me in! I think I might have been confused in a place or two if I hadn't read the book, but overall, the graphic novel can stand on its own.
The characters, the story, all of it is beautiful! The illustrations compliment the story really, really well!

Language:
N/A

Overall:
I really loved this graphic novel and would definitely recommend it to kids age 10 and up because of the few panels near the end that contain blood.
Wouldn't want to traumatize the little bunnies lovers. That would be bad.
I'd also recommend, for help with context, that they watch the Watership Down mini series on Netflix. It's really good and follows the storyline pretty well... it would be a good thing to help fill in the blanks, the pictures, and text sometimes leave, and that way, they don't have to read the whole Watership Down book, which is pretty big. XD

Anyway, this is a great graphic novel adaption!

[Wendelle]

Apart from the gorgeous illustrations of the rain-soaked English countryside, one of the most enthralling hooks of this book is the depiction of the nobility and ingenuity of the ragtag band of rabbits. They live by a straightforward creed: they leave no one behind, even the weakest, in their fearless and open-ended quest for a new home. They befriend other species, and inspire devoted friendships. They reject both the temptations of life as farmed rabbits, and as deputies under martially regimented rabbits. The effects of man's expansion of urban life, even unintentional ones, on wildlife are made clear. The plot of the rabbit's venture through all toils and troubles to find a home, their myth of the Prince of the Thousand Enemies, and the story's end, have staying power. This graphic novel is a great medium to introduce the story to new readers who might otherwise be repulsed by the novel's length or format.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

NPR writeup here. School Library Journal comments here.

My oldest observed that Hazel's leadership strength (i.e., helping others excel in their strengths) is similar to Mirabel's talent in Disney's Encanto.

[Melissasfandomworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read the actual novel, but did see the adaptation when I was young which made a lasting impact.

I think the Graphic Novel does the story proud and makes another lasting impact. The important parts of the story are very well developed into the illustrations and texts. This was a fantastic read and one I’ll definitely go back to again in the future. I think it’s a must have and must read!

[Alice TUET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une épopée incroyable !!!