Toil and Trouble #1

Toil and Trouble #1

by Mairghread Scott, Kelly Matthews (Illustrator), Nichole Matthews (Illustrator)

What's to Throw out your textbooks, this is not the Macbeth you remember. Mairghread Scott ( Windblade) and artists Kelly & Nichole Matthews have reinvented Shakespeare's famous tragedy, but this time the power is in the hands of the three witches. These ladies aren't all "double, double, toil and trouble." They're the power controlling kings and the fate of Scotland. What It The three fates-Riata, Cait, and Smertae-have always been guiding and protecting Scotland unseen, indirectly controlling the line of kings according to the old religion. When there is a disagreement in the sisterhood, Riata and Smertae will use men as pawns, and Smertae will direct Macbeth to a crown he was never meant to have.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Retellings, Shakespeare

27 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kitty G Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of Macbeth from the point of view of the three witches and I am so glad that I picked this up on a whim, because not only is it really exciting as a story, but it's equally beautiful in design and art style. The story is not the conventional version of Macbeth, rather we get to see Smertae, Cait and Riata who have been the 'behind the scenes' witches controlling Scotland and its politics and people for many generations. We pick up the story as there is about to be a battle between Macbeth and Macdonwald and the Witches are deciding fate by influencing men within the battle. Smertae is our leading lady, and she's the one of the three who doesn't agree completely with what they've been doing, meaning that she has a tough choice of whether to follow orders and control fate or step in and change things herself.

I love the artwork and I think the story builds and builds. The characters feel very nomadic and ancient with tribal markings, bone jewellery and creatures that they use as familiars. I think that the design for the characters was excellent, and I loved seeing their transformations and some of the extreme powers they could exert over the men and people of the world.

On the whole, I think that the colour tones and panels within this are well plotted out and the story gets better the more you go into it. I am highly excited to know that there will be 6 in the series (this is the first issue of the 6) and I will certainly be on the lookout for the future issues as it is a great little beginning.

If you like the idea of a Macbeth retelling from the pov of the witches and you have a basic understanding of Macbeth then you'll probably really enjoy this, and the artwork only improves the story more so! 4.5*s and a really enjoyable read!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so glad I picked up this single issue on a whim the other night.
I am a sucker for retellings and this one of Macbeth, told from the POV of Smertae, Cait and Riata, the witches that were 'behind the scenes' as they take center stage here.

Starts with Smertae landing back in Scotland after having been exiled by her own sisters, but she's needed in an upcoming war which the sisters are moving the men about like pawns, with this single issue ending on a cliffhanger which already setting the places, players, and ramifications of what's to come.

So far I'm very intrigued by the perspectives of the three main characters and the dialogue that is balanced by the art style and coloring. It's been ages since I've read Macbeth but I remember the general story so I'm looking forward to reading the other issues!

[The Sapphic Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a little slow in the beginning, but it gets better and is pretty decent by the end. Seems like it'll be a fair retelling of Macbeth from the witches' perspective. The art is nice to look at.

[Tatiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I read

I borrowed this from the library and really didn't understand anything about it.

I've never read Macbeth and am not sure if the story is based on true events or not. So it's unclear if this comic is based on the play, history or a mixture of both.

The only thing I can say I enjoyed was the art, and I really enjoy fantasy in this setting.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Witches of Macbeth POV Comic book turned out to be pretty fun. I'll have to hunt down the collection here soon.

[Solace Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting take and the artwork is well done, but otherwise it is a bit jumbled, trying to be Shakespearian and still trying to be something a little more, or less, all at once, and it doesn't come across completely. The explanations are a little sparse where there are some, and it's hard to care at this point about anyone.

[Elle Markov · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to a wonderful retelling of a Shakespearian classic. We are set up with our Protagonist, our tragic-hero/villain and the witches aiding fate. It gives us everything we could possibly want to get instantly hooked.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

[Kendall H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel guilty giving this two stars, but know that's for personal reasons. I have never read/seen Macbeth and am not very familiar with the story. So for nearly all of this comic, I was confused and lost. I will give the second issue a try, but I may be done with the series.

[Chris Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the art style, the idea and the direction it took, but I wasn't thrilled by the path it took to get to that point.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling of Macbeth through the perspective of one of the three witches. The art is so gorgeous, can't wait for the next one!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is beautiful!

[Secret Stacks]

This comic was discussed on Secret Stacks Episode 9

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am always a sucker for Shakespeare spinoffs. This one told from the POV of one of the witches is fun.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 but I'm rounding up because I like the art.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good comic. Story was well done. It had a lot of detail donuts not for kids. Graphics was average I guess. I actually am really curious to read the next one