Toil and Trouble

Toil and Trouble #1-6

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

Something wicked this way comes.

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 between the weird sisters, Riata and Smertae will use men as pawns, and Smertae will direct Macbeth to a crown he was never meant to have.

This re-telling of Macbeth from the witches point of view is brought to life by Mairghread Scott (TRANSFORMERS: Windblade, LANTERN CITY), and illustrated by talented duo Kelly & Nichole Matthews. TOIL AND TROUBLE brings a new and inventive take on the tragedy we all know and love.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Retellings, Witches, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2016

Reviews

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this quite a bit more than I expected to. Three witches--Riata, Cait, and Smertae--guide Scotland and protect the people. They act as Fates, invisible to mortal eyes, being seen only when they wish. They curse and bless as needed to make sure prophecies are fulfilled. They come into conflict over a question of who will become Scotland's next king, which is where MacBeth enters the tale ...

This is an imaginative riff on the classic Shakespeare play. Obviously these are the three witches we all know and love, but it's a view of the story that we've never seen before. Familiarity with the original play is not necessary. I think the story works regardless, but I do think it's more enjoyable with knowledge of the Scottish Play firmly in mind. The artwork, by Kelly & Nichole Matthews is lovely, very reminiscent of the great P. Craig Russell.

The book is rounded out with some notes about the project's genesis, as well as script pages, and suggested discussion questions for book groups and the like. Highly recommended!

[S. Wigget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful graphic novel is from the perspective of the three witches from the Scottish play. It brought up a lot of memories of the play (and a 1980s film adaptation).

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are less major characters from Hamlet. Now I almost want to write something from the perspective of minor or kind of minor characters from something Shakespearean, but I don't know what.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun interpretation and adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The focus on the three witches wasn't at all what I thought it would be - Scott's rendition of them is very imaginative, but also rooted in actual history. The end notes talk about some of Scott's choices a bit more and are particularly noteworthy.

I love how the narrative of the witches weaved in with Macbeth's. It reminded me a bit of Rachel Cain's Prince of Shadows (another Shakespeare adaptation) - both use supernatural elements to explain the decisions of key characters. I love how Scott weaved in prophecy and fate as motivation for the witches' actions. It's clear that Scott loves Macbeth and put a lot of thought into this work.

I mostly liked the art, but I found the quality a bit inconsistent (ie. Smertae seemed much more well-drawn than some of the other characters). I also thought the colour palette was surprisingly light and cheery for the subject matter. I wasn't expecting super dark and somber, but there was something about the colouring that was incongruent with the overall mood of the story.

I would definitely recommend this to fans of Billy Shakes. :) It's fun and imaginative and like nothing I've ever read before.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building your story around and through Macbeth is a big flex, but Scott's story, detailing the witches and exploring their motivations, holds its own in the interactions. The conflict between Riata and Smertae, with Cait dragged along, provides insights and depth to some of the decisions the characters in the Scottish play make, but works well even for those not intimately familiar with the story. The art is strong as well, capturing the characters in their forms beautifully, and making all the humans distinguishable as well. I really appreciated that, while casting another conflict above and around Macbeth's plot, this story does not steal the agency of any of the characters in the play; Macbeth's decisions are ultimately his own, for better and for worse. There's a lot of trauma spread across our trio, and no easy answers provided, but the nuance given to all the characters makes both this graphic novel and Macbeth itself feel more fully realized. A challenging idea that manages to make it work. Recommended.

[Imogene · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this was very clever. Those three witches that Shakespeare’s Macbeth ran into take centre sage, as, well, as a lot more than witches. They are former humans turned goddesses/ caretakers/ fates/ elemental. The three have disagreed about which path to take to help Alba (not England, not Britain btw) thrive, and Macbeth is more of a chess piece on their board.

The magic is illustrated beautifully, probably one of my favourite parts, and Scott uses a thorough knowledge of the Macbeth story, while upending it to create something pretty special.

Plus, it fills in the plot holes that Shakespeare left behind. Macbeth’s missing/ unwritten/ unexplained child becomes central to the story.

Gorgeous

[Kristin Katsuye · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 This is a great extension to Macbeth & even can be its own as a stand alone. I like how it explores more of the goddess & also shows that it’s not only fate that controls man but their own choices they make in life. I felt some scenes could have been explained more.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cool retelling on Macbeth from the witches' perspective! Loved the art and how the witches were portrayed :D

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

So freaking cool. I loved getting the witches' perspectives on Macbeth, and I am definitely tempted to read The Scottish Play again. The ending felt rather rushed, but the discussion at the end is brilliant (I'd give this a 4.5). Includes discussion questions if you ever wanted to read as a book club or in the classroom...definitely lots of food for thought!

********
Panels Read Harder: As I have been heartily disappointed with my options for comic-based-on-a-book-and-the-book-it's-based-on, I'm going to read/listen to the actual play of Macbeth (again) and call my Panels Read Harder complete!

[Milana M (acouplereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS F***** AWESOME! The moment I saw the cover I immediately knew this was the graphic novel for me.

Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare tragedy mostly because of how dark it is, oh and the blood naturally, but especially because of the witches. Ever since reading the story back when I was a wee one I was obsessed with the witches. I wrote my entire essay for English class on the witches. I wonder if that’s when my obsession with the fates and witches in general began. Now that I think about it yes, that’s when I started watching Buffy and reading everything I could get my hands on that included witches. I’m rambling now because I’m so excited but with no further ado here’s my short, spoiler-free review on the graphic novel itself!

The Artwork

IS BEAUTIFUL. The aesthetic of these illustrations are amazing. I found myself staring at each page for many minutes longer than necessary because I was so entranced. Every page is a piece of artwork I want to frame.

The Story

Gosh I loved this rendition. It was focused entirely on the three witches and I feel as though a piece of the puzzle has inserted itself wonderfully. I still love my theory on the witches that I crafted in my head but this was so wonderful to see. I loved how she filled us in on the backstory for each witch, a truly captivating story.

I cannot rave enough, I’m obsessed! I’ll be re-reading this soon. Would love an audiobook for this!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gorgeous perspective on the three witches from Macbeth! I kind of want more, but I understand Scott was working from tidbits of information that she created an entire background from. Now I just need to re-read Macbeth to see the details she gathered about the three witches. I appreciate that Scott gave them a mythology that ties in with rules and stories we already know and even gave them characteristics that we can identify with while keeping them mysterious, mythological creatures.

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful and passionate. took me a while to get into but once you start to follow who each witch is and what their goals are this story just comes to life! so may worldbuilding details I was obsessed with. very cool way to give more life to shakespeare!!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Shakespeare, an expanded story, ancient magic, and amazing artwork, how could I not fall in love with this book?

This is the story of the three witches from Macbeth. It follows the same timeframe as the source material with some flashbacks to better explain the origins of each witch and what set off their actions towards Macbeth. The story is intricate with the themes of war and revenge from Macbeth paralleled amongst the witches, but where tragedy wins out in the former, the latter exemplifies family bonds, forgiveness, seeking truth, and relinquishing pride to let justice reign. And it is amazing!

The three sisters have been the tools of fate for thousands of years, seeing prophesies and helping make and break kings of Scotland (or Alba as they once knew it).
"We guide it to its full potential. We guard it from its enemies. We lead it on the path the gods decree. The [other types of witches] fall silent... but the witches of Alba endure. We will always endure." It is the three complimentary witches working together and believing in each other that brings them their strength and lasting presence.

So then why do the events of Macbeth manage to take place? Crowning Macbeth hardly seems like Scotland's smartest move. We start the narrative with Smertae's return from exile, sent away by head witch Riata. We travel along as witnesses to Smertae's pain and revenge, Riata's pride and want of power, and Cait's acceptance and seemingly indecisiveness and meekness. Needless to say, the three are far from being a unified team willing to do fate's work.

Riata and Smertae are both depicted as extremely strong and fierce women, where as Cait in comparison seems weaker, complacent, and fearful; however, I actually think that, in the confines of this world, she is the strongest and steadiest of them all. She is in fact the glue and grounding force that allows the trio to work. As Riate and Smertae allow emotions and pride to control them, they ignore/willfully misinterpret fate (aka their entire purpose in existing) and fight against each other, going to extremes and breaking their laws. Throughout Cait instead tries to hold them together, reason with them, and refuses to chose between them when asked. She remembers why she chose to give up her human existence to do this work in the first place, and holds true to the land and wanting the best for it and its people, not herself.

The author says it best in the afterwards: "Toil and Trouble is a story about letting go: who can do it, who can't, and the pain inherent when we try to force pieces back together that just don't fit anymore."

As great as the story is, what makes this book so special and breathtaking is the artwork. This is a prime example to give to neigh-sayers claiming graphic novels are inferior and silly. The art work is extremely detailed, filled with dense colors and intriguing magical elements and symbols. It is impossible not to get engrossed in the world and story shown. Watch out for future work from Kelly and Nichole Matthews; their art could be a game changer in continuing to push graphic novels into the mainstream.

Everyone needs to read this book. Having a preliminary knowledge of Shakespeare's Macbeth will help to understand some events as they are often given limited time in order to instead focus in the witches.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit, I cannot put in words how amazing this was. The art is stunning and the story is absolutely brilliant. Can this team please do this for every play?

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toil & Trouble has beautiful illustrations. Kelly and Nicole Matthews created the old fairy tale vibe in the story. Reading comics, art is the first thing I notice and this volume has one of the prettiest artwork I've seen. The designs of the main characters and the visuals of their magic is mind-blowing!
In terms of plot, I feel like I would've enjoyed the story more if I had clearer memory of Macbeth. I read it years ago and I can't say I remember much. This hindered my reading, unfortunately.

Toil & Trouble is completed 6-issue comic about three witch sisters from Macbeth, they are the central focus of the story, we discover their relationship with each other and the consequences of them on the lifes of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth etc. It's an entertaining fast-paced read with beautiful illustrations.
If you're like Shakespeare's play, I think you'll enjoy this story!

3.5 stars but I'm rounding it to 4 stars, because of the art!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful new take on the much loved story of Macbeth. The art is this book is stunning! The artists clearly paid attention to different time periods and cultures when making this book. The Pictish symbols used throughout the book are done in very clever ways. The use of various landmarks in Scotland was subtle. And the costume choices (explained in the end of the comic) were lovely. The story itself was really good. A very fascinating look at the witches behind Macbeth’s prophecies and what drove them to meddle in his life. In addition, the author’s notes at the end about how the story came to be was really cool and I LOVED that she included a section of topics for discussion raging from historical accuracy to the difficulty of staging this story as a play. Lovely read and a gorgeous piece of art.

[Julia Benassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate is like the tide, only the strongest can move against it. And only for so long.

No sé por dónde empezar porque joyita 10 puntos hermoso. Me gusta que haya retomado la tragedia de Macbeth desde otra perspectiva, pero a la vez siento que es realmente necesario haber leído a Shakespeare antes porque no termina de profundizar en la tragedia en sí; es simplemente el POV -incompleto- de las brujas.
Igual, habiendo leído Macbeth se disfruta un montón y quiero más soy fan, ahora quiero releer Macbeth bye.

(No me gustó mucho el arte, por eso no es un 5 estrellas.)

[Scott Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do really like the retelling of Macbeth. The artwork is well thought out and rendered. I love the fact that the script is provided in the back with the plates it covers so I can show them to my creative writing students.

[Rachel Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

One of the best adaptations I've ever read. Beautiful artwork.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful exploration of another side of the Macbeth story. I loved this art style and seeing the motivation and story behind the 'witches'.

[Juls Nelyafinwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

* it's actually more like a 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ananda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this retelling to everyone because if you don't like gore, you probably wouldn't enjoy this (I'm not a huge fan of gore myself). BUT it was really creative and well told.

[Kayla Stogner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macbeth as told from the weird sisters POV. These ladies have been watching over and protecting Scotland for ages. When they disagree over who's next in line for the Scottish throne, it sets a course for ambition, greed and tragedy.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I was surprised with the twists and turns of the story. It did feel a little rushed at the end. I enjoyed the art and liked the take on witches and the ties to fate and the world. To be honest I'd rather have had more exclusively on them than their connection to Macbeth. The background at the back of the booked helped quite a bit with the context of the overall story. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was a bigger fan of the source.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Toil and Trouble" is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that retells the the story behind the Scottish play from the perspective of the three witches while capturing the gravitas of the original and delving deeply into the history and culture of medieval Scotland. Recommended for fans of Shakespeare and "Braveheart" alike.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My amazing husband brought this home for me as he knew it would be right up my alley. Told from the perspective of one of the the Weird Sisters, it's an interesting take on the tale and includes Scottish history.
I hope there are more.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story from the perspective of the wyrd sisters. The artwork is striking and rune like. I also liked the Viking background info.

3 1/2 stars

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 WITCH When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
2 WITCH When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
3 WITCH That will be ere the set of sun.
1 WITCH Where the place?
2 WITCH Upon the hearth.
3 WITCH There to meet with Macbeth.
1 WITCH I come, Graymalkin.
2 WITCH Paddock calls.
3 WITCH Anon.
ALL Fair is foul, and foul is fair;
Hover through the fog and filthy air.

-----

So opens Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most famous and haunting plays. I, like many others, read Macbeth in high school, it wasn't the first Shakespeare play I'd read, nor would it be the last, but it was one that would stick with me for years to come, and it might even be my favourite Shakespearean play. Macbeth tells the story of the rise and fall of it's title character. After Macbeth receives a prophesy from a trio of witches telling him that he'll become king of Scotland, both he and his wife, Lady Macbeth, are consumed with political ambition and paranoia that eventually leads to his fall from power.

Toil and Trouble takes the Macbeth story and twists it around, changing perspectives from Macbeth to Smertae, Cait, and Riata, the three witches who prophesy Macbeth's assent to the throne. And I've got to tell you, this is an incredible rendition. Written and produced by comic book veteran Mairghread Scott with the help of artists Kelly & Nicole Matthews, and published by Archaia (who publishes comics and graphic novels), Toil and Trouble stays true to the Macbeth story, but adds a whole new level of richness and depth to the story. The three witches are introduced as the Guardians of Alba, or Scotland, who have their hand in every event, making subtle, manipulative changes, but ultimately leaving fate to play out as it will. Inner turmoil in this coven leads to Smertae siding with Macbeth, while Riata plots to overthrow him and place Malcolm (the son of King Duncan) on the throne. The graphic novel doesn't toss aside the original story, nor does it change what was written, it simply elaborates, and it does so beautifully with detailed drawings, complex characterization, and really exceptional writing for a graphic novel or comic.

I didn't know what to expect when I jumped into this book. I glanced through it in the store, and thought it might be interesting to dive back into Shakespeare, but my exploratory dive into comics and graphic novels has been a little... lacklustre. I've talked about this in other reviews, but I think it's because I expect too much out of them. I want the depth and girth of a novel, but with pretty pictures! And lately the comic's I've been reading have been pretty... but seem to lack substance, in my very literary-biased mind. However this is not the case with Toil and Trouble. Here the writing is as meaty, deep, and detail-oriented as the original play it's based off of. I was very surprised with how much I enjoyed this graphic novel, and it's one I highly recommend.

If you're worried that it's written in Shakespearean English... don't be, it's not. And actually, that was the only thing that kind of disappointed me. Scott has written an incredible story, with amazing characters in these three witches, I just wish she had channeled a little more of Shakespeare to write her dialogue. But that aside, it's an absolutely beautiful book, spell-binding and elegant, and definitely one I'll be coming back around to.

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[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally got around to reading this, months after it came out.
I like Shakespearean plays, but normally retellings of the stories fall flat for me. This one looked different enough, and had gotten good reviews when it came out, so I wanted to give it a try.
The book is in a beautiful hardcover edition from Boom/Archaia, and includes a set of notes on Macbeth by the writer.
The story itself is an inside-out retelling of Macbeth, but from the viewpoint of the Three Witches. Shakespeare's version of them was fragmentary, and the version we read now may not even be the way he originally wrote them, but Mairghread Scott managed to elaborate on them in an really interesting way. I mean, what kind of person volunteers to be one of the fates, anyway, and how does that happen. Now we know.
If you've never seen a performance of the play, I recommend that first. Without at least a basic knowledge of the play, this would not be half as interesting.
There have been other graphic novel adaptations of Macbeth, including one ill-advised science fiction version, but this one is true to both the basic tale and to some of the concepts within it, while expanding on some of the characters and giving them a new literary life.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and different sort of story. My enjoyment of it was hampered a bit by the fact that I don't remember Macbeth in the greatest detail and kept wondering how closely it matched the events of the play. One thing that is notably lacking is the prophecy that Banquo would not be king, but his descendants would be. There is mention in the story of how Macbeth, being childless, would only minorly benefit from his ascendancy, but it feels like that prophecy is what helps drive him in the play to madness and greater villainy in the play, and that drive is somewhat muted in this story.

Still, a fun story with good art. I like the extras at the end, like the author's explanation of the genesis of this story. One small quibble with the art: Riata's familiar is usually depicted as a white-headed bird of prey. It doesn't really look like a bald eagle, but I'm not sure if any other bird looks quite like that. But maybe it is just meant as an otherworldly trait to mark the familiar as unnatural.