Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast: A Modern Retelling

by Pete Katz (Illustrator/script writer), Jeanne-Marie Leprince

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

This modern retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is told here in a graphic novel format. More than 100 pages of illustrated action, adventure, and love teach a lesson to look beyond the surface and learn to love what’s underneath. A merchant takes shelter in a castle during a thunderstorm, and ends up striking a bargain with its beastly master. His youngest daughter, Beauty, returns to the castle to live in exchange for a restoration of the family’s previous wealth. Beauty befriends Beast, but longs to see her family again. He allows her to visit her former home, but when she doesn’t return at the designated time, consequences ensue.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Romance, Classics, Fairy Tales, Retellings

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2018

About the author

Pete Katz is a half-Irish, half-Greek illustrator & writer, born in the East End of London. He has been a freelance illustrator for almost twenty years and has worked for clients including; Image Comics, Oxfam, Harvey Nichols, Barnes & Noble and the British Museum. As well as illustrating his graphic novels, he wrote the scripts for; The Prophet, The Art of War, The Raven, Frankenstein and Beauty & The Beast. As well as working on graphic novels he also produces portraits, t-shirt graphics and other commissions.

YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @nutkin

Reviews

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was originally written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince in 1756. In DARK TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A MODERN RETELLING, Peter Katz retells the story in the form of a graphic novel by keeping the original story essence and by adding a new twist. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations are beautiful. There are a lot of fun details in the illustrations and the reader can miss them easily if he or she does not take the time to enjoy them. I just discovered the DARK TALES series and I am looking forward to reading more.

#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #beautyandthebeast #peterkatz #canterburyclassics #bookreview

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent story.

I wouldn't call this graphic novel exactly a "modern" retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale we all know and (mostly) love, as it is still set in the past. But this adaption changes enough subtler elements (like making Beauty's mother die in childbirth, and thus her being nicer than her siblings who were raised by her mother) and gives Beauty a bit more agency to make her more than just a pawn in this game. The addition of Bramble was very nice, as well as the enchantress being a fairy who couldn't stand to be insulted. The Caliban (wait, like The Tempest?) addition was also interesting.

Also, the artwork is utterly fantastic. I adored every panel.

I fully enjoyed this new take on Beauty and the Beast. I can't wait to check out more Dark Tales from this company. 5/5, highly recommend.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

While I will easily acknowledge the issues with the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, I am a sucker for retellings. Especially when categorized as a "modern retelling," I was very curious and excited to read this version, though I have some mixed thoughts regarding the results.

There's some differences in this BEAUTY AND THE BEAST which clearly stem from a desire to give more depth to the character of Beauty, and to give a more concrete villain to the story. This is explained in the introduction to the story. And while I think the introduction of a more obvious, external villain (similar to how Disney added the Gaston character to their retelling) was actually quite good. I liked the addition of the more evil character and the counterpoint it added to give the Beast character's transition from cursed beastly human to a physical beast, but one with a good heart. The believability of the transition wasn't entirely hinged on us believing that Beast fell in love with Beauty, and I think that was a choice that provides the reader with another way to connect with the Beast.

However, the stated intent to give Beauty more of a hand in her fate panned out less successfully in my opinion. While she plays a role at the end, I felt that the circumstances still had far less to do with Beauty's independent thought than her passively reacting to the actions of the other characters around her. I was excited to read a version where Beauty was given more agency, and then it still felt like she was just a pawn in the story (albeit, a courageous and talented one).

All in all, this BEAUTY AND THE BEAST graphic novel is quite delightful. The art is lovely, and the book itself feels great in your hand. This would be a lovely gift for anybody who is also a Beauty and the Beast fan like myself.

Sexual content: N/A

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read the original Beauty and the Beast story so I can't say for certain that it involved a fairy instead of a witch or that was just part of the retelling. Anyway it's pretty much like most tells of B&B that you have read but that this one has a few differences. 

A fairy turns the prince into a beast for ignoring her because she wasn't as pretty as everyone else. Then of course one day Beauty's father does something he shouldn't and gets himself in trouble and has to send Beauty to live with the Beast. She has two horrible siblings who are just deplorable and it's a wonder Beauty turned out as good as she did, but she was raised differently. 

Towards the end we learn about a demon that lives in a well that is the one who owns the house that the Beast lives in and I guess that is part of the dark tells retelling but it really wasn't a lot different that most Beauty and the Beast retellings.

The artwork is really great and I enjoyed reading this graphic novel version of one of my favorite tales.

[Sara (sarabara081) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
I've been meaning to check out a graphic novel for forever, even owned one or two before this landed in my lap. I love the story of Beauty and the Beast yet this is one fairy tale where my knowledge of the original is non-existent and solely based off of the Disney version. This novel was quick to get through and I enjoyed the difference I came across yet how the bases elements I love are still present. There are faeries, demons, evil siblings, and an enchanted mirror. Beauty was sweet and selfless and knew how to take care of herself in so many ways and beast wasn't as beastly as I expected him to be. Definitely worth checking out, especially fans of Beauty and the Beast for a different spin on what you are used to!

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by the differences to the story as I remember it, this version was quite the read! I loved Belle's fierceness and determination, though she still retained her bookish nature and loving heart. I also enjoyed the curious nature of the castle in which they live (which was not simply filled with enchanted talking servants!) and the horrible evil that lived side by side in the shadows. ~shudders~ It was definitely different than the Disney versions many of us know, but equally memorable!

**copy received for review

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the beauty and the beast legend and this graphic novel dies well in it’s retelling. Illustrations were pretty good and the idea behind the beast’s enchanted castle I found enjoyable, but I don’t feel the added title of “Modern re-telling” really panned out. If you like beauty and the beast and want a light read it’s worth a try.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good variation of beauty and the beast I really enjoyed it and I loved the art as well

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this way more than I was expecting. The storyline to this was a lot more interesting than the well-known storyline, so I found myself pretty captured by it right from the beginning. I really enjoy that graphic novels are quick, easy, reads, and this one was just that while also being really interesting. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're a fan of this fairytale.

[Jessica (a GREAT read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of fairy tales and retellings! When I was contacted about reviewing some graphic novel versions of beloved tales, I knew right away that I had to get Beauty and the Beast: A Modern Retelling from Jeanne-Marie Leprince’s version of the story, for I learned a few people enhanced upon Villeneuve’s version. Pete Katz provided the artwork which I thought was done very well. It definitely has a fairy tale kind of vibe to it, wherein the heroes are seen as better than the villains and evil siblings.

The story is the same as we all know and love, let’s step away from the Disney version for anything familiar from that was pretty much from the original as well. Beauty feels guilt over her father’s punishment from the Beast he encountered when traveling home from a trip that proved to be fruitless. When the Beast asked for her to come in her father’s place, she’s only too willing to agree for she is just that kind of thoughtful person, unlike her siblings who remained selfish to their cores.

There were some new twists to the story, as it’s been awhile since I read the original version, so I can’t recall if the faeries had much to do with the Beast’s curse. In this one, they do, as it was when the selfish prince snubbed the faery willing to marry him by flirting with another. She cursed the prince and the faery as well, while the prince was turned into a Beast, the faery was trapped in a mirror that allowed her to communicate with the Beast, and soon Beauty as well.

There was also the added theme of demons in the mix, for the castle was indeed enchanted—no enchanted objects beside the mirror—and a demon guarded it. He rises once a year to battle with whoever should be living there and if they lose, he gets their soul. Since the Beast has been living there for years, he’s bested the demon many times, so it’s never been much of an issue.

Beauty was definitely a character to behold. Yes, she’s the kind and loving Beauty from the original fairy tale, but this Beauty has an added edge! She can knows her way around a bow and arrow if the cover gives you any idea. I liked that she was sort of like other Beautys I’ve come across in different retellings. She’s no simpering princess sort that needs to be rescued, that’s for sure.

As I find with most graphic novels, this one was definitely a page turner! It didn’t take me long to read the book at all. Since it’s a story I already know and love it made for easier page turning. I did like the inclusion of back stories as well, in this I mean we get on a tangent of something that’s happened already and the illustrations change. Much like the way Disney did the backstory with the glass windows.

The ending definitely took me by surprise. While it ends in a slightly less fairy tale traditional way, I must say I loved it and yet, it’s a bit cliffhangery too! I’m practically foaming at the mouth wanting a sequel, but I don’t think there’s meant to be one! It just has that kind of ending that takes you aback and leaves you wanting more! It was definitely a head turner!

Overall, I quite enjoyed this graphic novel! I’ve never read one before that was based on a fairy tale and takes it on a new spin! It was quite the entertaining read and I highly recommend this to all fairy tale and especially, Beauty and the Beast fans! It’s not one to be missed!


Overall Rating 5/5 stars—even with that bit of a cliffhanger, I can’t seem to take off points! It was too good, even if there will never be a sequel! Lol!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling takes us back to the roots of the original tale, with other characters providing an engine for the story. There are a few amendments, as one would expect, including a grisly demon or two.

Beauty is a hard-working girl, determined to have more going for her than her good looks. When her father loses his fortune, he and his three children are forced to move to a cottage far away from their splendid home in town. Beauty must learn to cook, sweep, sew, mend, feed animals, clean and wash and the burden is all on her since her resentful brother and sister refuse to help.

The rest of the story goes much as expected when the merchant attempts to steal a rose from his savior and must repay the debt with his daughter. Beauty is no frail damsel in distress nor a victim of Stockholm’s Syndrome (as is often erroneously stated about her).

According to this story, the Beast proves a savior to many people. So he is well on his way to inner redemption before Beauty ever appears in it. The Beast saves her and she saves her Beast and, in doing so, they break two powerful spells and defeat a true monster.

It’s a grand tale and brings in the concept of more than a fairy tale ending, being nothing less than a valiant struggle between Good and Evil. The color palettes are lovely, the regular storybook pictures intersected with images reminiscent of the stained glass pictures at the start of Disney’s animated 1991 version of this story.

[Brady Wallen]

The book is about a man who is lost and finds a castle, he needs help and is helped by a man who is a beast but he is told only one thing, don’t take a rose. After getting lots of gold from the beast the man steals a rose anyway. He has to trade his daughter for his freedom and he does. His daughter, Beauty, goes to the beast’s castle and they actually have a good relationship. She asks if she can go back home and the beast says she can and confesses his love, Beauty goes home and can only visit home for a month, but her siblings trick her and she stays for much longer. After a climactic battle Beast is on the verge of death and is saved by a true love’s kiss from Beauty. Overall I’d 100% recommend this book, I can’t think of an complaint and if you want a retelling of this classic, 100% do read.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I liked this better than I anticipated. I previously read the Dark Tales: Snow Queen adaptation and wasn’t wild about it, so I wasn’t in a rush to pick up any of the other books in the series. I ended up liking the story overall, sure it isn’t that far off from a typical retelling, but it was well paced and had enough of its own elements that it didn’t bore me. The art is for the most part okay to good, but I did really like the design for the demon and the villain. They were uniquely creepy. Also the flashback story sections had some of the best art.

[Aja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I enjoy most retellings of beauty and the beast. Rose daughter is my favorite book retelling, and there's a French live action that is much better than the Disney live action that was out around the same time.

I enjoyed that the curse was Fae rather than a witch/sorceress who cursed the witch. The Fae are more likely to cast a curse than a witch anyhow, especially when disrespected.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully done re-telling of a classic story. While not much is done to change the story, just enough is added to give it as great deal of depth that is not part of the original telling.
The artwork is amazing as more than one type of art is used.
Usually I like very much to read these re-tellings, but I don't make them a permanent part of my library. This one is staying as I intend to give it multiple re-readings.

[Suzanne V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! Beauty and the Beast is mt favorite "princess" Disney story, but I was never a fan of the talking, dancing, singing home goods. I appreciate this story, which is much closer to the original. The artwork in this novel is beautiful. This is a wonderful addition to my collection. I can also use this as an engaging piece of my middle school curriculum.

[Courtney Pletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this graphic novel! It remained true to the original story, but had a really neat villain and subplot! I loved the ending! It concluded so nicely, but left the story open for another adventure! My imagination is reeling!

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for all things Beauty and the Beast, but I really liked how it took the structure of the original version and added more depth to each of the characters and more magic and other obstacles to the plot. A quick, fun read!

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only familiar with the story of Beauty and the Beast in passing from watching the Disney movie as a teenager.

This version of the story blows that one out of the water. This has a much more magical and somewhat whimsical feel to it. I enjoyed the story.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a dark tale. I really enjoyed this version though as well as the unique art style. The expressions of the characters was fantastic and wry. I like the other characters added as well that are not commonly part of the story.

[carley · Rating 2 out of 5]

what if the beast was... and hear me out.. a Nice Guy™

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the art style - it fit the story well. The story itself was simplified. Nothing too special.

[Karey Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

New twist on a wonderful classic. I loved it!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different spin on a timeless classic. Not my favorite retelling but is a good quick read that reads well and keeps you interlocked.

[Johnny Nigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book! Really different from the Disney retelling!

[T.A. Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the added backstory. Probably one of my favorite retellings!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Sam Ables · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Beauty and the Beast. Not much of a Modern retelling, seems like the same old medieval setting. Just with a bit of character development and a demon or two. The artwork is nice, so there's that.

[HI.loves.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good twist on my favorite fairytale, the artwork was beautiful!