Henry V The Graphic Novel: Original Text

by John F. McDonald, William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s rousing tale of war and peace between England and France during the reign of Henry V springs to life in this unabridged, full-color graphic adaptation. Every scene, every speech, and every battle is here, from “Once more unto the breach” to the decisive Battle of Agincourt, all in Shakespeare’s original language. The lively illustrations accurately depict the era’s costumes and settings.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Shakespeare, History, Comics

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2008

About the author

I'm a professional writer. I've had 3 novels published, with another due out in September 2009 and two more being written. I've written 2 screenplays - one of which won the IndieProducer Screenwriter Award in Los Angeles in 2009. I've also 'ghosted' books for media celebs, politicians and business-people. I've scripted award-winning TV drama and graphic novels and I've written stage plays which have been performed in London and Paris.

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on a kick of reading some classics in graphic novel form to get the essentials quickly. This is really for kids.

[Owlboyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complete play translated into plain English. It's the 15th century and the Archbishop of Canterbury, worried over impending legislation that would effectively rob the Church in England of its power and wealth, convinces Henry V to forego this pursuit in favour of laying claim to France. Armed with a legal technicality, Henry means to take the throne of France by whatever means necessary. The Dauphin's insulting response (sending an ambassador with a gift of tennis balls) convinces Henry that the French will only respond to war. He gathers his army to invade France, but he must also make certain that he leaves enough troops in England to quell any potential rebellions. This leaves him with a relatively small invasion force. Henry must deal with one plot before even crossing the Channel. Lords Cambridge, Scroop and Grey are discovered to be conspiring to assassinate Henry (instigated by the French). Henry makes a very public example of all three, arresting them in person and seeing to their execution.The army then lays siege to Harfleur, capturing it after heavy losses. Henry wants to take his army out of France before the onset of Winter, but the French are certain they can teach the young king a humiliating lesson on the field of battle. This stiffens Henry's resolve and he decides that, if the French want a decisive battle, they'll get it! While in camp, Henry disguises himself as a common soldier and mingles with his troops before the battle. He talks candidly with his men and they with him. The men may be a little wary of their king, but their willingness to fight the French army is undaunted. Next day at Agincourt, Henry makes the stirring St. Crispin's Day speech, knowing his army is outnumbered five to one. But, aided by the longbows of his archers, Henry wins the day.The French sue for peace, which Henry grants on his own terms. These terms are spelled out in the Treaty of Troyes - Henry will marry Princess Katharine of France and will be named as heir to the French throne. England and France will thus be united in peace.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first full-length graphic novel! I read it cover-to-cover in less than a week. For some, this is probably not an achievement. For me, this was speedy given my work schedule and the fact that I usually read slow. I was addicted to the story & the graphics were great. Admittedly, I am a novice when it comes to graphic novels but this pleased me from beginning to end.

"Classical Comics" offer "Original text", "Plain text" & "Quick Text". The text type varies based on whether you want to read the original/unaltered format. Plain & quick use more modern language with fewer words. Quick has smaller bubbles allowing one to appreciate the artwork without the larger dialogue bubbles.

I read the "Original text". I feel no less the adult for reading the graphic version of a Shakespeare novel. Cliffs Notes may have been necessary had I read a different version. I came away feeling enriched & cultured. (I might still make use of Cliffs Notes just to make sure I am right about of couple things that took place in French.)

I would recommend this to anyone of any age. Enlightening & enjoyable. I hope to find more novel by "Classical Comics."

[Joshua Coots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history plays can become a little cumbersome at times, especially for younger readers. And let's all be honest, who really wants to sit and read Henry V for fun? But the graphic novel version made the story much more readable and very enjoyable. The story could have different interpretations in how its presented, so I wouldn't claim that the illustrations teach everything about the play, but it is enough to get both young and older students into Shakespeare. Even adults would be able to find enjoyment with this. The quick text version made the language a little less fluid, though it was far easier to read. I would suggest using this version to help students find their way through the original text. I am saving up for a set of these for my classroom.

[John]

Actual Version: ISBN13: 9781420503715; Adapted by Brigit Viney; same publisher: Classical Comics Ltd.
Goodreads lumps that version of this graphic novel in with the actual play.

[no star ratings given to graphic novels]

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I didn't like the art again, the humans didn't look human, they were very rigid and looked very much like drawings.
That being said, I like the plays with a little more human scheming and striving, this one was almost all war and it was boring.

[Abbie Kennedy]

Best way to read Shakespeare.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably will not assign this to students in the fall, but I'll avoid comment in case I change my mind.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource as an introduction to the play. Original text with excellent art work. Highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are a great way to read Shakespeare! They make the plays more accessible to those, like myself, who struggle with the original text.