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Manga Shakespeare
Manga Shakespeare: Macbeth
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Reluctant readers who appreciate manga and who would not think of picking up the work of Shakespeare are sure to gravitate toward these titles. Even if the text puts them off, they will be drawn to the illustrations. These adaptations would make wonderful additions to any school or public library's manga collection.Refreshingly clear, this adaptation is recommended for all libraries serving teens.This fresh new way of looking at a classic will draw new readers to Shakespeare, hopefully to discover that his plays are really quite entertaining. Shakespeare's most commonly studied plays, now the latest additions to the innovative Manga Shakespeare series
Double double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble . . . So say the eerie trio of witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth, a story full of ghosts, witches, bloody ambition, and nonstop action. After Macbeth hears the witches' prophecy that he will be king, he will stop at nothing to make it so. Vividly adapted using Shakespeare's own words in the fast-paced and immediate style of manga, Macbeth is the perfect addition to the Manga Shakespeare, ideal for students and manga fans alike.
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Reluctant readers who appreciate manga and who would not think of picking up the work of Shakespeare are sure to gravitate toward these titles. Even if the text puts them off, they will be drawn to the illustrations. These adaptations would make wonderful additions to any school or public library's manga collection.Refreshingly clear, this adaptation is recommended for all libraries serving teens.This fresh new way of looking at a classic will draw new readers to Shakespeare, hopefully to discover that his plays are really quite entertaining. Shakespeare's most commonly studied plays, now the latest additions to the innovative Manga Shakespeare series
Double double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble . . . So say the eerie trio of witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth, a story full of ghosts, witches, bloody ambition, and nonstop action. After Macbeth hears the witches' prophecy that he will be king, he will stop at nothing to make it so. Vividly adapted using Shakespeare's own words in the fast-paced and immediate style of manga, Macbeth is the perfect addition to the Manga Shakespeare, ideal for students and manga fans alike.
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Richard Appignanesi
120 books39 followersRichard Appignanesi is a published adapter and an author of young adult books. Published credits of Richard Appignanesi include Manga Shakespeare: Julius Caesar (Manga Shakespeare), Manga Shakespeare: Macbeth (Manga Shakespeare), Manga Shakespeare: Hamlet (Manga Shakespeare), and Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Manga Shakespeare).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 30, 2021
Aug 30, 845am ~~ Review asap.
Noon ~~ We are back to the future with this Manga version of Macbeth.
The world is in a state of "post-nuclear mutation" and Macbeth wants to run the show.
I had a little trouble again keeping some of the characters straight; they looked too much alike.
Except for Macduff. Anyone with four arms tends to stand out from the crowd.
But that was distracting too, because I kept wondering how he could handle them all, especially when each hand held a sword and he was ready to "lay on".
This version captured the trauma, greed, and guilt of the original play. Lady Macbeth was a pure evil thing but was so fierce in the beginning that her later mental breakdown seemed very out of character.
When I do my Shakespeare Project I will have to see if I get the same feeling in the original play and in performances I have tracked down on YouTube. I do like to see and hear Shakespeare so have included at least one visual of each play in my project plans.
And now, on to the next Manga!
Noon ~~ We are back to the future with this Manga version of Macbeth.
The world is in a state of "post-nuclear mutation" and Macbeth wants to run the show.
I had a little trouble again keeping some of the characters straight; they looked too much alike.
Except for Macduff. Anyone with four arms tends to stand out from the crowd.
But that was distracting too, because I kept wondering how he could handle them all, especially when each hand held a sword and he was ready to "lay on".
This version captured the trauma, greed, and guilt of the original play. Lady Macbeth was a pure evil thing but was so fierce in the beginning that her later mental breakdown seemed very out of character.
When I do my Shakespeare Project I will have to see if I get the same feeling in the original play and in performances I have tracked down on YouTube. I do like to see and hear Shakespeare so have included at least one visual of each play in my project plans.
And now, on to the next Manga!
November 4, 2008
Manga Shakespeare: Macbeth. Illustrated by Robert Deas. 2008.
This Macbeth graphic novel is set "in a future world of post-nuclear mutation." (That little fact will explain away why Macduff has four arms.) I'll be honest with you now. I rarely understand or "get" the art and design of the Manga itself. Why set Shakespeare's Scottish play in a post-nuclear-disaster future?...for example. But while I sometimes fail to appreciate the illustrative story that has nothing whatsoever to do with the text of the book itself, I almost always love, love, love the adaptation of the play itself. The series has done a wonderful job in adapting these plays and presenting them in new and imaginative ways.
Manga Shakespeare begins with several pages of color art work. Each character is introduced along with a phrase or two that sums up their character or their influence on the play itself. For example, Lady Macbeth's is "But screw your courage to the sticking-place and we'll not fail!" which is a great line to sum up everything she brings to the play.
Most of the graphic novel is in black and white. This is an action-filled play. And the text really works well here. Everything that is memorable and important from Shakespeare's original play is presented within the book. (In other words, all the lines that are apt to be on the test or vital to class discussion.) I love that the language is all Shakespeare. I love that the text becomes more accessible because of the format.
I think Lady Macbeth is a great example of this. With her well-endowed cleavage, corset, mini-skirt, and thigh-high boots. Her manipulations and insults to Macbeth's manhood (and courage) become even more obvious.
This Macbeth graphic novel is set "in a future world of post-nuclear mutation." (That little fact will explain away why Macduff has four arms.) I'll be honest with you now. I rarely understand or "get" the art and design of the Manga itself. Why set Shakespeare's Scottish play in a post-nuclear-disaster future?...for example. But while I sometimes fail to appreciate the illustrative story that has nothing whatsoever to do with the text of the book itself, I almost always love, love, love the adaptation of the play itself. The series has done a wonderful job in adapting these plays and presenting them in new and imaginative ways.
Manga Shakespeare begins with several pages of color art work. Each character is introduced along with a phrase or two that sums up their character or their influence on the play itself. For example, Lady Macbeth's is "But screw your courage to the sticking-place and we'll not fail!" which is a great line to sum up everything she brings to the play.
Most of the graphic novel is in black and white. This is an action-filled play. And the text really works well here. Everything that is memorable and important from Shakespeare's original play is presented within the book. (In other words, all the lines that are apt to be on the test or vital to class discussion.) I love that the language is all Shakespeare. I love that the text becomes more accessible because of the format.
I think Lady Macbeth is a great example of this. With her well-endowed cleavage, corset, mini-skirt, and thigh-high boots. Her manipulations and insults to Macbeth's manhood (and courage) become even more obvious.
September 17, 2023
Had high hopes, but this was average at best
May 10, 2020
The Manga edition of Macbeth, which is set in the future, contains all the right quotes and is beautifully drawn
August 26, 2025
Manga isn't really my thing, and it was kind of difficult for me to keep track of the characters, but it's an okay adaptation for students who are frequent readers of manga.
February 1, 2016
The samurai concept was perfect for Macbeth, and I thought that the scenes were well placed in the setting. It was definitely a little darker than I expected, but the manga fitted seamlessly with the Shakespeare text.
April 14, 2015
Another one of my favourites from the classics the manga editions make it easier to understand and follow the story although lady Macbeth does get me angry shes an absoloute snake !
August 9, 2020
Generell habe ich mit diesem Stück ohnehin meine Probleme. Wohl eines von Shakespeares bekanntesten Stücken und auch eines seiner meistgespielten und beliebtesten. Ich habe aber mit diesem Stück so meine Probleme und werde nicht warm damit.
MacBeth ist zu Beginn eine Art Knight in shining armor. Ein lawful good Palladin, der für seinen Herren treu ergeben kämpft. Wegen einer Prophezeihung wird er innerhalb kürzester Zeit zu einem chaotic evil character, einem Ronin, der sinnlos zu morden beginnt. Dass er seinen Chef/König umbringt, OK, verständlich. Die Auftragsmorde danach, besonders das sinnlose Auslöschen ganzer Familien durch gedungene Mörder ist schwer nachvollziebar und unnötig auffällig sinnlos.
Zumal, wenn man nicht den Magen und die Standhaftigkeit hat, sich nach oben zu morden, warum macht man das dann?! Entweder man hat das Rückgrad dazu oder eben nicht. Dieses Rummjammern über Dinge, die man nicht mehr ändern kann...
Auch das Verhalten von MacDuff... er weiß, dass sen Verhalten seine Familie gefährdet, Ross warnt sie. Aber statt sie mitzunehmen, verdrückt auch Ross sich. MacDuffs Frau ist auch sauer wegen seiner Handlung und weiß, dass sie in Gefahr ist. Dann aber rumjaulen, dass der durchgeknallte Herrscher die eigene Familie umgebracht hat. Selber Schuld MacDuff, das hast Du dir ganz alleine zuzuschreiben.
Malcolms seltsame Diskussion mit MacDuff, in dem er sich schlimmer als MacBeth darstellt.... was soll das? Für mich funktioniert das nicht als Loyalitätstest, das ist entweder fishing for compliments oder britisches ich möchte gerne dreimal gebeten werden. Da Malcolm am Ende auch gleich mal eine Vetterleswirtschaft etabliert, in welcher er Freunde und Bekannte fürstlich entlohnt... ob er wirklich so viel besser als MacBeth ist, sei mal dahingestellt.
Mir zu viele unlogische, nicht wirklich stimmige Handlungen und Charakterisierungen. Ich kann die Begeisterung für dieses Stück so gar nicht nachvollziehen.
Der Manga versetzt diese Handlung nun in ein postapocalyptisches, feudalistisches Japan.
Die Dialoge sind, die man es von dieser Reihe gewohnt ist, auf die Handlungstragenden Elemente zurückgekürzt.
Die Zeichnungen sind OK, sehr kantig, die Männer sehr maskulin und recht gut zu unterscheiden. Man kann der Handlung gut folgen und die unlogischen Elemente stechen im Manga nicht ganz so hervor wie im Original.
MacBeth ist zu Beginn eine Art Knight in shining armor. Ein lawful good Palladin, der für seinen Herren treu ergeben kämpft. Wegen einer Prophezeihung wird er innerhalb kürzester Zeit zu einem chaotic evil character, einem Ronin, der sinnlos zu morden beginnt. Dass er seinen Chef/König umbringt, OK, verständlich. Die Auftragsmorde danach, besonders das sinnlose Auslöschen ganzer Familien durch gedungene Mörder ist schwer nachvollziebar und unnötig auffällig sinnlos.
Zumal, wenn man nicht den Magen und die Standhaftigkeit hat, sich nach oben zu morden, warum macht man das dann?! Entweder man hat das Rückgrad dazu oder eben nicht. Dieses Rummjammern über Dinge, die man nicht mehr ändern kann...
Auch das Verhalten von MacDuff... er weiß, dass sen Verhalten seine Familie gefährdet, Ross warnt sie. Aber statt sie mitzunehmen, verdrückt auch Ross sich. MacDuffs Frau ist auch sauer wegen seiner Handlung und weiß, dass sie in Gefahr ist. Dann aber rumjaulen, dass der durchgeknallte Herrscher die eigene Familie umgebracht hat. Selber Schuld MacDuff, das hast Du dir ganz alleine zuzuschreiben.
Malcolms seltsame Diskussion mit MacDuff, in dem er sich schlimmer als MacBeth darstellt.... was soll das? Für mich funktioniert das nicht als Loyalitätstest, das ist entweder fishing for compliments oder britisches ich möchte gerne dreimal gebeten werden. Da Malcolm am Ende auch gleich mal eine Vetterleswirtschaft etabliert, in welcher er Freunde und Bekannte fürstlich entlohnt... ob er wirklich so viel besser als MacBeth ist, sei mal dahingestellt.
Mir zu viele unlogische, nicht wirklich stimmige Handlungen und Charakterisierungen. Ich kann die Begeisterung für dieses Stück so gar nicht nachvollziehen.
Der Manga versetzt diese Handlung nun in ein postapocalyptisches, feudalistisches Japan.
Die Dialoge sind, die man es von dieser Reihe gewohnt ist, auf die Handlungstragenden Elemente zurückgekürzt.
Die Zeichnungen sind OK, sehr kantig, die Männer sehr maskulin und recht gut zu unterscheiden. Man kann der Handlung gut folgen und die unlogischen Elemente stechen im Manga nicht ganz so hervor wie im Original.
March 2, 2020
Manga Shakespeare's Macbeth is about the normal story about Macbeth, expect, it is dated in the future, in a wasteland-like setting, where instead of the Medieval Age, its a mix of a sort of Samurai and Future age. The story is the same, but how the author treats the story is very different. The language follows the original verison of Macbeth, not the modern retelling. For example, long distance letters are now holographic messages. The characters are used more samuari-like, with the expection of some characters being cyborgs or robotic-like. The criminals that kill Banquo are just normal assassins hired.
The main idea of this story is the same as Macbeth, which has plenty of main ideas, mostly about to not follow everything you hear, and to stay true to yourself. Macbeth, again, hesitated to kill the King he worked hard for, and his wife, still the same, told him over and over again to do it, and then he finally did it. Of course, regretting it. And in later in the story, he lost himself and became a cruel king to be hunted down and killed.
My thoughts on this book are nice- of course it did not have the entire story, but a summary using quotes from the main story. The art and pictures were really nice as well, so i pretty much enjoyed reading the book.
The main idea of this story is the same as Macbeth, which has plenty of main ideas, mostly about to not follow everything you hear, and to stay true to yourself. Macbeth, again, hesitated to kill the King he worked hard for, and his wife, still the same, told him over and over again to do it, and then he finally did it. Of course, regretting it. And in later in the story, he lost himself and became a cruel king to be hunted down and killed.
My thoughts on this book are nice- of course it did not have the entire story, but a summary using quotes from the main story. The art and pictures were really nice as well, so i pretty much enjoyed reading the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
Deas's background art was easily the highlight of this Manga Shakespeare adaptation. I could see this world having nuclear fallout, leaving its characters to run around in post apocalyptic conditions. Their expanse was nicely conveyed, and Macduff having four arms was another great nod. The pace of the play lent well to manga format, although it also sped through the slower scenes Shakespeare constructed. I also felt like Macbeth's characterization could have been stronger. There needed to be more visual distress beyond one costume change, but that might be me being a little picky.
June 27, 2018
Thus far out of the few adaptations of the Macbeth I have read, this one was done the best in conveying the original storyline to teens that are maybe more reluctant to or need additional insight into reading Shakespeare. The setting, a futuristic world of post-nuclear mutation, didn’t add too much visually but didn’t take away from the overall experience either. A perfect addition to any high school classroom or library.
December 23, 2021
My problem was not so much with the manga, but with the source material - the original play has too many characters, no real plot to speak of and the dated convoluted language in rhyme doesn't help to understand what's going on either. Also, the strongest character in the play who was most determined to see Macbeth as king by any means necessary suddenly being driven mad by guilt is not believable.
August 10, 2019
This was a fun adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth with original dialogue included, though it was shortened down to be closer to a typical length for manga. It was nice reading the story while having visual images in order to "see" it as it played out, which you unfortunately don't get when reading the play. It definitely makes the play easier to understand.
April 14, 2022
3,5
this was a gift! i admit, it isn’t something i would reach for by myself, but it was a fun and easy graphic novel to get through. i dont know why it’s called a manga, since it’s not in manga form nor has manga art other than some asian characters, but it was a pleasant read. i want to try reading romeo and juliet from the same series :)
this was a gift! i admit, it isn’t something i would reach for by myself, but it was a fun and easy graphic novel to get through. i dont know why it’s called a manga, since it’s not in manga form nor has manga art other than some asian characters, but it was a pleasant read. i want to try reading romeo and juliet from the same series :)
December 15, 2016
Love the Manga Shakespeare books makes Shakespeare so much more appealing and easier to understand ! Lady Macbeth gets me so mad though she's such a snake !
September 23, 2017
A "fun" adaptation of the classic. The dark atmosphere was well delivered.
June 2, 2019
Hard to follow the narrative sometimes.
But all the great quotes were there!
But all the great quotes were there!
October 28, 2020
Did exactly what it said on the tin!
January 6, 2022
One of the most devastating endings, i've ever seen, especially with the graphic representations and the post apocalyptic japanese aesthetic
March 29, 2024
Making MacBeth cyberpunk and samurai is sick AF
August 13, 2024
This went hilariously hard for no reason.
December 15, 2024
I was hoping I'd understand a bit more in this format but I found it even more confusing.
June 17, 2015
I suppose this could have been worse. I find myself wondering just who this was written for? Shakespeare enthusiasts will probably hate it for its trivialization of the Board, for turning Macbeth into a novelty item. Manga fans will probably hate it because it isn't "real" manga, that is: it's not an English translation of a Japanese original. From the artwork, I'd gather that the artist, Robert Deas, has at least HEARD of manga, and likely read one or two of those How To Draw manga books. It's pretty sub-par by actual manga standards though. The book looks like it was drawn by someone whose previous experience was designing flyers for the anime club at their local community college. The idea behind this project is intriguing, and, in the right hands, could have been something special. Sadly, the right hands came nowhere near this, and the result is more Cliff's Notes with a fan fiction-y vibe than a delightfully surprising adaptation of a literary classic.
December 1, 2013
Now, to be completely honest, I rated this read as my personal reading experience. I am not a manga reader and so I admit to being completely biased in this genre. I am also a bit of a prude when it comes to classical literature so the combination does not work out so well for this particular review. That being said, I can see where this adaptation could be well-loved, and I have read reviews from parents and teachers who swear by them for emerging Shakespeare enthusiasts, and for that I full endorse this series and have no regrets on having purchased a number of them. For me personally, this was not a good fit. I had a very difficult time buying in on the post-apocalyptic non-Scottish MacBeth cast, but I did appreciate a lot of the imagery that stayed true to the play even when the dialogue was cut short. Do be careful with your print copy, the pages come loose very easily.
July 8, 2015
The worst adaptation of Macbeth I've ever read - and that comes from someone who is a massive fan of both Shakespeare and manga! It was at some times painful, and other times frustrating - and the adaptation left out a great deal of crucial elements from the original in its quest to shorten the text.
Additionally, I think too many new themes were forced into the text and it struggles to keep them all together meaningfully. Either run with the post-apocalyptic, dystopian universe vibe OR the feudal Japan and samurai culture theme.... Not both! It's so hard to take this book seriously!
An excellent play, about murder, prophecy, madness, grief and ambition because a real snooze-fest. There are many great adaptations of Macbeth.... But this really isn't one of them.
Additionally, I think too many new themes were forced into the text and it struggles to keep them all together meaningfully. Either run with the post-apocalyptic, dystopian universe vibe OR the feudal Japan and samurai culture theme.... Not both! It's so hard to take this book seriously!
An excellent play, about murder, prophecy, madness, grief and ambition because a real snooze-fest. There are many great adaptations of Macbeth.... But this really isn't one of them.
January 10, 2010
These things are fun! You can actually understand who's who and get the gist of the play. If I were a teacher, I would seriously consider having my students read these first. Comic books are the way of the futre, if you ask me.
I will read more, just cause. As for Macbeth, I've always wanted to read it, but always had to read Hamlet in college.
I enjoyed it, but found it a little difficult. Getting killed, by the guy that was a c-section was kind of humorous. That a c-section was somehow not "woman born", was comical to me. It wasn't my favorite play, but I did find it very intriguing and engaging.
I will read more, just cause. As for Macbeth, I've always wanted to read it, but always had to read Hamlet in college.
I enjoyed it, but found it a little difficult. Getting killed, by the guy that was a c-section was kind of humorous. That a c-section was somehow not "woman born", was comical to me. It wasn't my favorite play, but I did find it very intriguing and engaging.
February 9, 2011
While this might not be the greatest retelling of "Macbeth," it's definitely one of the easiest to understand. It keeps the original Shakespeare lines, so it's sort of like seeing a reinterpretation of the play.
If you have issues with understanding the original play, this will be very helpful in giving you visuals to help with what's going on. Just don't try to read this instead of the original for school. XD It's an aid, nothing more.
If you have issues with understanding the original play, this will be very helpful in giving you visuals to help with what's going on. Just don't try to read this instead of the original for school. XD It's an aid, nothing more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews