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A Arte da Guerra: Novela Gráfica
An entertaining graphic adaptation of the oldest military treatise in the world.
Hailed as the oldest philosophical discussion on military strategy, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War has been adapted as a graphic novel by award-winning illustrator Pete Katz. In this collectible thread-bound edition, the narrative focuses on a teacher instructing a pupil on the main points of Sun Tzu’s treatise, with vibrant battle scenes interspersed throughout. Issues such as planning, tactics, maneuvering, and spying are demonstrated in the full-color scenes, so that readers can envision how military goals are achieved using principles from the fifth century BC.
Hailed as the oldest philosophical discussion on military strategy, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War has been adapted as a graphic novel by award-winning illustrator Pete Katz. In this collectible thread-bound edition, the narrative focuses on a teacher instructing a pupil on the main points of Sun Tzu’s treatise, with vibrant battle scenes interspersed throughout. Issues such as planning, tactics, maneuvering, and spying are demonstrated in the full-color scenes, so that readers can envision how military goals are achieved using principles from the fifth century BC.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2018
113 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Pete Katz
11 books22 followersPete 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
YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @nutkin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 26, 2023
One of my favorite books of all time - this GN is the story of a young boy learning the lessons from the AOW through conversations with his master (a retired general). Illustrations are excellent and really add depth to the story - a great book for a young man or woman going into the armed forces.
March 8, 2022
4 ☆
As I had mentioned in my audiobook review of The Art of War, thousands of editions are available. For a printed version, I jumped at the opportunity to read a graphic novel. Pete Katz utilized a story framework in which Liu, an adolescent boy, received instruction from an older man whom he addressed as "Sifu" (an honorific for a skilled person or master). Katz incorporated General Sun Tzu's treatise primarily based upon the English translation by Lionel Giles in 1910 and also inspired by more recent analysis.
The artwork is bold and colorful, depicting China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). While there were numerous battles between soldiers armed with swords and spears, the most gripping scenes transpired when Liu's town was attacked by bandits. Sifu was warned by his friend Wang who revealed that Sifu was a retired General who was still a highly capable fighter.
The Art of War: A Graphic Novel was a great, fun choice among the far too numerous variations of The Art of War that are available. If one wants a pure version of The Art of War, there are editions that have been pared down to fewer than 70 pages, but they'd probably seem rather dry. This was an excellent and true interpretation of General Sun Tzu's treatise.
It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune.
As I had mentioned in my audiobook review of The Art of War, thousands of editions are available. For a printed version, I jumped at the opportunity to read a graphic novel. Pete Katz utilized a story framework in which Liu, an adolescent boy, received instruction from an older man whom he addressed as "Sifu" (an honorific for a skilled person or master). Katz incorporated General Sun Tzu's treatise primarily based upon the English translation by Lionel Giles in 1910 and also inspired by more recent analysis.
Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.
The artwork is bold and colorful, depicting China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). While there were numerous battles between soldiers armed with swords and spears, the most gripping scenes transpired when Liu's town was attacked by bandits. Sifu was warned by his friend Wang who revealed that Sifu was a retired General who was still a highly capable fighter.
Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.
Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive.
The Art of War: A Graphic Novel was a great, fun choice among the far too numerous variations of The Art of War that are available. If one wants a pure version of The Art of War, there are editions that have been pared down to fewer than 70 pages, but they'd probably seem rather dry. This was an excellent and true interpretation of General Sun Tzu's treatise.
November 10, 2024
Nov 9, noon ~~ A few months ago in the Zapata Reading Club, Marco and I enjoyed three books about karate. The Art Of War was mentioned more than once in each book, and I kept thinking that maybe someday I should go ahead and read it. I've heard about TAOW my entire adult life, and never was too interested, but I suppose the idea of having just a vague idea of what was in the book finally became not good enough.
I noticed this graphic novel while browsing at my favorite online bookseller, and it seemed like an easy way to introduce myself to the original. When the book came I was amazed by its beauty. The artwork is incredibly impressive and the book is a joy to look at both inside and out.
I confess this did distract me a little from the text. I read it through the first time thrilling over the illustrations. There is not as much gore as I expected in a book about war, but that makes sense since TAOW was really more about high level planning and strategy rather than how to use weapons. I lingered over every single drawing until the end, when I realized I would need to go back and pay more attention to the words. Not a big sacrifice to make, so I started over.
The story takes place in China 'sometime during the Han dynasty' (206BC ~ AD220). A boy named Liu is on his way to continue his training with a man by the name of Sifu. We learn later he had been a general and was teaching Liu because he had no sons of his own to share his knowledge with. But in the first few pages we just know that Liu was hoping to continue sword training this day and is disappointed when SIfu says they will begin studying theory with Sun-Tzu's book. The expression on Liu's face when he hears about having to study 'that old thing' is priceless.
Sifu then guides Liu through each chapter of The Art Of War, but there is also a storyline to follow, with bandits attacking the village at one point and Liu needing to deal with a bully at another. This makes the book more than merely presenting the thirteen topics covered by Sun Tzu, and made the book feel more alive than it would have otherwise.
Artist Pete Katz covers all the topics in Sun Tzu's book, from Making Plans to Battle Maneuvers to Spies. In his introduction he says the book is not trying to be the best interpretation of TAOW, just an alternative or a introduction, based mainly on a 1910 translation by Lionel Giles. I feel that I have learned enough from this book to satisfy my curiosity about the original, and I am glad I read it. I also know I will be returning to the book many times for the visual experience.
Just a quick comment about my thoughts while learning lessons with Liu. Katz mentions in his introduction that the principles of Sun Tzu's book have been adapted for corporate strategy, office politics, and courtroom procedures. I can't help but wonder if that is part of our problem these days. While I was reading I could certainly see how helpful the ideas of Sun Tzu still would be during true warfare, but using the same ideas in peacetime, even if 'adapted' is not as agreeable for me.
I obviously would never be a successful business person in the standards of our times. I don't think it is ethical to live your life based on deception, secrecy, and spying. These are some important tools in warfare, but at least in war a person is fighting for actual survival and as we all know, all is fair in such situations. In business all anyone is fighting for is more: more stores, more money, more power, more more more. I think it is a shame in a way that Sun Tzu's thoughts have been manipulated in ways he never imagined.
But after all, I am only interested in trying to be a decent human being, not a multi-billionaire with more money than sense.
I noticed this graphic novel while browsing at my favorite online bookseller, and it seemed like an easy way to introduce myself to the original. When the book came I was amazed by its beauty. The artwork is incredibly impressive and the book is a joy to look at both inside and out.
I confess this did distract me a little from the text. I read it through the first time thrilling over the illustrations. There is not as much gore as I expected in a book about war, but that makes sense since TAOW was really more about high level planning and strategy rather than how to use weapons. I lingered over every single drawing until the end, when I realized I would need to go back and pay more attention to the words. Not a big sacrifice to make, so I started over.
The story takes place in China 'sometime during the Han dynasty' (206BC ~ AD220). A boy named Liu is on his way to continue his training with a man by the name of Sifu. We learn later he had been a general and was teaching Liu because he had no sons of his own to share his knowledge with. But in the first few pages we just know that Liu was hoping to continue sword training this day and is disappointed when SIfu says they will begin studying theory with Sun-Tzu's book. The expression on Liu's face when he hears about having to study 'that old thing' is priceless.
Sifu then guides Liu through each chapter of The Art Of War, but there is also a storyline to follow, with bandits attacking the village at one point and Liu needing to deal with a bully at another. This makes the book more than merely presenting the thirteen topics covered by Sun Tzu, and made the book feel more alive than it would have otherwise.
Artist Pete Katz covers all the topics in Sun Tzu's book, from Making Plans to Battle Maneuvers to Spies. In his introduction he says the book is not trying to be the best interpretation of TAOW, just an alternative or a introduction, based mainly on a 1910 translation by Lionel Giles. I feel that I have learned enough from this book to satisfy my curiosity about the original, and I am glad I read it. I also know I will be returning to the book many times for the visual experience.
Just a quick comment about my thoughts while learning lessons with Liu. Katz mentions in his introduction that the principles of Sun Tzu's book have been adapted for corporate strategy, office politics, and courtroom procedures. I can't help but wonder if that is part of our problem these days. While I was reading I could certainly see how helpful the ideas of Sun Tzu still would be during true warfare, but using the same ideas in peacetime, even if 'adapted' is not as agreeable for me.
I obviously would never be a successful business person in the standards of our times. I don't think it is ethical to live your life based on deception, secrecy, and spying. These are some important tools in warfare, but at least in war a person is fighting for actual survival and as we all know, all is fair in such situations. In business all anyone is fighting for is more: more stores, more money, more power, more more more. I think it is a shame in a way that Sun Tzu's thoughts have been manipulated in ways he never imagined.
But after all, I am only interested in trying to be a decent human being, not a multi-billionaire with more money than sense.
May 15, 2021
This is presented as a conversation between a student and a teacher. It's aimed at introducing the treatise to a younger audience. Still, I enjoyed it.
The graphic work is great. Can easily find place on the coffee table.
The graphic work is great. Can easily find place on the coffee table.
July 8, 2021
It is read right to left.
When i tried the book without the graphic ones, it was hard to pin point who's who as all the places are composed of three to four words max, like Shin, So... And so on.
I really loved it although the story wasn't gripping at all but it never dropped. It was like a flowing river, but it had a purpose
It reminds me a little of the book called Chanakya Niti but this one was more alluring and less boring. All in all, i freaking loved it.
When i tried the book without the graphic ones, it was hard to pin point who's who as all the places are composed of three to four words max, like Shin, So... And so on.
I really loved it although the story wasn't gripping at all but it never dropped. It was like a flowing river, but it had a purpose
It reminds me a little of the book called Chanakya Niti but this one was more alluring and less boring. All in all, i freaking loved it.
April 5, 2019
Vměstnat zásadní myšlenky mistra Suna do obrázkové knihy považuji za zajímavý nápad, který však skýtá mnohá úskalí. Autor se pokusil výňatky z těžkého textu obalit do jakéhosi příběhu chlapce, který dochází za mistrem, jenž mu Umění války vysvětluje. Text použitý v knize pak zákonitě vypadá, asi jako kdybyste vzali skripta, nejdůležitější myšlenky podtrhli zvýrazňovačem a pak si je přepsali vedle na papír. Kupodivu to funguje (i já takhle prošla několika zkouškami) a chlapcův příběh tomu všemu dává aspoň trochu nějaký dějový rámec.
Kresba je zajímavá. Působí na mě dojmem, že autor vše předkreslil a stínoval tužkou a pak vše dotáhl na počítači, čemuž napovídají i použité textury, např. oděvů. Otázkou tak zůstává, nakolik autentické jsou čínské oděvy a zbraně z přelomu letopočtu.
Při čtení některých náročnějších pasáží jsem si nemohla nevzpomenout na Knihu pěti kruhů, kterou jsem poslouchala nedávno, a také jejího vypravěče. Jako by mi to předčítal stejný herec. Obě díla jsou si v některých bodech nápadně podobná, a to i přes fakt, že je dělí kus moře a asi tak dvě tisíciletí.
Komiksová adaptace není vyčerpávajícím převedením díla, ale zajímavým úvodem pro ty, kteří mají v úmyslu pustit se do studia Umění války, a tak by rádi nejdříve nakoukli, jestli to pro ně bude to pravé. Právě oním shrnutím je však i přes obrázkovou poetiku dílo celkem náročné, a tak není radno číst ho na jeden zátah. Prostě vyžaduje notnou dávku soustředění.
Kresba je zajímavá. Působí na mě dojmem, že autor vše předkreslil a stínoval tužkou a pak vše dotáhl na počítači, čemuž napovídají i použité textury, např. oděvů. Otázkou tak zůstává, nakolik autentické jsou čínské oděvy a zbraně z přelomu letopočtu.
Při čtení některých náročnějších pasáží jsem si nemohla nevzpomenout na Knihu pěti kruhů, kterou jsem poslouchala nedávno, a také jejího vypravěče. Jako by mi to předčítal stejný herec. Obě díla jsou si v některých bodech nápadně podobná, a to i přes fakt, že je dělí kus moře a asi tak dvě tisíciletí.
Komiksová adaptace není vyčerpávajícím převedením díla, ale zajímavým úvodem pro ty, kteří mají v úmyslu pustit se do studia Umění války, a tak by rádi nejdříve nakoukli, jestli to pro ně bude to pravé. Právě oním shrnutím je však i přes obrázkovou poetiku dílo celkem náročné, a tak není radno číst ho na jeden zátah. Prostě vyžaduje notnou dávku soustředění.
April 24, 2019
War is war. We have new kinds to battle these days the 5plans remain as timely...
July 21, 2021
Zajímavý pokus o zatraktivnění jinak poměrně suchopárného spisku starověké literatury. Nebudu se pouštět do recenze, jen chci napsat, že nádherným ilustracím navzdory zakoupení českého vydání kvůli množství chyb nedoporučuji (nevypisovala jsem si je, ale ke konci je např. jedna opravdu výživná: "ctižádostivý lidé", str. 120) .
August 1, 2022
El Arte de la Guerra, edición ilustrada de Pete Katz, presenta el texto de Sun Tzu de manera ágil y sencilla, con algunos comentarios útiles, pero sobre todo con un arte sencillo y colorido que se disfruta a lo largo del cómic.
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February 25, 2024It’s a graphic novel, but don’t underestimate how lush, beautiful illustrations and a loose story that contextualizes and explains the principles of this book can help even an adult better understand and appreciate this classic.
January 23, 2021
Las mismas sabias y eternas enseñanzas de siempre amenizadas con unos dibujos fantásticos.
March 3, 2021
Cool way to retell a classic text. I enjoyed this a whole lot.
June 14, 2022
I sagens natur noget mere summarisk end originalen, men fin og med meget smukke illustrationer!
June 19, 2020
3.5 estrelas. Impressionante é isto ter sido escrito cerca de 500 a.C
May 7, 2025
εξαιρετικό βιβλίο και εικονογράφηση και με ωραία νοήματα που διδάσκουν την τέχνη του πολέμου 💯💯!!
May 17, 2023
My husband has talked about The Art of War since I met him over 40 years ago. I expected more about life. This version really focused on war. Perhaps I was supposed to read between the lines more. One point that really shone through: war is expensive and shouldn't be entered into lightly. Also, Putin shold have read the book before he launched his war against Ukraine. If he was honest with himself he would have noted that his army was not prepared to win decisively. Sigh.
Read
July 15, 2021After numerous references to it in popular culture, I wanted to read “The Art of War” but the version I preferred was temporarily sold out; I bought Pete Katz’ adaptation to read in the meantime. The translation I ordered still hasn’t arrived, so I can not (yet) compare this novel with “the real thing”. Also, I am not an experienced reader of graphic novels. But I think it is a good way to enter both worlds. The interwoven story of the young boy and his teacher adds a personal touch to, what I fear to be, an otherwise rather theoretical lecture. The images are stylish and beautiful, which is nice for a beginner like me, but more experienced readers of graphic novels might find it too pleasingly polished. Still, I think it is quite an endeavour to turn a f non-fictional work into a graphic novel. As for the content; I dislike both the military and the corporate world, and the obsession with competition which made this book so popular – still, Sun Tzu’s teachings were interesting and sometimes even useful to me.
March 29, 2023
Read alongside this edition.
December 15, 2022
Never read the original, but now I want too.
Art: 5/5
Text: 5/5
I've never read the original but now I want to. The presentation of the material was well done, there is a loose story of a retired general teaching a young boy in the village he lives in which helps drive the story forward. I can't say much about translation because I don't read Chinese and have never read another edition except that occasionally the sentence structure though grammatically correct failed to match anything any native speaker would write. The preface did state the text is based off of Lionel Giles' translation which is a more "word for word translation."
A quick word: I've have seen /The Art of War/ mocked because of its simplicity. But while reading I couldn't help but think of examples for almost all of the proverbs where they were violated either in business or in war either historically or in fiction and it met with disaster.
Read if you like military history, or are a writer. Think of /The Art of War/ as the military version of the /Evil Overlord's Handbook/.
Art: 5/5
Text: 5/5
I've never read the original but now I want to. The presentation of the material was well done, there is a loose story of a retired general teaching a young boy in the village he lives in which helps drive the story forward. I can't say much about translation because I don't read Chinese and have never read another edition except that occasionally the sentence structure though grammatically correct failed to match anything any native speaker would write. The preface did state the text is based off of Lionel Giles' translation which is a more "word for word translation."
A quick word: I've have seen /The Art of War/ mocked because of its simplicity. But while reading I couldn't help but think of examples for almost all of the proverbs where they were violated either in business or in war either historically or in fiction and it met with disaster.
Read if you like military history, or are a writer. Think of /The Art of War/ as the military version of the /Evil Overlord's Handbook/.
July 9, 2021
Rating: 3/5 Stars ⭐
This was my first Graphic Novel in the Non-fiction genre. This is also my first review written on goodreads so beware:
Start: The story consist of olden days of China when there were several kingdoms fighting to gain more. In between of these wars, we get to learn several tactics to even excel in today's world.
Graphics: The theme of the book was black and white and I personally loved it. The illustration of characters and war scene are outstanding! I hope you'll like it too.
Story: It is a Non-fiction book so I tried to note the major points not paying attention on the story but lessons that they teach us. The story revolves around the Plains of China as you'll read. Kingdoms have some 2-3 letter names which I don't remember now. (LOL).
Who should read this book?
People who want to read something like the mixture of fiction and Non-fiction. If you have loved comics in childhood and even love it now, would also find it good.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
This was my first Graphic Novel in the Non-fiction genre. This is also my first review written on goodreads so beware:
Start: The story consist of olden days of China when there were several kingdoms fighting to gain more. In between of these wars, we get to learn several tactics to even excel in today's world.
Graphics: The theme of the book was black and white and I personally loved it. The illustration of characters and war scene are outstanding! I hope you'll like it too.
Story: It is a Non-fiction book so I tried to note the major points not paying attention on the story but lessons that they teach us. The story revolves around the Plains of China as you'll read. Kingdoms have some 2-3 letter names which I don't remember now. (LOL).
Who should read this book?
People who want to read something like the mixture of fiction and Non-fiction. If you have loved comics in childhood and even love it now, would also find it good.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
September 6, 2019
Komiksové vydání starého díla Umění války může na první pohled působit dojmem, že se jedná o jeho zjednodušené podání dostupné pro všechny. Opak je ale pravdou, nejedná se o oddechovou četbu, některé pasáže je potřeba přečíst vícekrát a dávat při čtení řádný důraz na porozumění textu. Pokud se chcete s tímto dílem seznámit, raději sáhněte po psané knize s rozborem. Kresby jsou ovšem nádherné a kniha se tak může stát pěkným dárkem a vlastně to může být i takové první netradiční seznámení s tímto starým dílem.
Recenze knihy: http://dragell.cz/sun-c-pete-katz-ume...
Recenze knihy: http://dragell.cz/sun-c-pete-katz-ume...
May 25, 2021
I hate to admit it, but I haven't actually read The Art of War so I can't really compare this graphic novel with the original like I have with other graphic novel adaptations. This laid out the "Art if War" very simply with nice illustrations to demonstrate what they mean. If the book is this simple, it shouldn't take long to read but the strategies discussed were very interesting and made me think about all the war movies and war in history where these were obviously implemented. The deceit chapter was especially intriguing. I give a solid 5 for the art, the layout and even the side story of the teacher and the boy
March 10, 2021
Never held my interest. It reminded me of the Sphinx from Mystery Men, only far less profound. I didn't expect things like "when your opponent is strong to the left, attack to the right" sort of statements.
Think I'm joking? "when you are strong, appear weak. When you are near, appear far. When you are far, appear close. if your enemy is strong, evade him. if his forces are united, divide them. " I'm sure people get great wisdom from that - I found it inane. The first graphic novel that I didn't finish in a long time.
Think I'm joking? "when you are strong, appear weak. When you are near, appear far. When you are far, appear close. if your enemy is strong, evade him. if his forces are united, divide them. " I'm sure people get great wisdom from that - I found it inane. The first graphic novel that I didn't finish in a long time.
October 26, 2020
Umění války je pro mě osobně velice těžko stravitelná kniha, přestože mi přijde dost zajímavá. Poprvé jsem ho slyšel audio knihu, oproti čemuž je toto heho komiksové zpracování mnohem čitelnejší. To nejen kvuli doplnění o pěkné kresby, ale i díky obalení myšlenek mistra Suna do příběhu kdy je vypráví mistr svému žákovi. Jako plus beru i občasné doplnění Sunových textů o jakési návrhy na interpretaci, nebo-li rozvinutí jeho myšlenek do lépe pochopitelnější formy.
September 27, 2022
I tried reading this book and gave up multiple times, so I was happy to find a graphic novel adaptation. That format is way more palatable, but still really boring. It reads like a checklist of things to worry about to win a war, answering burning questions like “How to take advantage of the terrain?” or “what kind of spies are there?”. Cool, but that isn’t information I particularly care about.
The art is great though!
The art is great though!
May 9, 2024
I like the story of a seasoned general teaching a young man lessons of the Art of War. I thought the art in this graphic novel was great and suited the story and lessons. However there were some beliefs that I disagreed with. Such as put your people in situation where they have little hope in order for them to perform better. Or only go to war if certain conditions are met; sometimes you do not have a choice. But overall I enjoyed The Art of War: a Graphic Novel.
December 15, 2024
Up from 3.5 ⭐️. This is an attractive visual presentation/adaptation of the classic text. The illustrations are attractive, though they don't always illustrate the lessons of Sun Tzu as clearly as one might wish.
The original text is framed by the narrative of a teacher and student, and the most successful depictions of Sun Tzu's ideas are the those in which the teacher applies them in defending the community from attack.
The original text is framed by the narrative of a teacher and student, and the most successful depictions of Sun Tzu's ideas are the those in which the teacher applies them in defending the community from attack.
April 19, 2021
Cette BD m'aura permis d'arriver à bout des 13 articles! j'avais commencé le roman sans jamais le finir (trop d'infos et de notes de l'édition) et là avec la BD , on va à l'essentiel. Ce que je reproche à cette adaption par contre c'est l'inconsistance au niveau des dessins: des fois magnifiques et d'autres fois moins interessants.
August 9, 2022
I had previously read Sun Tzu's Art of War in print, but there is something nice about the illustrations guiding the flow of guidance being given. The framing narrative in the graphic novel felt a bit tacked on, but it served its purpose being a master teaching his young pupil. Good, short read with a lot of wisdom that applies far beyond the battlefield.
February 5, 2023
The Art of War graphic novel was nice in general. However, in most parts the vignettes did not necessarily match the context of what the text was describing. But having now read it once, this graphic novel can serve as a reference "go to" whenever I wish to have a peek at any concept described. Good summary book of the Art of War.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews