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A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel
One Christmas Eve, after being particularly cruel to his employee, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him that he will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, Future. Each ghost shows him things that rekindle the joy and spirit of Christmas within his heart and awaken his goodwill toward his fellow man. In typical fashion, Dickens deals with social injustice in a way that transcends the 19th century. This illustrated version of the classic holiday tale is brough to life with an illustrated Character List (like a Dramatis Personae), 134 pages of color story artwork, and fascinating support material that details the life and work of Charles Dickens as well as information on Victorian England.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael Wilson
82 books85 followersSean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award).
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 27, 2022
He made it confusing. I know this story well but there was still head-scratchery afoot as I cranked this out in one stroke of Christmas. Due to my style of book digestion, if it wasn't reading smoothly for me and I still flew through, then I surely cannot recommend.
The art is certainly above average though.
The art is certainly above average though.
November 28, 2018
A brilliant graphic novel version of my all time favourite story. Using Dickens words (mostly), the characters jump off the page.
December 11, 2008
No, it's not the original, though I love the original and I've read it numerous times, I still found this unique edition to be surprisingly refreshing with the warmth and dignity the story deserves. And it was unexpectedly moving! I also appreciate that the language and storyline were kept remarkably intact.
Never read a graphic novel before, I guess this was a good place to start! :)
Never read a graphic novel before, I guess this was a good place to start! :)
November 23, 2018
This is one of my favourite books of all time. I read it every other year and watch the old film every Xmas-much to my hubby’s chagrin. This version is great and very engaging. It contains much of Dickens’s prose and is all the better for it. A visual depiction of one of the best written characters of all time and one of the scariest ghosts.
December 9, 2018
I read the original last year, and since I made a goal for myself to read more graphic novels this year, I figured I would read the graphic novel adaptation. It followed the original pretty well. I prefer Dickens’ language though.
March 26, 2021
Read this graphic novel as a possibility for our district's 7th grade curriculum study over A Christmas Carol. This adaptation is very close to the original text by Charles Dickens and the graphic elements help enhance the story.
December 21, 2019
Great retelling of a Christmas classic. I enjoyed the graphics and reading this again just before Christmas.
December 23, 2020
A great retelling and adaptation of a Dickens classic, with artwork that really helps the story be told in a beautiful visual way. While I enjoyed the original text of this novel, I feel that the story is more powerful as a graphic novel, and the format really assists the otherworldly nature of the ghosts. The illustrations practically make the characters come to life. My favorites are Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Past. The art is fantastic and has a very somber mood throughout the book until the end.
March 18, 2025
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January 8, 2019
A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel brings Charles Dickens’ beloved classic to life. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman, is visited by three spirits who take him on a wondrous journey that changes him forever. Author Sean Michael Wilson does an especially good job at adapting Dickens, uses much of the original text and dialog. And the artwork is pretty impressive as well; particularly the coloring, which is remarkably rich and textured. Additionally, supplemental materials are included about the life of Charles Dickens and the Victorian Era. Extraordinarily well-crafted, A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel delivers an exciting new vision of this literary masterpiece.
December 16, 2018
This is a wonderful representation of a beloved classic. The illustrations practically make the characters come to life. My favorites are Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Past. I also like how this version includes parts of the story that are often forgotten in other representations such as the vision of Scrooge's ex-finance with her family.
October 12, 2011
The original full text of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in a beautiful graphic novel.
February 3, 2015
Very interesting book- Once i started reading it I couldn't stop until I was finished. Very interesting about how if you change your attitude you can change your fate.
December 17, 2020
This is a fabulous adaptation of the classic. My students loved getting to read a "comic book" and I loved that it was still the original text.
September 29, 2019
A heart warming childhood story that never grows old. The story is brought to life by amazing illustration which makes it a joy to read again.
Thoroughly recommended!
Thoroughly recommended!
December 27, 2022
Great illustrations
April 20, 2022
Scrooge is a miserable old man who has shut himself away from the world. His cold heart is locked away in a box wrapped in chains of greed, hatred, jealousy and sadness. He detests the world and everything in it, but his dear old friend visits him from beyond the grave to warn him of the consequences of falling into a downward spiral of spite, loathing and selfishness.
A shockingly well-written story considering the time it was written. It doesn't feel antique or outdated at all. It's full of emotion, humor, clever writing and a deep messages about how the world can take a toll on a person. Growing up in a world full of dark and twisted things can warp a man's soul if one is not careful. It can turn you bitter and resentful to everything around you. Even though it can be difficult, it's important to remember that there are little glimpses of light in the shadows.
I think reading this story as an adult is much more impactful than reading it as a child. Though it sucks to admit, the attitude Scrooge has toward people and the world is unfortunately kind of relatable. People and the world can be so cruel, selfish and despicable that sometimes it's difficult not to shun everything around you and grow cold and bitter like our friend Scrooge here.
A shockingly well-written story considering the time it was written. It doesn't feel antique or outdated at all. It's full of emotion, humor, clever writing and a deep messages about how the world can take a toll on a person. Growing up in a world full of dark and twisted things can warp a man's soul if one is not careful. It can turn you bitter and resentful to everything around you. Even though it can be difficult, it's important to remember that there are little glimpses of light in the shadows.
I think reading this story as an adult is much more impactful than reading it as a child. Though it sucks to admit, the attitude Scrooge has toward people and the world is unfortunately kind of relatable. People and the world can be so cruel, selfish and despicable that sometimes it's difficult not to shun everything around you and grow cold and bitter like our friend Scrooge here.
December 28, 2023
It's a graphic novel take on the classic story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors. I think this is a great version by Classic Comics that can be ordered with original or modern text. I enjoy having the original language in the book, but that is my personal preference.
The graphics are well done and fit the mood of the book well. I love the change to the white gutters at the end when the story is full of hope at the end. The drawings of each of the three spirits match the descriptions in the book. Some of the graphics even appear to "glow," such as the ghost of Marley. Parents might want to preview some of the images, especially with younger children. The final panels of the second spirit and the final spirit can be pretty intense.
This is a great way to introduce this classic story to your kids. It's a great foundation that you can build on by having them read the classic version later in their education.
The graphics are well done and fit the mood of the book well. I love the change to the white gutters at the end when the story is full of hope at the end. The drawings of each of the three spirits match the descriptions in the book. Some of the graphics even appear to "glow," such as the ghost of Marley. Parents might want to preview some of the images, especially with younger children. The final panels of the second spirit and the final spirit can be pretty intense.
This is a great way to introduce this classic story to your kids. It's a great foundation that you can build on by having them read the classic version later in their education.
November 3, 2018
A Christmas Carol by Sean Michael Wilson is a graphic novel adaptation of the original book. I did enjoy this adaptation of the book due to the wonderful visuals. The art is fantastic and has a very somber mood throughout the book until the end. The colors do pop off the page very well. The setting of this story is in London England in the early 1800's. This story is about how Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas and everything about it. He gets visited by Jacob Marley(his former partner in business), who tells him that he will meet the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, Future. When these Ghosts do come, they help Ebenezer Scrooge see the true meaning of Christmas. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to get into the Holiday spirit!
December 28, 2022
Excellent adaptation of the classic story. Perfect for the 'non-reader' who still wants to read. Artwork stupendous; follows the story precisely with all the characters, settings, situations. The artwork is sort of 'darkish' at the start, but brightens up as Scrooge goes on various visits, etc., with the three ghosts most readers known so well.
This is a great 'introductory' work, for those who've heard of the story, but really don't know it that well, and yes, I've encountered people who say, what? And think the Christmas Carol is quite literally, a song, or carol. This story is not part of everyone's native culture.
Picked it up to read while the Christmas season is still strong around here - but it will fade. Sadly so.
But a great pictorial read.
Four stars.
This is a great 'introductory' work, for those who've heard of the story, but really don't know it that well, and yes, I've encountered people who say, what? And think the Christmas Carol is quite literally, a song, or carol. This story is not part of everyone's native culture.
Picked it up to read while the Christmas season is still strong around here - but it will fade. Sadly so.
But a great pictorial read.
Four stars.
January 13, 2023
This is exactly what it says on the tin, a graphic novel version of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. I read the original several years ago, and that was in the middle of the summer, and so even though I picked this up in mid-January, technically it was closer to Christmas than I’d managed before.
This edition was a lot of fun and it did a great job of staying true to the original while also bringing something new to the table. The illustrations were fantastic and really brought the story to life, and it’s interesting because a lot of the characters looked like how they did in my head.
The original is actually super accessible and so I’d definitely recommend that too, but this is nice and accessible for all.
This edition was a lot of fun and it did a great job of staying true to the original while also bringing something new to the table. The illustrations were fantastic and really brought the story to life, and it’s interesting because a lot of the characters looked like how they did in my head.
The original is actually super accessible and so I’d definitely recommend that too, but this is nice and accessible for all.
December 11, 2017
Rather than a retelling, this graphic novel takes the classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL and adapts it using "quick text," so that the reader still gets the effect of Dickens' novel, but can be read in one sitting rather than trudging through the original. The colors used to show the moods of the story are beautiful as they change from dark and dreary, to bleek during the ghost of Christmas past, to eerie with the ghost of Christmases to come and then to bright and cheerful as Scrooge changes his demeanour and decides to be a joyful, giving person.
August 25, 2025
4⭐️
A quick and engaging introduction to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The graphic novel format works well for conveying the mood and emotions of the story. Having the illustrations really helps bring Scrooge’s transformation to life. I appreciated this as an accessible way in since this was a teaching unit for me, though I imagine much of the depth and nuance is lost in the adaptation (I haven’t read the original novel). Still, it definitely has its place, especially as a school study text or for readers who want a lighter version of the classic.
A quick and engaging introduction to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The graphic novel format works well for conveying the mood and emotions of the story. Having the illustrations really helps bring Scrooge’s transformation to life. I appreciated this as an accessible way in since this was a teaching unit for me, though I imagine much of the depth and nuance is lost in the adaptation (I haven’t read the original novel). Still, it definitely has its place, especially as a school study text or for readers who want a lighter version of the classic.
December 23, 2020
A graphic novel version of the classic Charles Dickens story.
This is a favourite story of mine at Christmas. This edition is a new version for me this year but it was very good. It still follows the story but allows a more visual experience. The images are well drawn and full of colour. Its an easy and quick read if you find the traditional versions a bit heavy going. Still made me weepy at the tiny Tim scenes. A beautiful edition of the story.
This is a favourite story of mine at Christmas. This edition is a new version for me this year but it was very good. It still follows the story but allows a more visual experience. The images are well drawn and full of colour. Its an easy and quick read if you find the traditional versions a bit heavy going. Still made me weepy at the tiny Tim scenes. A beautiful edition of the story.
December 9, 2019
"God bless us, every one!" -- A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel
I really enjoyed this! The illustrations are beautiful with very rich colors and sharp details. I am not a huge fan of Dickens writing, he's too verbose for my liking. This is like the best of the novel without having to reread the original.
I really enjoyed this! The illustrations are beautiful with very rich colors and sharp details. I am not a huge fan of Dickens writing, he's too verbose for my liking. This is like the best of the novel without having to reread the original.
December 25, 2023
This graphic novel does Dickens' story justice. You can purchase the version with the original text or a version with modern English. I have the original text. The artwork is beautiful and really brings Dickens' story to life. I read it once or twice a year during Christmas time. It is a stunning graphic novel to read.
January 19, 2024
Great adaptation, although I haven’t read the original. I cried in two places: first the very poignant image of the child Scrooge sitting alone at school, which was very close to my childhood experience; second by the ghost of Christmas present, due to the heartwarming joy he brought the families. Beautifully illustrated.
December 14, 2017
A great retelling of this Dickens classic, with artwork that really helps the story be told in a beautiful visual way. While I enjoyed the original text of this novel, I feel that the story is more powerful as a graphic novel, and the format really assists the otherworldly nature of the ghosts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews