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1984: Grafický román
Jedno z nejznámějších děl světové literatury v sobě pojí prvky společensko-politického a vědecko-fantastického románu. Je obžalobou diktatury ve všech jejích podobách. Čtenář se ponoří do osudů čestného, citlivého a uvažujícího Winstona Smitha, který se vzepře systému, za což zaplatí krutou daň. Orwell touto knihou předpověděl společenský vývoj a neustále vzbuzuje mezi novými čtenáři nadšení a fascinaci.
284 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2021
103 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
December 16, 2024
As grim and bleak as the original. The atmosphere is well done, but I feel the medium of a graphic novel could have been used to a larger extent and potentially with a bit less tell (via book excerpts) and a bit more show.
Always the eyes watching you. Nothing is your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull.
In a back, grey and white style, sometimes interspersed with some orange, the tale of Winston is effectively told in this graphic novel by Matyáš Namai. The style fits the story in all its bleakness, but I feel there could have been worked more by just showing instead of telling. Especially halfway there are around 20 pages of literal book excerpts that really slowed down my reading experience. The scenes in the ministry of love, with all the torture and hardships then again worked very well. Of course the story is fantastic, and in general well rendered, with sometimes exquisite sentences to ponder on:
But if all others accept a lie, then that lie passes into history and becomes truth. Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present controls the present.
Still I feel this book is probably hard to appreciate standalone so 3,5 stars rounded down.
Always the eyes watching you. Nothing is your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull.
In a back, grey and white style, sometimes interspersed with some orange, the tale of Winston is effectively told in this graphic novel by Matyáš Namai. The style fits the story in all its bleakness, but I feel there could have been worked more by just showing instead of telling. Especially halfway there are around 20 pages of literal book excerpts that really slowed down my reading experience. The scenes in the ministry of love, with all the torture and hardships then again worked very well. Of course the story is fantastic, and in general well rendered, with sometimes exquisite sentences to ponder on:
But if all others accept a lie, then that lie passes into history and becomes truth. Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present controls the present.
Still I feel this book is probably hard to appreciate standalone so 3,5 stars rounded down.
April 11, 2022
I finally gave up on this after several months. The combination of its bleakness, repetitiveness and hopelessness turned this into a slog. I felt like one of the characters in the novel reading this and that was just too much for me. I think this may only work as a companion piece to the novel and not as a work of its own.
Received a review copy from Palazzo Editions and NetGalley.
Received a review copy from Palazzo Editions and NetGalley.
October 25, 2021
I first read 1984 in high school, but it’s been a while since a re-read so when I saw this graphic novel I thought, why not? I’m not a big reader of graphic novels, particularly when it’s all visual, I like words. Luckily this is quite wordy with lots of direct quotes from the novel. The art does capture the bleakness and despair of Orwell’s dystopia and I thought this was a great way to revisit 1984.
December 14, 2021
1984 is one of my favorite stories of all time and the graphic novel did NOT disappoint. The artwork is harsh and starkly black and white with a bit of red thrown in to add some gravitas and depth to the story. I really enjoyed how all the characters were drawn and depicted and I don't think you could've done a better graphic novel adaptation of this book. It's definitely not a fly through it kind of graphic novels, like some are. You need to take time with it and really look at all the artwork as it is truly part of the story. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys 1984 and is interested in seeing it in graphic novel format. This is something I would happily own and display.
Received via Netgalley
Received via Netgalley
February 6, 2023
I am thrilled to have had the chance to review 1984 in graphic novel format. The illustration style is interesting and consistent throughout, and the graphic novel delivers the vast majority of the text of 1984 in a faithful rendition.
I teach a unit on 1984 as part of my senior students' English class of Expository Reading and Writing, and after reviewing my ARC copy, I purchased the hardcover and introduced the graphic novel to my students as a way to augment their reading of the original novel. They have found it informative and helpful so far, which I count as a win. I love that this graphic novel format is allowing a new generation of students, who are much more visually oriented than previous generations, to access this powerful and still relevant literary work.
I teach a unit on 1984 as part of my senior students' English class of Expository Reading and Writing, and after reviewing my ARC copy, I purchased the hardcover and introduced the graphic novel to my students as a way to augment their reading of the original novel. They have found it informative and helpful so far, which I count as a win. I love that this graphic novel format is allowing a new generation of students, who are much more visually oriented than previous generations, to access this powerful and still relevant literary work.
November 6, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of 1984: The Graphic Novel in exchange for an honest review.
I never read 1984. I figured this would be a good way to pretend I've read 1984. After reading it though, I'm pretty sure this only works as a companion piece, not as it's own complete story (either that or 1984 is a very hard to follow story).
I never read 1984. I figured this would be a good way to pretend I've read 1984. After reading it though, I'm pretty sure this only works as a companion piece, not as it's own complete story (either that or 1984 is a very hard to follow story).
April 15, 2025
Powerful
This is Banned Books Week. Without realising it, I'd started reading 1984, graphic novel based on George Orwell's book banned several times.
The story is powerful, more so, because so much of it rings true. And the illustrations by Matyas Namai are fabulous. The black and white with a hint of red matches the mood of the book.
This is Banned Books Week. Without realising it, I'd started reading 1984, graphic novel based on George Orwell's book banned several times.
The story is powerful, more so, because so much of it rings true. And the illustrations by Matyas Namai are fabulous. The black and white with a hint of red matches the mood of the book.
July 23, 2022
Just read the book — it’s better and takes the same amount of time to get through.
October 18, 2021
TW: violence, control, slavery, abuse.
Thank you to Palazzo Editions and NetGalley for allowing me to read the graphic novel 1984 in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel of 1984 had some excellent visual representation that can be lost in the book.
However, it still felt very chaotic to read and, at times, hard to read. So, while 1984 has never been a favourite of mine, I do appreciate and recommend this graphic novel to help those who are visual readers.
Thank you to Palazzo Editions and NetGalley for allowing me to read the graphic novel 1984 in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel of 1984 had some excellent visual representation that can be lost in the book.
However, it still felt very chaotic to read and, at times, hard to read. So, while 1984 has never been a favourite of mine, I do appreciate and recommend this graphic novel to help those who are visual readers.
October 19, 2021
This was a strong edition of one of the most important literary works to exist but this medium, in graphic novel form, felt like more of a companion piece than a story. The illustrations and dialogue were visually stunning and brought new ways to the story but left much to the imagination that the novel conveyed. This is a good starting point for new readers but existing readers may feel that this is not a fully appreciated story.
May 14, 2021
Komiksové zpracování příběhu 1984 mě hodně lákalo, protože do klasické knížky se nemůžu už několik let dokopat, a tak když jsem viděla, že vychází grafický román u @knihydobrovsky, tak mi bylo celkem jasné, že si ho musím přečíst 😊
A musím říct, že na zadek jsem si tedy bohužel z příběhu nesedla. Oceňuji kresbu a celkově zpracování grafického románu. Je vidět, že si Matyáš Namai dál vážně záležet a povedlo se mu navodit přesně takovou atmosféru, jakou bych od dystopického příběhu 1984 očekávala - pěkně tajemnou a drsnou. Za to veliký palec nahoru.
Ale příběh, jako takový, nebyl úplně můj šálek kávy, což jsem trochu předvídala (možná proto jsem se tak dlouho vyhýbala knize). Myslím, že jsem ho možná ani nedokázala plně vstřebat a pochopit... Asi nejsem prostě typ na tak moc politicky zaměřený příběh. Naprosto ovšem chápu, co na tom spousta lidí oceňuje a proč je příběh 1984 klasikou.
A musím říct, že na zadek jsem si tedy bohužel z příběhu nesedla. Oceňuji kresbu a celkově zpracování grafického románu. Je vidět, že si Matyáš Namai dál vážně záležet a povedlo se mu navodit přesně takovou atmosféru, jakou bych od dystopického příběhu 1984 očekávala - pěkně tajemnou a drsnou. Za to veliký palec nahoru.
Ale příběh, jako takový, nebyl úplně můj šálek kávy, což jsem trochu předvídala (možná proto jsem se tak dlouho vyhýbala knize). Myslím, že jsem ho možná ani nedokázala plně vstřebat a pochopit... Asi nejsem prostě typ na tak moc politicky zaměřený příběh. Naprosto ovšem chápu, co na tom spousta lidí oceňuje a proč je příběh 1984 klasikou.
January 8, 2022
One of the best Christmas gifts.
The form is very well done and the content is superb; albeit I never read the original text and thus I felt like I am missing something. It is probably better for those who want to refresh their memory of 1984 and appreciate some visual art meanwhile. Maybe I am too enthusiastic about non-superhero comics, but this was f-ing awesome.
I would lend it, so that you have the same experience as me…, but I already like the book as object a bit po much. Also is this commodity fetishism and why do we accept it for books?? Leave comments below.
The form is very well done and the content is superb; albeit I never read the original text and thus I felt like I am missing something. It is probably better for those who want to refresh their memory of 1984 and appreciate some visual art meanwhile. Maybe I am too enthusiastic about non-superhero comics, but this was f-ing awesome.
I would lend it, so that you have the same experience as me…, but I already like the book as object a bit po much. Also is this commodity fetishism and why do we accept it for books?? Leave comments below.
April 17, 2021
Hezký komiks, který vám převypráví příběh 1984 od George Orwella. Možná bych se v tom lépe orientovala, kdybych tu knížku četla, takhle jsem byla trochu zmatená. Taky bych si příště vybrala českou verzi, protože se obecně v tomto typu komiksu hůř orientuji a ta angličtina mi to ještě ztížila.
Každopádně příběh to byl zajímavý a na původní román se chystám :)
Každopádně příběh to byl zajímavý a na původní román se chystám :)
November 6, 2021
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An e-arc of the book has been provided by the publisher, Palazzo Editions, in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this without any knowledge of George Orwell’s 1984 is really something else. There are a lot to consider when you read a graphic novel that has been adapted from an actual novel. So, keeping in mind my first statement, I am reviewing this book on its own. I have no way of knowing the the graphic novel’s fidelity. All I can say was that it astounded me.
Beginning with the theme of dystopia. Boy, oh, boy was I shookt! I was already a voracious reader when the era of dystopian novel rose from nowhere. And right now, I feel awful to not have read this book at the time. The eerie tone of this dystopian novel really ascended it to powerful horror book. I mean, who can live in a world where all your actions can be seen by the ‘government’? That is just absolute bonkers! Moreover, the horrendous violence and torture in this book is breathtaking (not in a metaphorical sense, but it actually will take your breath away) — so it is something to consider.
As per the characters, I think they were nice. But I believe they were not given as much focus as the story itself. It did not bother me at all even if I am a huge character driven reader. The alarming message of the novel was conveyed strongly through the amazing illustrations even without a deep dive of the characters. However, the characters were given a foundation, I just felt like there could have been more if it was to be character driven.
Jumping unto the art choice. Wow! WOW! There is an undeniably strong American comic style in the drawing. Maybe it is just my lack of knowledge of the art form, but I have seen quite a few American comic and the vibe this book gave was similar to it. I love the stylistic choice of shading; I really appreciated the dotting and scratches. It gave off such a significantly aged and grunge look that provided depth for the story. The use of tritone also provided an interesting perspective to the story — the compression of story within a black, white, and red colour tone supplied a knowingness that the story is definitely not one that is joyous. The only problem I had was with some of the panels. They can get quite confusing at times. Maybe it is because I read it in pdf and it took too much to zoom in and out of the screen to really get an easy grasp of the usage of panel, but nevertheless, it really threw me off at times.
I am astounded by this novel. The story so poignant and dreadfully real that it makes you question the truth of what you’re living in. It is not just a work of fiction; it is a message hidden behind a book — a knowledge l that it cannot be appreciated at face value alone. Add to that, the fascinating artistic input within the book. I can only say that this graphic novel is a true work of art.
An e-arc of the book has been provided by the publisher, Palazzo Editions, in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this without any knowledge of George Orwell’s 1984 is really something else. There are a lot to consider when you read a graphic novel that has been adapted from an actual novel. So, keeping in mind my first statement, I am reviewing this book on its own. I have no way of knowing the the graphic novel’s fidelity. All I can say was that it astounded me.
“But if all others accept a lie, then that lie passes into history and becomes truth. “Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present, controls the past.” Whatever is true now is true for everlasting to everlasting. All tat is needed is an unending series of victories over your own memory.”
Beginning with the theme of dystopia. Boy, oh, boy was I shookt! I was already a voracious reader when the era of dystopian novel rose from nowhere. And right now, I feel awful to not have read this book at the time. The eerie tone of this dystopian novel really ascended it to powerful horror book. I mean, who can live in a world where all your actions can be seen by the ‘government’? That is just absolute bonkers! Moreover, the horrendous violence and torture in this book is breathtaking (not in a metaphorical sense, but it actually will take your breath away) — so it is something to consider.
As per the characters, I think they were nice. But I believe they were not given as much focus as the story itself. It did not bother me at all even if I am a huge character driven reader. The alarming message of the novel was conveyed strongly through the amazing illustrations even without a deep dive of the characters. However, the characters were given a foundation, I just felt like there could have been more if it was to be character driven.
“In my opinion, the war isn’t happening, The rockets falling daily on London? — probably fired by our lot — by the government of Oceania itself, just to keep people frightened.”
Jumping unto the art choice. Wow! WOW! There is an undeniably strong American comic style in the drawing. Maybe it is just my lack of knowledge of the art form, but I have seen quite a few American comic and the vibe this book gave was similar to it. I love the stylistic choice of shading; I really appreciated the dotting and scratches. It gave off such a significantly aged and grunge look that provided depth for the story. The use of tritone also provided an interesting perspective to the story — the compression of story within a black, white, and red colour tone supplied a knowingness that the story is definitely not one that is joyous. The only problem I had was with some of the panels. They can get quite confusing at times. Maybe it is because I read it in pdf and it took too much to zoom in and out of the screen to really get an easy grasp of the usage of panel, but nevertheless, it really threw me off at times.
“To know and not to know. Consciously to induce unconsciousness whilee telling carefully constructed lies. To hold simultaneously two contradictory opinions, believing in both. To be conscious of complete truthfulness and then, once again, to become unconscious of the act of hypnosis you have just performed.”
I am astounded by this novel. The story so poignant and dreadfully real that it makes you question the truth of what you’re living in. It is not just a work of fiction; it is a message hidden behind a book — a knowledge l that it cannot be appreciated at face value alone. Add to that, the fascinating artistic input within the book. I can only say that this graphic novel is a true work of art.
November 12, 2021
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in the nation of Oceania. Everywhere Winston goes, even his own home, the Party watches him through telescreens; everywhere he looks he sees the face of the Party’s seemingly omniscient leader, Big Brother. The Party controls everything in Oceania, even the people’s history and language. Now, the Party is forcing the use of an invented language called Newspeak which will prevent political insurgency by eliminating all words related to it. Even thinking rebellious thoughts is illegal. Such thoughtcrime is, in fact, the worst of all crimes. But a seed of dissent grows in Winston—one that will bring him into direct conflict with the Party, and with devastating consequences.
The book is outstanding. If you are a fan of George Orwell’s book then you should not miss this one. The graphics are excellent and its a really different experience to read a classic as a graphic novel. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read the book.
Read more reviews on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in the nation of Oceania. Everywhere Winston goes, even his own home, the Party watches him through telescreens; everywhere he looks he sees the face of the Party’s seemingly omniscient leader, Big Brother. The Party controls everything in Oceania, even the people’s history and language. Now, the Party is forcing the use of an invented language called Newspeak which will prevent political insurgency by eliminating all words related to it. Even thinking rebellious thoughts is illegal. Such thoughtcrime is, in fact, the worst of all crimes. But a seed of dissent grows in Winston—one that will bring him into direct conflict with the Party, and with devastating consequences.
The book is outstanding. If you are a fan of George Orwell’s book then you should not miss this one. The graphics are excellent and its a really different experience to read a classic as a graphic novel. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read the book.
Read more reviews on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
April 7, 2025
Je až děsivé, jak dokázal Matyáš Namai román 1984 oživit. Obyvatelé jím vykreslené dystopie vypadají tak opravdově, realisticky. Ministerstva mají svůj jasný design, všudypřítomná šeď, rozpad (i osobnosti samotného Winstona), špína, propaganda. Každá z velmocí jasně vyznačená na mapě má svůj znak, produkty svůj design, místnosti jasné rozložení. Je to jako nějaký hodně špatný sen, časosběrný dokument ze Severní Koreje. Fuj toto. Už tomu chybí jen pach vařeného zelí a starých hadrových rohožek...
A pak je tu samotné převedení textu do komiksu. Mnoho textu, minimalistická práce s barvou (odstíny černé a červené a do toho bílá, toť vše). Normálně podobný přístup nemám rád a tady to vyznívá skoro až jako mechanické přebírání celých stránek. Ale není to tak. Autor musel sekat, ořezávat, vybírat. Výsledkem je pocitově původní román s vizuální formou navíc a proplétáním několika linií. Každodenní život se prolíná s myšlenkami, neustálý dohled s ukrytým myšlením, vzpomínky s přítomností. Vlastně si neumím představit, jak lépe by se originální text dal zpracovat ve formě grafického románu aby neztratil nic ze své naléhavosti, a přitom ještě graficky získal.
A román samotný? Pamatuji si, když jsem knihu četl poprvé jako malý (nějakých 10 let po Sametové revoluci) a vůbec jsem nechápal, jak mohl autor v době psaní textu vědět, co se bude (z jeho pohledu) dít o desítky let později v nějakém malém středoevropském normalizačním Československu – jak se budou mezi sebou soudruzi bavit a jak bude fungovat (zdaleka nejen) tajná policie, propaganda a totalitní válčení. Teď už je mi o mnoho let později jasnější, kde a jak informace "našel" a že nejen "komunistická" diktatura funguje v knize popsaným stylem. Vždyť ono i v textu samotném se dohromady plete oligarchie se socialismem a dalšími režimy. A dnes už mě ani nepřekvapí, že země "komunistického bloku" zdaleka nebyly první, které se snažily podobným způsobem ovládnout své obyvatele a upevňovat si moc těmi nejhnusnějšími praktikami.
Zároveň mi každé další čtení přináší dříve skryté pohledy, tentokrát se mi opakovaně do mysli vkrádaly myšlenky na studenou válku a mezinárodní politiku obecně. Zástupné války mimo území velmocí, změny spojenectví (triangulární diplomacie USA s Čínou a naopak spory SSSR a Číny), nutnost vnějšího nepřítele pro udržení vnitřní stability, nesmrtelní vůdci a jejich kulty (viz KLDR až do dnešních dní, kdy jde prakticky o jedinou existující nekrokracii) apod. Objevuje se i jistá "parodie" klasických geopolitických pouček – Kdo ovládá přítomnost, ovládá minulost. – myšlenkopolitika? Časopolitika? Orwell byl buď neuvěřitelný génius, nebo k němu někdo přicestoval časem s paklíkem poznámek.
Při prvním čtení pro mě byl román 1984 jedním z prvních setkání s temnou politickou dystopií. Dnes už je ona knižní a románová temnota překryta četbou reálné historie. Ta je totiž často o mnoho hnusnější – příkladem je ta ze Sovětského svazu (Doba z druhé ruky), nejen nacistického Německa (Krvavé země) nebo komunistické Číny (Hovory se spodinou). Přesto pro mě 1984 zůstává důležitou knihou plnou všeho, co by si současná i nadcházející generace měly číst a připomínat si tak, proč stojí za to demokracii chránit. Mj. i před těmi, co "nikdy neodejdou".
A úplně na závěr – 1984 je také unikátní svým jazykem, kde slovo "doublethink" (resp. newspeak) zlidovělo podobně jako Havlovo "ptydepe". V tomto pohledu je dovedení totalitního režimu ad absurdum až geniálním počinem. Dodatek věnovaný principům newspeaku a jeho slovní zásobě je pro každého zájemce povinností.
A pak je tu samotné převedení textu do komiksu. Mnoho textu, minimalistická práce s barvou (odstíny černé a červené a do toho bílá, toť vše). Normálně podobný přístup nemám rád a tady to vyznívá skoro až jako mechanické přebírání celých stránek. Ale není to tak. Autor musel sekat, ořezávat, vybírat. Výsledkem je pocitově původní román s vizuální formou navíc a proplétáním několika linií. Každodenní život se prolíná s myšlenkami, neustálý dohled s ukrytým myšlením, vzpomínky s přítomností. Vlastně si neumím představit, jak lépe by se originální text dal zpracovat ve formě grafického románu aby neztratil nic ze své naléhavosti, a přitom ještě graficky získal.
A román samotný? Pamatuji si, když jsem knihu četl poprvé jako malý (nějakých 10 let po Sametové revoluci) a vůbec jsem nechápal, jak mohl autor v době psaní textu vědět, co se bude (z jeho pohledu) dít o desítky let později v nějakém malém středoevropském normalizačním Československu – jak se budou mezi sebou soudruzi bavit a jak bude fungovat (zdaleka nejen) tajná policie, propaganda a totalitní válčení. Teď už je mi o mnoho let později jasnější, kde a jak informace "našel" a že nejen "komunistická" diktatura funguje v knize popsaným stylem. Vždyť ono i v textu samotném se dohromady plete oligarchie se socialismem a dalšími režimy. A dnes už mě ani nepřekvapí, že země "komunistického bloku" zdaleka nebyly první, které se snažily podobným způsobem ovládnout své obyvatele a upevňovat si moc těmi nejhnusnějšími praktikami.
Zároveň mi každé další čtení přináší dříve skryté pohledy, tentokrát se mi opakovaně do mysli vkrádaly myšlenky na studenou válku a mezinárodní politiku obecně. Zástupné války mimo území velmocí, změny spojenectví (triangulární diplomacie USA s Čínou a naopak spory SSSR a Číny), nutnost vnějšího nepřítele pro udržení vnitřní stability, nesmrtelní vůdci a jejich kulty (viz KLDR až do dnešních dní, kdy jde prakticky o jedinou existující nekrokracii) apod. Objevuje se i jistá "parodie" klasických geopolitických pouček – Kdo ovládá přítomnost, ovládá minulost. – myšlenkopolitika? Časopolitika? Orwell byl buď neuvěřitelný génius, nebo k němu někdo přicestoval časem s paklíkem poznámek.
Při prvním čtení pro mě byl román 1984 jedním z prvních setkání s temnou politickou dystopií. Dnes už je ona knižní a románová temnota překryta četbou reálné historie. Ta je totiž často o mnoho hnusnější – příkladem je ta ze Sovětského svazu (Doba z druhé ruky), nejen nacistického Německa (Krvavé země) nebo komunistické Číny (Hovory se spodinou). Přesto pro mě 1984 zůstává důležitou knihou plnou všeho, co by si současná i nadcházející generace měly číst a připomínat si tak, proč stojí za to demokracii chránit. Mj. i před těmi, co "nikdy neodejdou".
A úplně na závěr – 1984 je také unikátní svým jazykem, kde slovo "doublethink" (resp. newspeak) zlidovělo podobně jako Havlovo "ptydepe". V tomto pohledu je dovedení totalitního režimu ad absurdum až geniálním počinem. Dodatek věnovaný principům newspeaku a jeho slovní zásobě je pro každého zájemce povinností.
August 29, 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Why after having read this book for the first time in 2020 and thinking it pretty decent have I now read the story three times? Is this one of those "secret favourite" books where I only realise how much I actually love it through how many times I have reread it?
This story is just addicting for me, (whether it be the original novel or this graphic novel adaption) and it seems I am not alone. The whole world has been obsessed with this book since its publication in 1949. Maybe it's due to an all round feeling of superiority that we as a society have always had towards Orwell's world. I mean, think you don't have much freedom? Try living in Oceania. Well, Orwell's Oceania, I should clarify. Our Oceania is pretty great. (As in Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia etc. etc.) I should know. I've lived in various different places and countries within the region my whole life and I am no party member, don't worry... or am I WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
The only thing I found about the graphic novel is that it was in first person whereas the novel is in third, and this doesn’t quite work for part three. When Winston is in [redacted to avoid spoilers], he has no rational thought in his head due to a certain Mr. [redacted], so this part of the story being told from Winston's perspective doesn't really make any sense.
The adaptor/illustrator Matyáš Namai has some of the greatest "about me" sections I have seen. "Matyáš’ favourite hobby is roasting bacon over a fire." I mean, fair enough. This is the best one though: "Matyáš Namai can be described as many things. User of hands. Alive. Not a chandelier. Alongside these prestigious qualities he likes to consider himself a visual storyteller, and a drawsmith. If you desire to contact him for whatever strange reason you can do so through the little form below. In the meantime... have a nice day." Thank you ever so much for that invaluable information.
Ah! I just realised I am writing a review for a graphic novel and haven't even commented on the artwork! Namai does an amazing job at capturing the dreary society in Oceania, and pairing it with what I thought was quite a successful condensation of Orwell's text made for a version of 1984 almost identical in effectiveness to the original. The impact of the story was in no way lessened in the translation from prose to graphic novel. The illustrations didn't take over from what the words achieve on their own, nor did it feel like the illustrations were just tacked on to the words without much thought behind them. A good graphic novel should strike the balance between an illustrated edition (where the words are still the primary focus) and a picture book (where the pictures are front and centre), and this one hits that balance perfectly. Anyway, I’ve blabbered on about it for too long. The pictures were cool. That’s all I’m trying to say. Here’s a page as an example:
Oh, and on a side tangent, I am on the hunt for a pretty 1984 (the full novel version) edition. Ever since I read it the first (or maybe second?) time I wanted to own a copy. A trend I have noticed with this book is that there are some ugly/boring cheap editions that seem to do the rounds at bookshops near me, and some really gorgeous versions that I see images for online. (I also once found an affordable pretty copy but it was in German so I was jealous.) I will find one eventually, but I will just have to settle for the new SF Masterworks edition that came out earlier this year to add to me collection. (That was supposed to say "my collection" but I have decided to leave it as is and embrace my inner pirate.)
Why after having read this book for the first time in 2020 and thinking it pretty decent have I now read the story three times? Is this one of those "secret favourite" books where I only realise how much I actually love it through how many times I have reread it?
This story is just addicting for me, (whether it be the original novel or this graphic novel adaption) and it seems I am not alone. The whole world has been obsessed with this book since its publication in 1949. Maybe it's due to an all round feeling of superiority that we as a society have always had towards Orwell's world. I mean, think you don't have much freedom? Try living in Oceania. Well, Orwell's Oceania, I should clarify. Our Oceania is pretty great. (As in Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia etc. etc.) I should know. I've lived in various different places and countries within the region my whole life and I am no party member, don't worry... or am I WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
The only thing I found about the graphic novel is that it was in first person whereas the novel is in third, and this doesn’t quite work for part three. When Winston is in [redacted to avoid spoilers], he has no rational thought in his head due to a certain Mr. [redacted], so this part of the story being told from Winston's perspective doesn't really make any sense.
The adaptor/illustrator Matyáš Namai has some of the greatest "about me" sections I have seen. "Matyáš’ favourite hobby is roasting bacon over a fire." I mean, fair enough. This is the best one though: "Matyáš Namai can be described as many things. User of hands. Alive. Not a chandelier. Alongside these prestigious qualities he likes to consider himself a visual storyteller, and a drawsmith. If you desire to contact him for whatever strange reason you can do so through the little form below. In the meantime... have a nice day." Thank you ever so much for that invaluable information.
Ah! I just realised I am writing a review for a graphic novel and haven't even commented on the artwork! Namai does an amazing job at capturing the dreary society in Oceania, and pairing it with what I thought was quite a successful condensation of Orwell's text made for a version of 1984 almost identical in effectiveness to the original. The impact of the story was in no way lessened in the translation from prose to graphic novel. The illustrations didn't take over from what the words achieve on their own, nor did it feel like the illustrations were just tacked on to the words without much thought behind them. A good graphic novel should strike the balance between an illustrated edition (where the words are still the primary focus) and a picture book (where the pictures are front and centre), and this one hits that balance perfectly. Anyway, I’ve blabbered on about it for too long. The pictures were cool. That’s all I’m trying to say. Here’s a page as an example:
Oh, and on a side tangent, I am on the hunt for a pretty 1984 (the full novel version) edition. Ever since I read it the first (or maybe second?) time I wanted to own a copy. A trend I have noticed with this book is that there are some ugly/boring cheap editions that seem to do the rounds at bookshops near me, and some really gorgeous versions that I see images for online. (I also once found an affordable pretty copy but it was in German so I was jealous.) I will find one eventually, but I will just have to settle for the new SF Masterworks edition that came out earlier this year to add to me collection. (That was supposed to say "my collection" but I have decided to leave it as is and embrace my inner pirate.)
Read
May 13, 2023I first read George Orwell’s 1984 when I was a teenager, and loved it. I’ve read a few of his other books since then but never returned to the world of Big Brother, until I spotted this graphic novel adaptation in the library, and my curiosity overtook me!
I’ve been having a conversation with myself over the last couple of years about books I read as a teen; if I re-read them now would I feel the same? Last year I returned to The Remains of the Day, and Dracula, and I was delighted to find I still loved them both. The previous year I read a graphic novel version of The Handmaid’s Tale and found it a great way to reacquaint myself with it without doing a full re-read.
So, does it also work with the 1984 graphic novel?
Yes, and no.
The original work is verbose, and I don’t think that translates super well to a graphic novel.
It does improve as the story continues but the actual aesthetics of disturbing and unpleasant black, white, and red imagery packed with dialogue, does not always make for comfortable reading.
I did enjoy experiencing the artist’s interpretation of it though, and it felt akin to my own imaginings, but the bottom line for me is that I feel like I’d have been a bit lost if I didn’t already know the story.
It was a good way to reevaluate my feelings on a book I haven’t read in about 20 years (🥴👵🏼😅) but if it’s your first time reading it, I’d go with the print copy before having a look at this!
I’ve been having a conversation with myself over the last couple of years about books I read as a teen; if I re-read them now would I feel the same? Last year I returned to The Remains of the Day, and Dracula, and I was delighted to find I still loved them both. The previous year I read a graphic novel version of The Handmaid’s Tale and found it a great way to reacquaint myself with it without doing a full re-read.
So, does it also work with the 1984 graphic novel?
Yes, and no.
The original work is verbose, and I don’t think that translates super well to a graphic novel.
It does improve as the story continues but the actual aesthetics of disturbing and unpleasant black, white, and red imagery packed with dialogue, does not always make for comfortable reading.
I did enjoy experiencing the artist’s interpretation of it though, and it felt akin to my own imaginings, but the bottom line for me is that I feel like I’d have been a bit lost if I didn’t already know the story.
It was a good way to reevaluate my feelings on a book I haven’t read in about 20 years (🥴👵🏼😅) but if it’s your first time reading it, I’d go with the print copy before having a look at this!
January 5, 2022
NetGalley and the publisher, Palazzo Editions and Kontrast, provided me with a review copy.
1984: The Graphic Novel is another graphic novel adaptation of George Orwell's 1949 classic.
The adaptation is done quite well. It's a text-heavy graphic novel, with pages and pages of the book-within-a-book placed straight on the pages, with illustrations in the margins. Even these pages, which are three-quarters text, have great illustrations. The rest of the graphic novel is superbly illustrated. There are multiple pages of sheer brilliance, and even the pages that lack the most are still well done.
The adaptation does start a bit slow, but so does the novel itself, but once things get rolling, between the plot that Orwell laid out and the art Namai added, I couldn't stop myself.
Fantastic adaptation.
1984: The Graphic Novel is another graphic novel adaptation of George Orwell's 1949 classic.
The adaptation is done quite well. It's a text-heavy graphic novel, with pages and pages of the book-within-a-book placed straight on the pages, with illustrations in the margins. Even these pages, which are three-quarters text, have great illustrations. The rest of the graphic novel is superbly illustrated. There are multiple pages of sheer brilliance, and even the pages that lack the most are still well done.
The adaptation does start a bit slow, but so does the novel itself, but once things get rolling, between the plot that Orwell laid out and the art Namai added, I couldn't stop myself.
Fantastic adaptation.
January 20, 2022
Nový čtenářský rok je dobré začít pozitivně. Odložil jsem tedy rozečtenou knihu a raději se vrhl na tento optimistický komiks.
A nutno říct, že se převod Namaiovi povedl fakt parádně. Kresebně i atmosféricky všechno funguje, z původní myšlenky zůstaly. Proč tu nepadla aspoň nominace na Muriel mi uniká, ale třeba to jednou pochopím, až se správně naučím používat své myšlení pro služby straně.
Plusové body za fakt, že školou povinná dítka mají povinnou četbu zase jednou o chlup jednodušší ke konzumaci.
A nutno říct, že se převod Namaiovi povedl fakt parádně. Kresebně i atmosféricky všechno funguje, z původní myšlenky zůstaly. Proč tu nepadla aspoň nominace na Muriel mi uniká, ale třeba to jednou pochopím, až se správně naučím používat své myšlení pro služby straně.
Plusové body za fakt, že školou povinná dítka mají povinnou četbu zase jednou o chlup jednodušší ke konzumaci.
December 31, 2021
AD-PR*
December 17, 2022
splendid.
March 12, 2025
Muito bom sem duvida nenhuma especialmente com a sociedade atual parece que estamos a ver o nosso próprio reflexo.
Ótimos graficos muito bem feito
Ótimos graficos muito bem feito
Read
December 25, 2025Fidèle au roman et étrangement d’actualité. J’ai contrairement à d’autres lecteurs apprécié le style.
October 14, 2025
It’s really nothing special I mean it’s got some really cool illustrations but it misses out on a lot of the plot
January 12, 2025
A great rendition of 1984, with very effective use of 3 colour illustrations. The 2 chapters of Goldstein's book drag abit, but I can't think of another effective way to convey the crucial verses without massively extending the page count through additional illustrations. That aside, the book's illustrative narrative is compelling with effective sparing use of red to highlight key parts.
June 9, 2025
This is exquisitely depressing and horrific, and of the two graphic novel adaptations of 1984 that I've read recently is the one that I preferred. For me, Namai better captures the relentless grimness of Orwell's novel. I would still recommend reading the novel first, but if you are a fan of Orwell's dystopian vision of a future where unfettered godless materialism and worship of power have won the day, then this is an unmissable treat.
December 27, 2024
Still as haunting as ever.
November 13, 2023
How do you adapt one of the greatest novels ever written?
You do it as if Big Brother is watching.
I came into this graphic novel having read the novel and wondering what Matyáš Namai could bring to the table and I'm delighted to report that it's probably the best graphic adaptation of a novel I've ever read. That's because there are a variety of tools used to give this story the gravitas it merits. Artwork is stark black and white with pops of red throughout the put an accent where an accent is needed. Winston and Julia are captured in a way that feels right. Winston looks malnourished while Julia is cold. Other characters are captured in a way that feels consistently appropriate from their look to weight, height, and little nuances in how each character is portrayed.
Some sections that are pure exposition, Namai takes these opportunities to use the lateral spaces to punch through the message being relayed in the middle panels or through dialogue. it is consistently unnerving, especially how he can capture the devout paranoia that permeates throughout the devout of Oceania. And some sections have BIG chunks of text, something he does not shy away from showing the reverence for the visual power of a page that holds only the truth.
This was a hell of an adaptation and a masterclass in graphic work and design.
You do it as if Big Brother is watching.
I came into this graphic novel having read the novel and wondering what Matyáš Namai could bring to the table and I'm delighted to report that it's probably the best graphic adaptation of a novel I've ever read. That's because there are a variety of tools used to give this story the gravitas it merits. Artwork is stark black and white with pops of red throughout the put an accent where an accent is needed. Winston and Julia are captured in a way that feels right. Winston looks malnourished while Julia is cold. Other characters are captured in a way that feels consistently appropriate from their look to weight, height, and little nuances in how each character is portrayed.
Some sections that are pure exposition, Namai takes these opportunities to use the lateral spaces to punch through the message being relayed in the middle panels or through dialogue. it is consistently unnerving, especially how he can capture the devout paranoia that permeates throughout the devout of Oceania. And some sections have BIG chunks of text, something he does not shy away from showing the reverence for the visual power of a page that holds only the truth.
This was a hell of an adaptation and a masterclass in graphic work and design.
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