Romeo and Juliet The Graphic Novel: Plain Text

by John F. McDonald (Adapter), Clive Bryant (Editor), Jim Devlin (Illustrator)

A bitter feud between the Montagues and the Capulets keeps the city of Verona, Italy, in a state of constant unrest. Despite the enmity, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall passionately in love. Enlisting the help of Friar Laurence, the young lovers wed in secret, hoping that their marriage will finally unite the two families. But things go terribly, tragically wrong. One of Shakespeare’s most widely performed plays, Romeo and Juliet has been adapted for every conceivable format. Yet no adaptation — film, television, radio, or opera — can match the richness of the original. This inspired graphic novel version depicts every scene of the play in full-color illustrations, accompanied by every word of the original text. Authentic yet easy to follow, this exciting adaptation is ideal for purists, students, and readers who appreciate Shakespeare’s matchless verse. Also available are the Original Text, with the Bard's original, unabridged work, and a Quick Text version, with less dialogue for a fast-paced read.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Romance, School, Classics, Read For School, Comics, Classic Literature

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

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

Reviews

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I have such a marmite relationship for Shakespeare's works, this graphic novel edition of the classic play Romeo and Juliet I actually enjoyed. The illustrations were colourful, visual and with the original text, it was an easy read that displayed well. Although the storyline at times wasn't an enjoyable experience for me, it was the quality that cemented a strong 4 stars!

[Tucker Almengor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where to start....

I have very mixed feelings about Romeo and Juliet. Honestly, I have mixed feelings on all of Shakespeare's works but now is not the time.

Romeo and Juliet is very, very well written. Even so, I am still unable to fully enjoy the story because of the sheer stupidity of the main characters. I understand that this is a tragedy... and that Romeo and Juliet are teenagers and their brains haven't fully developed....

BUT I STILL GET SO MAD



Fortunately, this is a graphic novel so the fantastic illustrations mostly distracted me from the idiocy of the characters. :)

Overall, this story will make my facepalm for all of eternity and it isn't my favorite. Oh, well.

| Goodreads | Blog | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

[Lillian Slater · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of two teenage lovers who's families are sworn enemies. Will they overcome all odds to find true love? Or will they fail? Will they be able to bring friendship to their families again?

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DONT LIKE THIS. AT ALL. ROMEO YOU LOVE SICK FOOLISH FOOL. I am not looking forward to read the original Romeo and Juliet. *shiver*

[amelia Davies · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was a brilliant books I really like comics

[Nicole]

...I like the idea and the execution isn’t bad, but you can tell that maybe this was illustrated during a time when graphic novels were not seen as they are now. The thing is that I abandoned it more because I just couldn’t connect or get into the story the way I once had. I use to love Romeo and Juliet, and while my perspective of them has changed I still relate to the idea of it in my youth. The thing though is that whenever I was beginning to get into the narrative,all I wanted to do was watch the 90s film adaptation. Which meant to me that I would rather do that than read this. It’s early in the year but I don’t really want to get stuck reading a book I don’t care to read. Upside is that I realized so much about the narrative that I had missed as a kid, as I got older I saw how the story is more about foolishness, a foolish love than a romantic heart wrenching one, and much of it disturbed me. And kind of just made me feel like man...we can be so stupid sometimes. I had also forgotten how vulgar the play is. Anyway, I’m glad I finally at least gave it a shot because I had it for so long. I may keep it as a book that’s a classic comic that I use to love, but I think I’ll just watch the movie instead of reading it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adapting Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into a graphic novel format was an excellent idea. I absolutely loved reading this version!

[John Matthew IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet but I have never seen it as a graphic novel before.

This is a GORGEOUS book. All of Shakespeare is there plus great images.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are very few things that disappoint me, most of the time I go into things with low expectations, so it’s hard to be disappointed; the graphic novel of Romeo and Juliet was exceptionally disappointing. The translation from Shakespeare’s English to modern English was fine, except it left out many of the best lines in the story. Instead of being able to see it as an amazing and pretty humorous tragedy, it became just another story about whiny teenagers that know even less than I do about relationships and the world. Romeo and Juliet is a story about dumb teenagers, but the original is written well enough that it’s a joke instead of just being something in a story, and you can even almost feel for the two at some points. The art itself was fine, nothing spectacular but definitely good enough, but still seeing writing that could have just been copy pasted onto the pictures completely butchered, reading this wasn’t a good experience. I assume I don’t have to say what the plot is, if you don’t know it, read the original. The only people I could recommend this to, are people who have never read Shakespeare and have no idea what makes a book good so they just blindly enjoy everything.

[isaac⁷ · Rating 1 out of 5]

romeo and juliet is not a love story. this is what it is:

[Seyeon Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day, servants of Montague and Capulet got into a fight. As the fight became intense, Montague and Capulet, the heads of household, joined a fight. To stop the fight, the price came and thundered. Romeo, the son of Montague, was in love with Rosaline while the Capulet offered marriage with Paris to his daughter, Juliet. The Capulets were having a party. Capulet told Juliet to join the party and see the men invited and decide her fiancé. At that time, Romeo met Capulet’s servant who was giving out invitations. He found out that Rosaline was also invited to the party. Romeo and his friends decided to hide into the party, but was recognized by the Capulet’s nephew, Tybalt. He wanted to kick Romeo out of the party but was stopped by the Capulet. Romeo and Juliet fell in love at first sight and had a first kiss that day. After the ball Juliet is disappointed after she found out that Romeo was a son of her enemy. Romeo hid into the garden and swore the love with Juliet and next morning, Juliet sent a servant to Montague to marry Romeo. Romeo and Juliet had their wedding in the cathedral. A fight ensued between Montague family’s relative and Tybalt. As the relative was killed, Romeo killed Tybalt as a revenge. As a result, Romeo was dispossessed from Verona. At that time, Capulet and Lady Capulet came and forced her to marry Paris. Juliet refused this at first, but eventually allowed it. After, Juliet visited Cathedral and asked for help to Friar Lawrence. Lawrence gave her a drug and made a plan for her. The drug made her appear as if dead on the day of the wedding. And after she wakes up, she can run away with Romeo. Juliet’s plan succeeded but Romeo, not knowing the plan, killed himself. This also made Juliet to suicide. After Montague and Capulet found out the story, they made a sad reconciliation.

The part that I enjoyed the most was when Lord Capulet asked for Juliet’s opinion about marrying Paris. In the past, parents would promise marriage of their child without the people involved. However, I liked how Lord Capulet gave Juliet choices to respect her. However, I was not satisfied when Romeo and Juliet had their first kiss on the first day they met. I believe both had to be more careful and thorough before they trusted each other.

I would give this book 3.5 rating out of 5 stars. I liked the exciting storyline but hoped for Romeo and Juliet to think more radically. I would recommend this book to all people who likes romance, classic and fiction book. It would be strongly recommended for readers who is studying Shakespeare’s style as it is possible to learn the deep contents of the book by comic.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly Illustrated with AMAZING Character Development

The book is a graphic novel on a play called Romeo and Juliet. The book is challenging to read because of all the Shakespeare words I can’t understand. The author is an expert in the field. The language is absolutely remarkable.The play was written in 1597.

This book is about two households that takes place in Verona, Capulets and Montagues who goes against each other for a while now. Our main characters Romeo and Juliet will be there to save the day. Juliet is part of the Capulets of course, and Romeo to the Montagues. They are so interesting because they would kill for each other. They don’t act like normal people at all. They’re so over dramatic, like chill. From how the story works, they have the conflict of not being able to love. I can relate to Benvolio, the peacekeeper in the novel. Like he’s the only one that actually has some sense in the novel. Everyone’s crazy but Benvolio and me. I like to keep the peace and be neutral with no emotions at all. Romeo faces desperate love for Juliet, so does herself. But, from the things that are happening between the two sides and their mens, it stops them from having this relationship. Sad life.

Readers will enjoy it cause it’s interesting. Readers’ who are into romance, I would suggest this book to them.Shakespeare is like a god. I have no emotions for this book. The books complete, I don’t want to spoil it for all the readers who would want to read it because of this review. This book is clearly better than all the other books I’ve read. No mistakes whatsoever, it’s pure perfection in this novel. My favorite part of the book is when Benvolio stops fights. He’s another god.

[Hannah Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risks further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. The message fails to reach Romeo, and believing Juliet dead, he takes his life in her tomb. Juliet wakes to find Romeo’s corpse beside her and kills herself. The grieving family agrees to end their feud. Juliet Capulet is a 14-year-old girl who at the beginning of the novel has no interest in boys and is very outspoken, beautiful, and kind. Romeo is a 16-year-old boy who is very bold, brave, carefree and is intent on getting what he wants. The nurse is Juliet's chaperone who has no filter and constantly is talking but is very protective of Juliet. Friar Lawrence is a priest who befriends Romeo and helps guide him through many tough decisions and life. Benvolio and Mercutio are Romeo's best friends who drag him into trouble. Tybalt is Juliet's cousin who is very rude to Romeo, has a lot of pride, and very stubborn. In Romeo and Juliet, love is the main theme and a violent, ecstatic, overpowering force that supersedes all other values, loyalties, and emotions. The moral of Romeo and Juliet is one of letting old family wounds go, and not letting your emotions rule your life. I liked this book because I loved the characters and interesting plot.

[Jackie Pennetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of two lovers whom's families are enemies; the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo and Juliet go to far extremes for each other because of the strong love connection they have. Some themes shared throughout the novel are that people should not fight for no reason nor make impulsive decisions that may harm them in the end. Although this literature was definitely on the challenging side, I enjoyed it a lot!

[bella ⟢]

No rating because the only reason we read the comic version is because my teacher said we are dumb and she ruined it for me.(I’m in IB English)

“Don't waste your love on somebody, who doesn't value it.”

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Song: Cornflower Blue by Flower Face

This was a nice read. I really liked the art style and the writing. I love supporting indie authors. I will read the original play soon.

[Elle Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good way to read Shakespeare if you don’t have the patience for the original text. This version does simplify the story yet again and highlights the insane parameters for love and the short courtship rituals but I guess we have to remember that the author was trying to portray an entire doomed love affair in the length of one play. Perfect for those new to the story.

[Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really a graphic novel person, but I was very impressed with this! I love that classics are being translated into this more accessible format. The original text along with the artwork made it almost like you were watching a production, which ultimately is the best way to experience Shakespeare.

[Tammy Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need to check Romeo and Juliet off your bucket list, this is the way to do it. The quick text version is easy enough to understand, and the images help readers understand who's who. Honestly, though, I enjoyed the author's notes about Shakespeare's life and the process of graphic novel publishing as much as the story itself. I read the whole book in an hour or so and came away with enough knowledge to understand cultural references without having to endure hours of Shakespearean language. It's a win!

[Alisa Prela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel was by far my most favorite piece I have ever read. Romeo and Juliet showed us how important love is and how much individuals care about their loved ones to the point that they are willing to DIE for them. Overall, I recommend reading this graphic novel and giving each scene of this well-written play careful consideration.

[Clara · Rating 1 out of 5]

i did not like this at all! it wasn't the graphic novel i didn't like (I LOVE graphic novels). It was the story. I liked A Midsummer Night's Dream so i thought i might like this. i was wrong. I'm surprised this is such a popular/loved story.

[Layla Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in school, and I thought it was great. I think if you have students who struggle with classic literature, reading whatever you’re teaching as a graphic novel will help them better understand. I’m not a teacher, I’m a student, and I know that helped a lot of kids in my class.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a good overview for a struggling student who is feeling overwhelmed about Shakespeare. The artwork was fun and I enjoyed the story, but the ending felt like it dragged on way too long.

[Tyesha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing personal I just don't like Shakespeare that much.

[Shelby Friday · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hundred stars, always to my favorite story.

[juv · Rating 1 out of 5]

read for school.

[Raphael]

No

[Mia Orlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this classic to anyone who has a love for romance. This read intrigues the reader with the plot as it progresses deeper into the story.

[Zach Cleland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s neither a good rewriting of the play nor is the art work that good for a graphic novel. It’s a good idea and fun to see the Bard brought forward into a modern medium, but felt clumsy.

[Diana Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

2. BRIEF REVIEW
Young adult graphic novel, it is the first graphic novel I read and I enjoyed it. I really liked the fact that the first two pages of the book include pictures of the characters, with their name and a short description of who they are. The glossary, author's biography and history of the Romeo and Juliet found in the back of the graphic novel are interesting and helpful to the reader. I disliked that the character referred to as the Chorus, basically gives the whole story away when he narrates the introduction saying, “Romeo and Juliet Capulet, supposed enemies, fall in love at first sight. Although their love ends in tragedy, their deaths bring peace and end the fight.” I was not a big fan of the graphics found at the bottom of page 40.

3. CONTENT AREAS
This graphic novel is ideal for a junior high or high school literature class. Students will not only learn about a famous play but also about a famous writer, William Shakespeare –this novel contains a biography about him. If the literature teacher prefers to use the original Romeo and Juliet play in class, she can offer this graphic novel as an alternative. I believe the format in which the text is presented in this graphic novel is more appealing to young adults and is easier to understand than the original play. I would use this book in a English/Literature class to teach about characterization and character types. I will have students identify who the protagonist, antagonist, the developing, static, and dynamic characters are. Then I would divide students into groups and have them create group posters and present to the class.

4. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

a. What were the names of the two powerful families, which family was Romeo a part of? Which family was Juliet part of? If you were Juliet's sister, or Romeo's brother would you have encouraged or discouraged their romance? –The Montagues were Romeo’s family and the Capulets were Juliet’s family. If I were Juliet's sister, I would have first tried to convinced her to forget about Romeo, if my efforts didn't work and I saw that Juliet was truly in love I would try to talk to my parents and find out why there was a rivalry between the two families and do anything I could possibly do to bring the two families together so that the families wouldn't oppose to Romeo and Juliet's love.

b. What was different about Benvolio and Tybalt? –Benvolio wanted to stop the fight between the two men that served his family and the two men that served the Capulets. Unlike him, Tybalt had hatred in his heart, he wished that the fight would continue and wanted to fight with Benvolio.

c. Why did Benvolio want Romeo to attend the party at Lord Capulet’s house? Do you think Benvolios plan worked?–Romeo was very sad because he was in love with Rosaline, who did not love him. Benvolio wanted him to attend the party so that he could compare her to other girls and hopefully forget about her. I think Benvolio's plan helped Romeo forget about Rosaline, but it seems as though Romeo falls in love rather quickly and he fell hard for Juliet.

5. WONDERS
I wonder…
a. Count Paris wanted to marry Juliet, who was only thirteen years old. At what age did girls usually get married in Verona during that time period?

b. Were all upper class marriages arranged by the bride’s parents?

c. Did girls attend school during this time period?

d. When talking to Juliet, Count Paris expressed: “Your face is mine, and you are insulting it.” Did the law consider women to be a man’s property?

e. What was in the potion Juliet drank to make her look as if she were dead?

[Stephanie Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, graphic novel. Graphic novel! Wherefore art thou graphic novel?

If you know anything about William Shakespeare, then you must have heard of Romeo and Juliet by now. You know… Start crossed lovers. Feuding families. The story of two young people who fall so deeply in love they’re willing to drink poison and take a dagger to the chest to be with each other forever. Yeah, for the few of you who have never heard of the story, I’m not making this stuff up.

I’ve never had any desire to read Shakespeare. I’ll watch a Shakespeare movie, sit through a play, and do anything else it seems that doesn’t require actually reading the man’s work. Which is strange, because I love to read. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed “Romeo & Juliet: The Graphic Novel” so much more than the original text. The graphic novel combined words with visuals, both of which I love. It was nice to finally be able to read the story is a way that was comfortable for me. Even though I’ve always known the basic story of Romeo and Juliet, the graphic novel taught me a few interesting things. First of all, I did not know that Romeo and Juliet were barely teenagers. When I found out that Juliet was thirteen, my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Considering that Romeo and Juliet were teenagers themselves and had an intense love that’s common in adolescence, I think many young adults would relate to this timeless classic (hopefully, not the suicide part). For young adults who are resistant to Shakespeare’s work or other classical tales, graphic novels may be the answer. From personal experience, I can say that it’s usually far easily to teach young people through visual learning. There are even three different versions of the Romeo and Juliet graphic novel that allow readers to work their way up from easy text to Shakespeare’s original text. I’d say readers who are in high school and adults would enjoy this graphic novel the most. But, junior high readers might be interested, particularly if they like Romeo and Juliet’s story. Girls would be attracted to the romance while the violence may draw boys in.

I give “Romeo & Juliet: The Graphic Novel” three out of five stars. I’m always going to have mixed feelings about the story of the two lovers. But, the graphic novel made it much more readable and likable. I would definitely recommend it to those wary of Mr. William Shakespeare.