Anna’s Reviews > Shakespeare Illustrated Classics > Status Update
Anna
is on page 48 of 288
Finished reading the Illustrated Classics graphic novel edition of Romeo and Juliet from Magic Wagon, and it’s such a beautiful addition to the story! I absolutely love the illustrations - they add so much depth and emotion!
Now, the story itself is undeniably sad (and let’s be real: even my 12-year-old knows that getting married the first day you meet someone is… lame), but the language and artwork are incredible!
— Feb 19, 2026 06:54PM
Now, the story itself is undeniably sad (and let’s be real: even my 12-year-old knows that getting married the first day you meet someone is… lame), but the language and artwork are incredible!
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Anna’s Previous Updates
Anna
is on page 234 of 288
Finished Othello. One famous line was missing from the adaptation: “Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?” In the original, it’s a chilling moment before the tragedy. It also shows that Othello have his wife a chance to "confess". In the comic, the scene is shortened so much that this quiet tension disappears, making Othello more shallow. Another reminder that these 48-page versions often cut the most powerful lines.
— Mar 15, 2026 07:40AM
Anna
is on page 186 of 288
Finished Macbeth, the only play in this series I didn’t read alongside the original.
Gosh - the graphics are insanely cruel. All the books are tragedies, but this one actually made me shiver while turning the pages. The dark atmosphere and brutality come through strongly in the illustrations, making this adaptation stand out from the rest.Scene after scene feels unsettling, and the atmosphere is heavy with violence.
— Mar 15, 2026 07:22AM
Gosh - the graphics are insanely cruel. All the books are tragedies, but this one actually made me shiver while turning the pages. The dark atmosphere and brutality come through strongly in the illustrations, making this adaptation stand out from the rest.Scene after scene feels unsettling, and the atmosphere is heavy with violence.
Anna
is on page 138 of 288
finished Hamlet-again disappointed. Original story is rich and layered, seeing it compressed into a 48-page comic simply doesn’t work for me.
One of the most important questions in the play - is Hamlet truly losing his mind or only pretending as part of his plan for revenge?
In the comic version, however, Hamlet simply looks mad.
At this point I’m realizing that short graphic adaptations are not for me.
— Mar 15, 2026 07:08AM
One of the most important questions in the play - is Hamlet truly losing his mind or only pretending as part of his plan for revenge?
In the comic version, however, Hamlet simply looks mad.
At this point I’m realizing that short graphic adaptations are not for me.
Anna
is on page 90 of 288
I finished King Lear. I’m so disappointed. While their adaptation of R & J worked surprisingly well, King Lear completely lost its power here.
How text is cut feels cruel. Large portions of the verse are stripped down, and with them goes the rhythm, musicality, and beauty of Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter(thanks google). Without that poetic structure, the emotional weight is none and the story feels flat.
— Feb 28, 2026 07:46AM
How text is cut feels cruel. Large portions of the verse are stripped down, and with them goes the rhythm, musicality, and beauty of Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter(thanks google). Without that poetic structure, the emotional weight is none and the story feels flat.
