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Legends, Myths & Fables - General & Miscellaneous, Fiction - Children's Classics, Fiction - Comic Books & Graphic Novels
All-Action Classics No. 3: The Odyssey by Homer — book cover

All-Action Classics No. 3: The Odyssey

by Homer, Ben Caldwell (Illustrator), Emanuel Tenderini (Illustrator), Tim Mucci
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Overview

Welcome the next entry in the fabulously received and brilliantly created ALL-ACTION CLASSICS series. The brainchild of former Marvel Comics artist Ben Caldwell, these graphic novels are the freshest, coolest approach to the classics ever. Each one takes a famous work of fiction and translates it into a kid-friendly comic book narrative—with full-color illustrations and a fast-paced tone that will have even reluctant readers flying through.
Shipwrecks, angry gods, magical lands, beautiful nymphs, and siren songs: this vivid retelling of Homer’s legendary Greek epic follows Odysseus on his long, arduous journey home from Ithaca after the fall of Troy. Done in comic-book style, it features the highest-energy kid-grabbing details and plot twists, all dramatized in brilliant, action-packed images. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids and fans of graphic novels to one of literature’s great works.

Synopsis

Welcome the next entry in the fabulously received and brilliantly created ALL-ACTION CLASSICS series. The brainchild of former Marvel Comics artist Ben Caldwell, these graphic novels are the freshest, coolest approach to the classics ever. Each one takes a famous work of fiction and translates it into a kid-friendly comic book narrative—with full-color illustrations and a fast-paced tone that will have even reluctant readers flying through.
Shipwrecks, angry gods, magical lands, beautiful nymphs, and siren songs: this vivid retelling of Homer’s legendary Greek epic follows Odysseus on his long, arduous journey home from Ithaca after the fall of Troy. Done in comic-book style, it features the highest-energy kid-grabbing details and plot twists, all dramatized in brilliant, action-packed images. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids and fans of graphic novels to one of literature’s great works.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up—It is nearly impossible to condense such an enormous story into 123 pages, but Mucci manages to hit all of the action-packed highlights. These include many of the adventures that Odysseus had on his long voyage back home from the Trojan War, such as his dangerous encounters with Circe, Calypso, the lotus-eaters, the Cyclops, and the sirens, as well as his detour into Hades. The colorful artwork skillfully captures the dynamic action, and artistic touches like making the gods translucent in the world of men are especially eye-catching. With its fast pace and cartoony yet cinematic artwork, this adaptation will entice reluctant readers. In a bit of savvy marketing, the last page directs readers to the Action Cartooning website to learn more about the story of Odysseus and to see additional artwork, which should generate interest in the other books in the series.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

About the Author, Homer

Ancient Greek poet Homer established the gold standard for heroic quests and sweeping journeys with his pair of classic epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey.

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Editorials

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up—It is nearly impossible to condense such an enormous story into 123 pages, but Mucci manages to hit all of the action-packed highlights. These include many of the adventures that Odysseus had on his long voyage back home from the Trojan War, such as his dangerous encounters with Circe, Calypso, the lotus-eaters, the Cyclops, and the sirens, as well as his detour into Hades. The colorful artwork skillfully captures the dynamic action, and artistic touches like making the gods translucent in the world of men are especially eye-catching. With its fast pace and cartoony yet cinematic artwork, this adaptation will entice reluctant readers. In a bit of savvy marketing, the last page directs readers to the Action Cartooning website to learn more about the story of Odysseus and to see additional artwork, which should generate interest in the other books in the series.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Kirkus Reviews

Classic works are often reimagined as comics, frequently as an attempt to make stodgy old books attractive and palatable to younger readers. With its action-packed story line and grand adventures, The Odyssey is a natural choice and here translates extremely well to this medium. Mucci's retelling of Odysseus's epic journey back to Ithaca is accompanied by boisterous cartoon art in a dazzling array of candy colors. Readers familiar with the tale will recognize all of the encounters and should appreciate its quick plotting and easy digestibility; for those unfamiliar, this creates a solid starting-off point. Though the colorful patina and square-jawed heroes are enticing, the lettering tends to the ornate, rendering it at times difficult to decipher. While this may frustrate those trying to figure out perhaps-unfamiliar Greek names, it shouldn't detract from the story as a whole. This makes a natural choice for Percy Jackson fans clamoring for what to read next, in both subject matter and high-action pacing. A brisk, energetic read. (Graphic classic. 10 & up)

Book Details

Published
May 1, 2010
Publisher
Sterling Publishing
Pages
128
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781402731556

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