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Macbeth (Manga Shakespeare Series) by Robert Deas — book cover

Macbeth (Manga Shakespeare Series)

by Robert Deas, Richard Appignanesi
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Overview

Praise for Manga Shakespeare

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

 

“Reluctant readers who appreciate manga and who would not think of picking up the work of Shakespeare are sure to gravitate toward these titles. Even if the text puts them off, they will be drawn to the illustrations. These adaptations would make wonderful additions to any school or public library’s manga collection.” —VOYA

 

“Refreshingly clear, this adaptation is recommended for all libraries serving teens.” —Kirkus Reviews

 

“This fresh new way of looking at a classic will draw new readers to Shakespeare, hopefully to discover that his plays are really quite entertaining.” —YAbookscentral.com

 

Shakespeare’s most commonly studied plays, now the latest additions to the innovative Manga Shakespeare series

 

“Double double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble . . .” So say the eerie trio of witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a story full of ghosts, witches, bloody ambition, and nonstop action. After Macbeth hears the witches’ prophecy that he will be king, he will stop at nothing to make it so. Vividly adapted using Shakespeare’s own words in the fast-paced and immediate style of manga, Macbeth is the perfect addition to the Manga Shakespeare series—ideal for students and manga fans alike.

F&P level: Z

Synopsis

Praise for Manga Shakespeare

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

 

“Reluctant readers who appreciate manga and who would not think of picking up the work of Shakespeare are sure to gravitate toward these titles. Even if the text puts them off, they will be drawn to the illustrations. These adaptations would make wonderful additions to any school or public library’s manga collection.” —VOYA

 

“Refreshingly clear, this adaptation is recommended for all libraries serving teens.” —Kirkus Reviews

 

“This fresh new way of looking at a classic will draw new readers to Shakespeare, hopefully to discover that his plays are really quite entertaining.” —YAbookscentral.com

 

Shakespeare’s most commonly studied plays, now the latest additions to the innovative Manga Shakespeare series

 

“Double double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble . . .” So say the eerie trio of witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a story full of ghosts, witches, bloody ambition, and nonstop action. After Macbeth hears the witches’ prophecy that he will be king, he will stop at nothing to make it so. Vividly adapted using Shakespeare’s own words in the fast-paced and immediate style of manga, Macbeth is the perfect addition to the Manga Shakespeare series—ideal for students and manga fans alike.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up

In these additions to the series, characters are introduced with full-color illustrations accompanied by a play quotation revealing the essence of each cast member. Both adaptations use excerpts from Shakespeare's words paired with black-and-white art to dramatize the action. Although the books are categorized as manga, pages are read from front to back, left to right. Caesar is set in a contemporary world filled with cell phones and motorcycles. The artist's imagery, such as the serpent in Brutus's home and the puppets in Cassius's hands, adds depth and layers of meaning to the text. Stage directions, noted in boxes at the top of panels, help readers to follow the story. While the style of artwork appears "busy" for manga, the artist's rendition of faces accurately captures each character's feelings in this emotionally charged adaptation. Macbeth is set in a postapocalyptic world, with crumbling cities, alien beings who serve as "witches," and men with Charles Atlas-like bodies. Bold, dynamic male figures reinforce the notion of mutations in both body and emotion. The setting introduces some anachronisms. Sophisticated communication devices seem at odds with armor-clad riders carrying swords and traveling on horseback. Although segments of well-known speeches are included, the abridgment seems choppy. Numerous, briefly introduced characters and abrupt scene changes make it difficult to follow the story line. However, readers familiar with the play may appreciate this futuristic adaptation.-Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

About the Author, Robert Deas

Mustashrik is an artist and designer who recently produced a series of original animated shorts for the band Nizlopi to promote the launch of its new album. He lives in the United Kingdom. Robert Deas won second place in the print comic category in the prestigious IMAF competition, and he has sat on various manga panels in London to promote the UK manga scene. He lives in London.

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Editorials

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up

In these additions to the series, characters are introduced with full-color illustrations accompanied by a play quotation revealing the essence of each cast member. Both adaptations use excerpts from Shakespeare's words paired with black-and-white art to dramatize the action. Although the books are categorized as manga, pages are read from front to back, left to right. Caesar is set in a contemporary world filled with cell phones and motorcycles. The artist's imagery, such as the serpent in Brutus's home and the puppets in Cassius's hands, adds depth and layers of meaning to the text. Stage directions, noted in boxes at the top of panels, help readers to follow the story. While the style of artwork appears "busy" for manga, the artist's rendition of faces accurately captures each character's feelings in this emotionally charged adaptation. Macbeth is set in a postapocalyptic world, with crumbling cities, alien beings who serve as "witches," and men with Charles Atlas-like bodies. Bold, dynamic male figures reinforce the notion of mutations in both body and emotion. The setting introduces some anachronisms. Sophisticated communication devices seem at odds with armor-clad riders carrying swords and traveling on horseback. Although segments of well-known speeches are included, the abridgment seems choppy. Numerous, briefly introduced characters and abrupt scene changes make it difficult to follow the story line. However, readers familiar with the play may appreciate this futuristic adaptation.-Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Book Details

Published
August 1, 2008
Publisher
Abrams, Harry N., Inc.
Pages
208
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780810970731

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