Overview
ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED WORKS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IS ADAPTED IN COMICS FORM.
Pride & Prejudice was the second novel written by Jane Austen. Published in 1813, the tale focuses on the Bennet family, including the spirited Elizabeth. The story of her dealings with English society and the attentions of Mr. Darcy have captivated audiences for generations.
Elizabeth's fierce and independent spirit vexes her mother, who wishes to see her married off into better circumstances. Mr. Darcy finds her fascinating, if frustrating. Even though she is determined to dislike him, he does not back away; finally, she comes to learn that her pride has deprived her of a chance for happiness.
The relevance of environment and the upbringing of a young person's character were very much on the author's mind as she put her characters through their paces. Social standing, Austen observed, did not always guarantee happiness as seen through Darcy and his family. Nor was wealth always the measure of success.
The role parents play is a major theme as Mrs. Bennet was consumed with marrying off her daughters leading to Kitty and Lydia unhappy circumstances. Mr. Bennet is seen as aloof and acquiescing too easily, but his affection for Elizabeth emboldens her to strive for a life most women in England were denied.
Austen's writing style proved quite popular—but her themes regarding upbringing, marriage, moral rightness, education and aristocratic society have proven enduring ones. Pride & Prejudice has been adapted for stage and screen—and now, for the first time, as a comic book.
Synopsis
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife... " Tailored from the adored Jane Austen classic, Marvel Comics is proud to present Pride & Prejudice! Two-time Rita Award-Winner Nancy Butler and fan-favorite Hugo Petras faithfully adapt the whimsical tale of Lizzy Bennet and her loveable-if-eccentric family, as they navigate through tricky British social circles. Will Lizzy's father manage to marry off her five daughters, despite his wife's incessant nagging? And will Lizzy's beautiful sister Jane marry the handsome, wealthy Mr. Bingley, or will his brooding friend Mr. Darcy stand between their happiness?
Collects Pride & Prejudice #1-5.
Library Journal
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the United States is not Japan, and certainly this is no multivolume manga. We don't savor at length Lizzie's inner monologs or hover along through the Regency social dailiness that contextualizes Austen's comedy of matrimony. To be fair, the basic plot is pretty much here, bonsaied down from Austen's 400-plus pages. And Butler does quite a good job at keeping the continuity while letting each major character have a chance in the spotlight. But Austen's women don't come off well—they all have a similar "superhero female character from central casting" look, seeming even to wear lipstick. The muddy coloring doesn't help either, with too many browns and ochres slathered together to scream, "IN THE PAST." (We shouldn't blame Petrus, a capable Spanish artist who perhaps received misleading direction.) VERDICT This P&P packages Austen's classic for fanboys and newbies. Women readers and Austenites are likely to want more story, more appealing art, and more distinctive female characters. For teens and up.—M.C.