Saturday, September 26, 2009

Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare, William Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing 208pgs. Amulet Books Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG

This much loved comedy of Shakespeare’s can be seen live, on film, read as a group, or alone. This version brings Much Ado to the newer format of graphic novel. The story is the same. The Prince and his entourage return to Medina to be greeted by the governor Senior Leonato. While there, one of the entourage, Claudio, falls madly in love with the Govenor’s daughter, Hero. With the princes help Hero is wooed and then engaged to Claudio. In a side story, another of the entourage, Senior Benedict, a confirmed bachelor, meets up with an old acquaintance, Beatrice. Both scorn each other with words and witty insults. A plot is laid for them by the Prince and Company to make them fall in love with each other. The play has its dark moments, but is thoroughly enjoyable. This Manga version will assist many readers in gaining the true meaning behind Shakespeare’s words. All of the text is taken from the play itself and is brilliantly woven together with the masterful art renditions by Emma Vieceli. Teachers should take note of this wonderful new series!


MS/HS ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

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