Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Original Text: The Graphic Novel (Classical Comics: Original Text)

*"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text". ISBN 978-1-906332-50-1.
*"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text". ISBN 978-1-906332-49-5.
illus. by Declan Shalvey.

While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley's famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this horror classic with either the "Original Text," or the "Quick Text," a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers follow the story's progression. Back matter includes a biography of Shelley, a description of the novel's origin and history, and a clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable edition. Reluctant readers who start with the "Quick Text" will probably be enticed to try the "Original Text" and continue to explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic.

--Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
"School Library Journal", May 2009
*"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text." ISBN 978-1-906332-50-1.
*"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text." ISBN 978-1-906332-49-5.
illus. by Declan Shalvey.
While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley s famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this horror classic with either the Original Text, or the Quick Text, a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers follow the story s progression. Back matter includes a biography of Shelley, a description of the novel s origin and history, and a clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable edition. Reluctant readers who start with the Quick Text will probably be enticed to try the Original Text and continue to explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic.
Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
"School Library Journal," May 2009
"

*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text. ISBN 978-1-906332-50-1.
*Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text. ISBN 978-1-906332-49-5.
illus. by Declan Shalvey.
While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley s famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this horror classic with either the Original Text, or the Quick Text, a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers follow the story s progression. Back matter includes a biography of Shelley, a description of the novel s origin and history, and a clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable edition. Reluctant readers who start with the Quick Text will probably be enticed to try the Original Text and continue to explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic.
Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
School Library Journal, May 2009
"

No one knows for sure if Sweeney Todd actually existed, but this story, taken from a serialization in a Penny Dreadful from 1846, was the first official record of the terrible crimes committed by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Gory? No! What's particularly good about this adaptation is that none of the horror is to be seen — making this a truly wonderful version of a brilliant book.

This story first appeared in serialized form in 1800s London and gripped the nation. Although there is no explicit record of these events taking place, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence that Todd existed and that he was the world's worst mass-murderer.

A gruesome tale, portrayed with a certain Victorian "twee-ness" that borders on the comical.

With beautiful engaging artwork, the book features the entire novel, unabridged (in the original British English), as well as an illustrated Character List (Dramatis Personae), 156 pages of story artwork, and fascinating support material — all beautifully presented in color.

An alternative text edition with simplified US dialogue is available in paperback enabling differentiation in the classroom.