lovelacebooks's review against another edition

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4.0

(First of all, thank you so much NetGalley, publisher, and author, for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review)

I can't believe searching for books in Netgalley that I would find a manga version of Romeo and Juliet. I have been in love with this story since I first read it so many years ago and I love to read and watch different adaptations. So of course I requested this manga and I enjoyed it so much. I love the drawings and the sketch of the characters at the beginning of the manga. I really, really recommend it.

introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition

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4.0

So many people have read Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, or at least know several quotes from this timeless classic. But reading the script versus actually seeing it played out in pictures is a whole other thing. While I can’t say that I have read the original Romeo and Juliet, I have perused it, back when my sister was obsessed with Shakespeare and wanted to read everything written by him. So I had the general idea of the plot when I decided that my second foray into the Manga Classics would be Romeo and Juliet.

I am happy to say that this version has made a lot of things clearer! The artwork was lovely, and at points, just downright amusing. The ancient style of speech, while understandable if you read a lot of it, has always been a little tough to understand at points, especially since Shakespeare enjoyed using as many metaphors as he possible could, as well as making his characters say things three times in a row. (Which, no matter how many times you read it, still doesn’t make sense.)

I will say that, while some moments of the story were *ahem* inappropriate, that Romeo and Juliet was at least enjoyable, and clearly showed the folly of youth.

roobie's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars

I never really loved Romeo & Juliet's story but anyone who likes it and is a fan of manga should give this one a try. It was a lovely adaptation.
Can't wait for more Manga Classics stories.

simoneclark's review against another edition

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3.0

Thank you, NetGalley and Udon Entertainment, for a complimentary copy of this manga adaption of yet another classic in exchange for my honest opinion!

First things first, the illustrations are phenomenal as usual!!!! I loved the facial expressions, the symbolisms used, and the character portrayal. The manga itself is fantastic and I loved everything about it. Now here comes the big "BUT" ... William Shakespearian language is so hard to understand and I had a hard time making it through this one. Unfortunately, this manga also had big boots to fit because I loved loved loved the "Les Miserables" adaption. I think that one and "The Count of Monte Cristo" have been my favorites so far. I guess I went in with great expectations for this one since Romeo and Juliet is such a great story. I have to admit though that while the story is great, I also struggled with the language in the original classic as well.

Nonetheless, I can absolutely recommend this manga adaption!

brittneedsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet, an exquisite adaptation of William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, holds a cherished place in my heart, akin to the Bard himself. This manga journey invites me to revel in nostalgia, while its awe-inspiring artistry makes it a deserving recipient of a resounding five-star rating.

Immersed in the world of Classical Comics during my formative years, the resurgence of Romeo and Juliet through this manga adaptation is a wistful trip down memory lane. Shakespeare's profound tale of love and tragedy, intricately interwoven with the captivating allure of manga, creates an unparalleled reading experience.

The visual tapestry woven in Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet is nothing short of extraordinary. With every stroke, the illustrations transport readers into the heart of Verona, breathing life into each character with meticulous attention to detail. The artist masterfully captures the spectrum of human emotions, effortlessly inviting us into the depths of the characters' souls.

Beyond the characters themselves, the manga's ethereal beauty extends to the enchanting landscapes and meticulously crafted settings. Moonlit balconies and bustling Veronese streets come alive within the pages, suffusing the story with an immersive vibrancy. The manga medium's artistic style infuses the scenes with a dynamic energy, further heightening the emotional impact of the narrative.

Symbolism and visual metaphors take center stage in this adaptation, enriching the storytelling in mesmerizing ways. Like whispers in the wind, these artistic elements thread through the panels, deepening our comprehension of the characters' motives and intensifying the heart-wrenching tension that permeates the play's fabric.

Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet stands as a triumphant testament to Shakespeare's immortal words. Seamlessly blending the Bard's eloquence with manga's visual storytelling prowess, it resurrects this beloved classic with an unparalleled enchantment. This adaptation rekindles the same emotions that captivated audiences of yore, while also captivating new readers with its timeless resonance.

For enthusiasts of Classical Comics and Shakespeare devotees alike, Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet is an inimitable gem that demands discovery. Its evocative essence, breathtaking artwork, and reverential tribute to Shakespeare's legacy make it a true five-star marvel that should not be overlooked. Prepare to be spellbound by this enchanting resurrection of Romeo and Juliet's tragic tale.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

adricheyenne's review against another edition

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4.0

The art style in this Manga Classic is beautiful! The visual aides with the story really enhances the reading experience. With that being said, I struggled to finish this. The tale of Romeo and Juliet is well known, and the manga does keep the wording from the original source. I had mixed feelings about that, however if you enjoy Shakespeare you will most definitely enjoy this! Unfortunately, Shakespeare’s prose still is not my cup of tea.

jordannedunn's review against another edition

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4.0

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

So this is the fourth Manga Classic I've read and needless to say I'm officially a fan. My method with this series is to review the adaption more than the story because really you can't review it as a story since its based off another book (that I've likely read and therefore reviewed).

Since I have not actually read Romeo and Juliet I can't exactly do that but I happen to know this book is taken word for word from the OG so I don't actually think it matters and - unpopular opinion coming your way - I genuinely think this could be a good alternative to reading the original. HEAR ME OUT.

Shakespeare never intended his plays to actually be read, he intended them to be seen and experienced. Reading Shakespeare is hard and sometimes dull for leisure purposes. I mean sure, you can get the gist of the language after some practice but I found this method of enjoying it so much better. I have read a few of the Bard's plays and I honestly don't find them even remotely fun to do so. I love watching the plays, every actor interprets and presents the character differently and it's so good to watch and the acting and context makes understanding second nature. But, plays don't come along that often, least of all really good ones, and manga is a perfect graphic substitute because the style is so expressive and hyperbolic - like good actors in a Shakespeare play should be.

really enjoyed this book, the art was beautiful. I mean, stunning really. Of course, I knew what was coming the whole time because it's Romeo and Juliet but still loved it all the same. The only nitpick I'd have is maybe more clearly labeling characters as it can be tricky to keep track of them all.

If you enjoy Shakespeare anyway or want to get into it but are hesitant because of the language - read this, it's great.

katlikesreadingbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

I have always loved me a good Romeo and Juliet retelling. For some reason I expected more modern language but I’m the manga was straight from Shakespeare. It kept to the tale we all know and love. It pictures were stunning and give this love story the justice it need. A wonderful manga.

Only reason I gave four stars because sometimes it was hard to understand, but that is the language of the time time. Great overall!

#RomeoAndJulietMangaclassics #NetGalley

yourkindredreader's review against another edition

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4.0

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback*

This manga (comic book) is about Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. So if you have read it, it's basically the book - drawn to capture it essence in a different form of art. I have read Romeo and Juliet back when I was in high school and had no interest to reading it again until I stumbled upon this manga. The drawings reminds me of typical manga drawings, especially mangas from late 1990s to early 2000s. The writing style surprised me.  I thought it would be written in modern English but they kept it similar to the dialogue on Shakespeare's original work.

What I really appreciate about this book is that since this is a Japanese comic, there's a guide on how to read it for some people with no idea that it's read from right to left, top to bottom. There's also a lot of research done to understand the story better which was added to the book at the end. I recommend this book to people who wants to read Romeo and Juliet in a more convenient and understandable form.

zinzee's review against another edition

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4.0

Nothing changed about the script but the adaptation was nice. It was beautifully put together. The pages was a little blurry for me but other than that great job.