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kkaste's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
svnz's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this adaptation. It remains faithful to the original while at the same time being accessible to a group of people who might otherwise not read anything Shakespeare outside of their English class. The manga sticks to using old English which is a choice that may have worked against widespread accessibility if not for the literal illustrations of the metaphors Shakespeare uses. This might sound off putting to some readers, but it does work really well to bring the story to life visually while at the same time helping readers understand what is being said more clearly.
I really enjoyed this adaptation. It remains faithful to the original while at the same time being accessible to a group of people who might otherwise not read anything Shakespeare outside of their English class. The manga sticks to using old English which is a choice that may have worked against widespread accessibility if not for the literal illustrations of the metaphors Shakespeare uses. This might sound off putting to some readers, but it does work really well to bring the story to life visually while at the same time helping readers understand what is being said more clearly.
introverteddragonscribbles's review
3.0
Boy, what a trip! This classic story of revenge and lust for power really came to life with all of the excellent artwork. Macbeth, the ambitious thane of Cawdor, starts out loyal to his king, Duncan of Scotland. But when three witches show up and tell him that he will amount to greatness, even become king, Macbeth seizes the chance to get a hold on power.
While Macbeth is successful, his reign comes at a very heavy price. One that both he and his wife must pay throughout the story.
Manga Classics keeps all of the original, excellent prose the characters speak throughout the play, preserving Shakespeare’s lyrical, almost ballad-like way of writing. This epic tragedy had me invested from the moment the witches appeared to plan their wicked plots, all the way to the end when the rightful king takes the throne.
I would recommend this book for all lovers of Shakespeare and classic literature, as well as manga comics and stories with tragic heroes.
While Macbeth is successful, his reign comes at a very heavy price. One that both he and his wife must pay throughout the story.
Manga Classics keeps all of the original, excellent prose the characters speak throughout the play, preserving Shakespeare’s lyrical, almost ballad-like way of writing. This epic tragedy had me invested from the moment the witches appeared to plan their wicked plots, all the way to the end when the rightful king takes the throne.
I would recommend this book for all lovers of Shakespeare and classic literature, as well as manga comics and stories with tragic heroes.
brittneedsbooks's review
5.0
Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to review a copy of this book via NetGalley.
Manga Classics: Macbeth, an adaptation of William Shakespeare's iconic play, not only rekindles my fond memories of growing up with Classical Comics but also reaffirms Shakespeare's timeless brilliance as my ultimate favorite playwright and author. This manga rendition, with its stunning artistry, warrants a solid five-star rating.
As someone who was raised on Classical Comics, this manga adaptation of Macbeth transports me back to my formative years, evoking a wave of nostalgia and reigniting my love for Shakespeare's works. The seamless fusion of classical literature and the vibrant world of manga brings forth a refreshing and engaging way to experience this timeless tragedy.
The true beauty of Manga Classics: Macbeth lies in its remarkable artwork. Each panel is a visual treat, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and an incredible talent for capturing the essence of the characters. The artist's ability to convey emotions through expressive faces and dynamic action sequences is awe-inspiring. The illustrations have a distinctive manga style, which adds a layer of depth and intensity to the narrative, breathing new life into Shakespeare's words.
What sets this adaptation apart is its skillful employment of symbolism and visual metaphors. The artistry transcends the pages, offering an immersive experience that enhances the understanding and interpretation of Macbeth's tale. The symbolic imagery cleverly weaves its way into the story, enriching the narrative and shedding new light on the characters' inner struggles and motivations.
Manga Classics: Macbeth serves as a testament to the enduring relevance and universal appeal of Shakespeare's works. It successfully captures the essence of the original play while infusing it with the vibrancy and creativity of the manga medium. The combination of Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and the artist's exquisite illustrations creates a harmonious blend that is both captivating and visually striking.
For those familiar with Classical Comics and lovers of Shakespeare, this manga adaptation is a must-read. It not only pays homage to our cherished literary memories but also reignites our passion for the timeless works of the Bard. Manga Classics: Macbeth deserves its five-star rating for its ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia, beautiful artwork, and the enduring genius of William Shakespeare into an unforgettable reading experience.
Manga Classics: Macbeth, an adaptation of William Shakespeare's iconic play, not only rekindles my fond memories of growing up with Classical Comics but also reaffirms Shakespeare's timeless brilliance as my ultimate favorite playwright and author. This manga rendition, with its stunning artistry, warrants a solid five-star rating.
As someone who was raised on Classical Comics, this manga adaptation of Macbeth transports me back to my formative years, evoking a wave of nostalgia and reigniting my love for Shakespeare's works. The seamless fusion of classical literature and the vibrant world of manga brings forth a refreshing and engaging way to experience this timeless tragedy.
The true beauty of Manga Classics: Macbeth lies in its remarkable artwork. Each panel is a visual treat, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and an incredible talent for capturing the essence of the characters. The artist's ability to convey emotions through expressive faces and dynamic action sequences is awe-inspiring. The illustrations have a distinctive manga style, which adds a layer of depth and intensity to the narrative, breathing new life into Shakespeare's words.
What sets this adaptation apart is its skillful employment of symbolism and visual metaphors. The artistry transcends the pages, offering an immersive experience that enhances the understanding and interpretation of Macbeth's tale. The symbolic imagery cleverly weaves its way into the story, enriching the narrative and shedding new light on the characters' inner struggles and motivations.
Manga Classics: Macbeth serves as a testament to the enduring relevance and universal appeal of Shakespeare's works. It successfully captures the essence of the original play while infusing it with the vibrancy and creativity of the manga medium. The combination of Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and the artist's exquisite illustrations creates a harmonious blend that is both captivating and visually striking.
For those familiar with Classical Comics and lovers of Shakespeare, this manga adaptation is a must-read. It not only pays homage to our cherished literary memories but also reignites our passion for the timeless works of the Bard. Manga Classics: Macbeth deserves its five-star rating for its ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia, beautiful artwork, and the enduring genius of William Shakespeare into an unforgettable reading experience.
ihavenouseforit's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
saramarie08's review against another edition
4.0
Most of you will probably be familiar with the plot line and don’t need summary, but if you do, read on.
Macbeth is a decorated war hero, fighting in wars for the king of Scotland, Duncan. After one such battle, three witches appear to Macbeth and his friend Banquo, promising titles and even the crown in Macbeth’s future. Lady Macbeth doesn’t want to leave things up to chance, so she convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan in his sleep as he stays the night in their castle. The king’s sons flee, afraid for their own safety, and Macbeth is made king. He is driven mad by keeping his crown and destroying anyone who could take it away from him, plunging the kingdom into terror. A force led by Macduff, another noblemen, gather strength from other nobles and even the King of England in the hopes of unseating Macbeth.
If you're looking for a very faithful adaptation of the play, this is it. The acts and scenes are included, so it's easy to see where everything lines up with the original play. The Modern English is a fine way for students to get into the story who may be struggling with the Shakespearean text. However, there are a few times when the adaptation text is a little clunky. Michael Barltrop, the modern English adaptor, says in the End Notes that he was trying to keep the colorful language of Shakespeare, but there are some times when the figurative language doesn't sound natural in its translated form, or being true to the original language results in strange sentences.
Other than some of these moments, this volume is a great way for students to experience the play in a different medium. The beautiful illustrations make this reading closer to seeing the play performed, which is really how Shakespeare is intended to be consumed. Reading a static play and with very few stage directions is often very difficult for students, and teachers expend a lot of energy explaining, reenacting, and "translating" for students so they can enjoy the play. It's not impossible, but it definitely is a difficult task, and reading it with these visuals would definitely help.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher. This graphic novel will be on sale August 10, 2021.
Macbeth is a decorated war hero, fighting in wars for the king of Scotland, Duncan. After one such battle, three witches appear to Macbeth and his friend Banquo, promising titles and even the crown in Macbeth’s future. Lady Macbeth doesn’t want to leave things up to chance, so she convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan in his sleep as he stays the night in their castle. The king’s sons flee, afraid for their own safety, and Macbeth is made king. He is driven mad by keeping his crown and destroying anyone who could take it away from him, plunging the kingdom into terror. A force led by Macduff, another noblemen, gather strength from other nobles and even the King of England in the hopes of unseating Macbeth.
If you're looking for a very faithful adaptation of the play, this is it. The acts and scenes are included, so it's easy to see where everything lines up with the original play. The Modern English is a fine way for students to get into the story who may be struggling with the Shakespearean text. However, there are a few times when the adaptation text is a little clunky. Michael Barltrop, the modern English adaptor, says in the End Notes that he was trying to keep the colorful language of Shakespeare, but there are some times when the figurative language doesn't sound natural in its translated form, or being true to the original language results in strange sentences.
Other than some of these moments, this volume is a great way for students to experience the play in a different medium. The beautiful illustrations make this reading closer to seeing the play performed, which is really how Shakespeare is intended to be consumed. Reading a static play and with very few stage directions is often very difficult for students, and teachers expend a lot of energy explaining, reenacting, and "translating" for students so they can enjoy the play. It's not impossible, but it definitely is a difficult task, and reading it with these visuals would definitely help.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher. This graphic novel will be on sale August 10, 2021.
unavezmas's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed adaptation of Frankenstein so I thought "maybe it'll be a smart idea to read Shakespear as well?" In school I found Shakespeare boring. I could not be bothered with it.
This adaptation somehow made it fun.
I enjoyed reading play in manga format. Not only are the visuals pleasant to look at, they also make understanding of wider context much easier.
People who adapted this play payed attention to details. I love when peole who adapt something are also fans of the source materials and add all sorts of cool details. I don't want to elaborate for fear of spoiling the fun for first time readers.
This adaptation somehow made it fun.
I enjoyed reading play in manga format. Not only are the visuals pleasant to look at, they also make understanding of wider context much easier.
People who adapted this play payed attention to details. I love when peole who adapt something are also fans of the source materials and add all sorts of cool details. I don't want to elaborate for fear of spoiling the fun for first time readers.
thereaderandthebeast's review against another edition
2.0
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (English and Spanish)
A perfect book for those who are approaching Shakespeare for the first time. With a simplified language, which although it escapes the depth of the original text, continues to transmit its essence with integrity.
Plus, the illustrations not only add incredible aesthetics, they faithfully support the text; being very enlightening with the figurative language.
Without much more to say, I will only highlight how suitable this job is for the little ones, being the perfect complement to their school activities; although I extend the recommendation to adults who are just immersing themselves in the world of the great classics of literature.
°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••
Un libro perfecto para aquellos que se acercan a Shakespeare por primera vez. Con un lenguaje simplificado, más actual, que si bien escapa a la profundad del texto original, sigue transmitiendo con entereza la esencia del mismo.
Además, las ilustraciones no solo aportan una estética increíble, sino que respaldan el texto con fidelidad. Siendo muy esclarecedoras con el lenguaje figurado.
Sin mucho más que agregar, solo resaltaré lo adecuada que resulta esta obra para los más jóvenes, siendo el complemento perfecto para sus actividades docentes; aunque me extiendo a recomendarla a adultos que recién se sumergen en el mundo de los grandes clásicos.
Visit my blog: Lau's books
A perfect book for those who are approaching Shakespeare for the first time. With a simplified language, which although it escapes the depth of the original text, continues to transmit its essence with integrity.
Plus, the illustrations not only add incredible aesthetics, they faithfully support the text; being very enlightening with the figurative language.
Without much more to say, I will only highlight how suitable this job is for the little ones, being the perfect complement to their school activities; although I extend the recommendation to adults who are just immersing themselves in the world of the great classics of literature.
°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••
Un libro perfecto para aquellos que se acercan a Shakespeare por primera vez. Con un lenguaje simplificado, más actual, que si bien escapa a la profundad del texto original, sigue transmitiendo con entereza la esencia del mismo.
Además, las ilustraciones no solo aportan una estética increíble, sino que respaldan el texto con fidelidad. Siendo muy esclarecedoras con el lenguaje figurado.
Sin mucho más que agregar, solo resaltaré lo adecuada que resulta esta obra para los más jóvenes, siendo el complemento perfecto para sus actividades docentes; aunque me extiendo a recomendarla a adultos que recién se sumergen en el mundo de los grandes clásicos.
Visit my blog: Lau's books
thereaderandthebeast's review
3.0
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (English and Spanish)
A perfect book for those who are approaching Shakespeare for the first time. With a simplified language, which although it escapes the depth of the original text, continues to transmit its essence with integrity.
Plus, the illustrations not only add incredible aesthetics, they faithfully support the text; being very enlightening with the figurative language.
Without much more to say, I will only highlight how suitable this job is for the little ones, being the perfect complement to their school activities; although I extend the recommendation to adults who are just immersing themselves in the world of the great classics of literature.
°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••
Un libro perfecto para aquellos que se acercan a Shakespeare por primera vez. Con un lenguaje simplificado, más actual, que si bien escapa a la profundad del texto original, sigue transmitiendo con entereza la esencia del mismo.
Además, las ilustraciones no solo aportan una estética increíble, sino que respaldan el texto con fidelidad. Siendo muy esclarecedoras con el lenguaje figurado.
Sin mucho más que agregar, solo resaltaré lo adecuada que resulta esta obra para los más jóvenes, siendo el complemento perfecto para sus actividades docentes; aunque me extiendo a recomendarla a adultos que recién se sumergen en el mundo de los grandes clásicos.
A perfect book for those who are approaching Shakespeare for the first time. With a simplified language, which although it escapes the depth of the original text, continues to transmit its essence with integrity.
Plus, the illustrations not only add incredible aesthetics, they faithfully support the text; being very enlightening with the figurative language.
Without much more to say, I will only highlight how suitable this job is for the little ones, being the perfect complement to their school activities; although I extend the recommendation to adults who are just immersing themselves in the world of the great classics of literature.
°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••
Un libro perfecto para aquellos que se acercan a Shakespeare por primera vez. Con un lenguaje simplificado, más actual, que si bien escapa a la profundad del texto original, sigue transmitiendo con entereza la esencia del mismo.
Además, las ilustraciones no solo aportan una estética increíble, sino que respaldan el texto con fidelidad. Siendo muy esclarecedoras con el lenguaje figurado.
Sin mucho más que agregar, solo resaltaré lo adecuada que resulta esta obra para los más jóvenes, siendo el complemento perfecto para sus actividades docentes; aunque me extiendo a recomendarla a adultos que recién se sumergen en el mundo de los grandes clásicos.
nerdydreamer107's review against another edition
3.75
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This does not influence my opinion.
This was a much easier read than Romeo and Juliet.
I liked the approach the artists took to the art style, it was quite fitting. Sadly, at times, it was hard to distinguish some of the characters, but overall they were well done.
The story itself was captivating as well, I read the book in two sittings.
The witches reminded me of the three sisters in the Disney Villains series, maybe they were partially inspired by Macbeth.
Again, I think these Mangas are a great way to make classic books more accessible and the way Macbeth was done, was a success in that regard, in my opinion.