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katescholastica's review
4.0
4.5 stars — whether or not you’ve read the odyssey before, the graphic novel proves an engaging way to get through this ancient story. I do wish this version made use of character ID and maps like the Iliad graphic novel by the same author.
kavitari's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
banger art but the translation is lacklustre at best and insulting at worst
levibaus's review against another edition
4.0
As a "great books" nerd and Latin teacher, I would much prefer people to experience Homer and the full text first. But, I really appreciated this interpretation, especially since I've read The Odyssey many times before.
The illustrations, translation, and faithfulness to the original all make this a great graphic novel. I'm not one to read many comics or graphic novels, but I'd highly recommend this. The illustrations have some fun little foreshadowings and elements that are very appropriate for the text. In addition, I appreciated Gareth's willingness to work with several texts in order to find what worked best for him. Lastly, his faithfulness to Homer's original makes me happy - being a classics nerd!
If you have read the original, I'd recommend this to you! If you haven't read the original, I'd still recommend this work, but I'd recommend that you read the original first.
The illustrations, translation, and faithfulness to the original all make this a great graphic novel. I'm not one to read many comics or graphic novels, but I'd highly recommend this. The illustrations have some fun little foreshadowings and elements that are very appropriate for the text. In addition, I appreciated Gareth's willingness to work with several texts in order to find what worked best for him. Lastly, his faithfulness to Homer's original makes me happy - being a classics nerd!
If you have read the original, I'd recommend this to you! If you haven't read the original, I'd still recommend this work, but I'd recommend that you read the original first.
plumpages's review against another edition
5.0
Just the cover of this book made my husband want to read it too. Very interesting adaption. Excellent and easy for those wanting to ease into the story.
emmaturningpages's review
4.0
Want to read The Odyssey without reading The Odyssey? The graphic novel adaptation is your answer, my friends.
I did actually start reading one of the modern(ish) adaptations a few years ago and it was hard work to the point where I didn’t want to pick it back up, so it ended up as a DNF.
This graphic novel is brilliant, though. Very accessible, lovely illustrations, and a modern interpretation of the dialogue that doesn’t dilute the plot.
I did actually start reading one of the modern(ish) adaptations a few years ago and it was hard work to the point where I didn’t want to pick it back up, so it ended up as a DNF.
This graphic novel is brilliant, though. Very accessible, lovely illustrations, and a modern interpretation of the dialogue that doesn’t dilute the plot.
jasonfurman's review against another edition
5.0
2016 Review: A fantastic graphic novel adaptation of The Odyssey, this version is a largely complete book-by-book retelling of the original with nearly perfect artwork, great writing, and compelling language in many cases taken from some of the leading translations of The Odyssey. It was a genuine pleasure to read together with my nine year old but I would also have been perfectly happy to read it on my own. Epic, as they say.
2017 Review: I read this again with my daughter and cannot wait to read it a third time with my third child, beautiful artwork, a really faithful adaptation with all the complexities of the original.
2017 Review: I read this again with my daughter and cannot wait to read it a third time with my third child, beautiful artwork, a really faithful adaptation with all the complexities of the original.
momma_nilsen's review against another edition
4.0
A good teaching tool but super abridged. But the illustrations were spot on and great for Freshmen readers.
Pop Sugar 2021 Challenge: A book in a different format than what you normally read GRAPHIC NOVEL
Pop Sugar 2021 Challenge: A book in a different format than what you normally read GRAPHIC NOVEL
catecro67vz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
stacialithub's review
3.0
I won a copy of this book a few months ago. Generally, graphic novels aren't really my thing. This was fine, though; I can see the appeal especially for YAs who may not be into reading but who want or need an intro to some facets of the Odyssey. In the back of the book, Hinds mentions that he took certain liberties with the story (as well as it being quite abbreviated obviously), but he did use some of the actual wording from Fagels, Fitzgerald, and Rieu translations on some pages. Hopefully this would be a springboard into someone reading/learning more about the Odyssey.
mirandabetz's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. But it gives a younger reader a solid foundation of the events of the Odyssey prior to reading Homer’s epic which is what I anticipated. For a fan of Greek mythology or a reader of any of the original texts, this is going to be far too basic and simplified for you. The art style wasn’t my favorite—if I never have to see a visual of old buff Odysseus again in my life, I’ll die a happy woman.