Scan barcode
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Gareth Hinds undertakes the task of adapting The Odyssey, the tale of Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War, into graphic novel format.
I wish this had been around when I was wading through The Odyssey in high school (and maybe college? I can't remember). I don't know what translation we read, but we needed a translation of it. I think most of us had only vague ideas about what was going on, and we probably only figured those out after the teacher spoon-fed them to us.
The Odyssey is perfect for this format. It's a very visual story, with the sirens and Scylla and Charybdis, a journey to the underworld, the cyclops, and Circe's spell. I did like the illustrations, although they veered a little too close to the bulging muscles and gravity-defying breasts that most people think of when they hear the word, comic. Still, it's a manly tale, so they fit.
I was a little surprised by the translation. I expected the writing to be very modern, but it's not. It's still very readable but formal at the same time. From page 4, Zeus speaking to Athena:
"My child, what strange remarks you let escape your lips. Could I forget that wily hero Odysseus? You know I bear him no grudge--but Poseidon does, hates him for blinding his son Polyphemus the Cyclops.
But come now, let us take up the matter of Odysseus's return. Poseidon must relent; he cannot thwart the will of all the other gods."
I had forgotten much of what happens in the story, so it felt a lot like I was coming to this for the first time. I enjoyed it more in this format than I ever have before.
This is a fabulous (re-)introduction to this timeless classic. Teachers, take note and have some mercy on your classes. This could at least be a companion to the "regular" novel.
I wish this had been around when I was wading through The Odyssey in high school (and maybe college? I can't remember). I don't know what translation we read, but we needed a translation of it. I think most of us had only vague ideas about what was going on, and we probably only figured those out after the teacher spoon-fed them to us.
The Odyssey is perfect for this format. It's a very visual story, with the sirens and Scylla and Charybdis, a journey to the underworld, the cyclops, and Circe's spell. I did like the illustrations, although they veered a little too close to the bulging muscles and gravity-defying breasts that most people think of when they hear the word, comic. Still, it's a manly tale, so they fit.
I was a little surprised by the translation. I expected the writing to be very modern, but it's not. It's still very readable but formal at the same time. From page 4, Zeus speaking to Athena:
"My child, what strange remarks you let escape your lips. Could I forget that wily hero Odysseus? You know I bear him no grudge--but Poseidon does, hates him for blinding his son Polyphemus the Cyclops.
But come now, let us take up the matter of Odysseus's return. Poseidon must relent; he cannot thwart the will of all the other gods."
I had forgotten much of what happens in the story, so it felt a lot like I was coming to this for the first time. I enjoyed it more in this format than I ever have before.
This is a fabulous (re-)introduction to this timeless classic. Teachers, take note and have some mercy on your classes. This could at least be a companion to the "regular" novel.
wrentheblurry's review against another edition
2.0
My 10-year old (Trevor) wanted to read The Odyssey, which I thought was a bit much for him to digest. So, I found this title. I then started reading it to both boys for a bedtime story, yet the first part is slow, plodding, and I found the immense amount of text shoved into many of the art boxes to be too much. After a few nights of this, Warren (the 12-year old) and I decided to drop it as a bedtime story. Trevor was mildly disappointed, but he decided to just read it on his own.
Before returning it to the library, I made more of an effort to get through it on my own too. I never read Homer's version, so I cannot compare. I didn't care for the artwork. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not my preferred style. The word-bloated problem does get better, but there are still some spots with too much text on the page. There are way too many names to keep track of, and I don't recall any notes in the back of the book to help with this. If you are familiar with the story, that probably won't bug you.
Trevor did read it at least twice, and said it was alright, though "it is kind of violent." I reminded him that it is intended for teenagers (shelved in the YA section of the library). There is some violence and sexual situations that may not be appropriate for youngsters and/or they won't really understand. But they might like the pictures of battles and such.
Before returning it to the library, I made more of an effort to get through it on my own too. I never read Homer's version, so I cannot compare. I didn't care for the artwork. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not my preferred style. The word-bloated problem does get better, but there are still some spots with too much text on the page. There are way too many names to keep track of, and I don't recall any notes in the back of the book to help with this. If you are familiar with the story, that probably won't bug you.
Trevor did read it at least twice, and said it was alright, though "it is kind of violent." I reminded him that it is intended for teenagers (shelved in the YA section of the library). There is some violence and sexual situations that may not be appropriate for youngsters and/or they won't really understand. But they might like the pictures of battles and such.
caydencj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ilsevdhout's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Animal death
dikestrike's review against another edition
5.0
Every word is written and every line is drawn with thoughtful and deliberate craftsmanship. A delight to read.
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure if I should evaluate this as I would any other graphic novel, or if I should evaluate it as a new medium interpretation of the Odyssey. Despite its having come up in classes all through high school and college, I never actually read the Odyssey. It always seemed like an extremely long tale which was told in a style I didn't enjoy. And after reading this, I still feel the same way about the actual story.
Visually, Hinds' artwork is beautiful and he captures so much movement in each of his images. Even those without dialogue tell so much about the characters, their motives, and their journeys. Having wanted to know the story of the Odyssey, I am glad that I able to enjoy it in this shorter and more visual manner.
That said, there were issues I had with story. There were time issues that didn't make sense (Odysseus has been gone for twenty years, but toward the end there is a dog that was said to have been raised by Odysseus himself... that was still alive?) though I do not know if that was the fault of Homer or of Hinds. I also was just not a fan of Odysseus, who slept with nearly every goddess he came across despite telling them that all he wanted was to go home to his wife.
For anyone wanting to glimpse the tropes and values depicted in The Odyssey, Hinds does a good job of including these, showing instances of manhood, valor, charity, and vengeance. And it is clear that the artist loves the subject material from the care he took in recreating it.
I did NOT receive a copy of this for review, unlike most books that I read. My opinions are my own.
Visually, Hinds' artwork is beautiful and he captures so much movement in each of his images. Even those without dialogue tell so much about the characters, their motives, and their journeys. Having wanted to know the story of the Odyssey, I am glad that I able to enjoy it in this shorter and more visual manner.
That said, there were issues I had with story. There were time issues that didn't make sense (Odysseus has been gone for twenty years, but toward the end there is a dog that was said to have been raised by Odysseus himself... that was still alive?) though I do not know if that was the fault of Homer or of Hinds. I also was just not a fan of Odysseus, who slept with nearly every goddess he came across despite telling them that all he wanted was to go home to his wife.
For anyone wanting to glimpse the tropes and values depicted in The Odyssey, Hinds does a good job of including these, showing instances of manhood, valor, charity, and vengeance. And it is clear that the artist loves the subject material from the care he took in recreating it.
I did NOT receive a copy of this for review, unlike most books that I read. My opinions are my own.
thestarlessreads's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
teaserena's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
odysseus kinda dilfy
marysasala's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a good introduction to the story. The art is really engaging (though there are some questionable scenes in the story that get depicted- be read for the cheating/chastity conversation with your kids).
I would highly recommend it though.
I would highly recommend it though.