Sweeney Todd The Graphic Novel: Quick Text The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

by Wilson, Sean Michael; Shalvey, Declan; Cardy, Jason; Nicholson, Kat; Bryant, Clive

• ISBN13: 9781907127106
• ISBN10: 1907127100
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-08-07
• Publisher: Classical Comics

Summary

The full story in quick modern English for a fast-paced read! This graphic novel breathes new life into the legendary barber who "polished 'em off." No one knows for sure if Sweeney Todd actually existed, but this story, taken from a serialization in a weekly magazine from 1846, was the first time the terrible crimes committed by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street appeared in print for the public to read. Gory? No! What's particularly good about this adaptation is that all of the horror is implied and "off-camera", making this a truly wonderful version of a brilliant story. * 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

Author Biography

Sean Michael Wilson has adapted other books in the Classical Comics series including A Christmas Carol and Wuthering Heights. Declan Shalvey is now a high-demand comic book artist, working on 28 Days Later as well as some Marvel titles. Kat Nicholson and Jason Cardy have colored a number of titles within the Classical Comics range. A Midsummer Night's Dream was their first fully illustrated work. Clive Bryant is the founder of Classical Comics and has served as Editor in Chief for the entire series.

Excerpts

TODD
A shave is it, gentlemen?

Colonel
We are here because our friend has disappeared.

TODD
Has he?
Tobias, run along and buy some figs for me.

Captain
Has a seafaring gentleman been here?

TODD
Yes – I shaved him and polished him off.