Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the pictures in this graphic novel depict bloody battles, including dismemberment. It's pretty gruesome, and definitely not for many kids.
Families who read this book could discuss the historical story itself. Why has it lasted so long? What does it tell us about the culture from which it sprang? How is it similar to modern hero and superhero tales?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
Beowulf is a grim and gruesome story, and artist Gareth Hinds has produced a graphic novel to match. Starting online, it has been published in several different forms and editions, but now for the first time by a mainstream publisher. In full and rich color on heavy stock it is a handsome treatment. He does a fine job with the text, adapted from A. J. Church's translation, and his draftsmanship is exemplary.
But while Hinds draws the gore with crystal clarity, he's less clear about the sequence of events. There are pages, usually fight scenes with no text, where it's difficult, if not impossible, for the reader to tell exactly what is happening, and in what order. The frames are not sequential, and the action is sometimes muddy.
It's a frustration in this otherwise spectacular graphic novel version of a classic story. A visceral yet accessible treatment, this is clearly meant to appeal to video game-loving teens and fans of the November 2007 Beowulf movie starring Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins.
From The Book
Heorot this hall was named, and many an hour the clansmen spent there in cheer and revel, till there came an evil guest within its walls.
Grendel was his name, and he dwelt among the moors and fens. He was of an accursed race, and he had long lived in jealous exile from the lands of men.
Grendel searched out this lofty hall, and there he ruled in rage, devoured all who dared abide there, until empty stood the hall at night.
Plot Summary:
The Danish king, Hrothgar, builds a great feasting hall called Heorot. But soon it's attacked by Grendel, a monster from a nearby swamp, who kills anyone he finds within at night. Many heroes try to fight him, and give their lives in the struggle.
Over the sea comes Beowulf. Having heard of the monster, he's eager to test himself. After a great battle, Beowulf defeats Grendel, tearing the monster's arm off in the process. But Grendel's troll mother, more terrible even than Grendel, swears revenge. To fight her, Beowulf must follow her to an underwater cave.
Related Books:
Other Picturebook Beowulfs:
The Hero Beowulf by Eric A. Kimmel and Leonard Everett Fisher
Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman
Stories of Beowulf Told to the Children by H. E. Marshall and J. R. Skelton
More Graphic Novel Myths:
Yu the Great: Conquering the Flood by Sandy Carruthers
Thor And Loki: In the Land of Giants by Jeff Limke and Ron Randall
Amaterasu: Return of the Sun by Paul D. Storrie and Ron Randall
Hercules: The Twelve Labors by Steve Kurth
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ViolenceLots -- gory, bloody, hand-to-hand combat pictured, with limbs ripped off, heads chopped off. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrinking. |
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