The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds (Graphic Author & Illustrator)

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds, Graphic Author & Illustrator

ISBN: 9780763642686
Candlewick Press $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  "The Odyssey" is a heavy weight read. It's old. It's ancient. And typically, a "comic book reader" or lover of graphic novels isn't going to read The Odyssey. But perhaps the strength of the story and the characters, the epic living of ancient times can be captured in graphic form and whet the appetite for a serious read of the real "The Odyssey."

My review is of a paperback copy that is quite hefty. Soon to be published will be a Deluxe Hardcover edition and likely a collector's book. The story has love-story written into it and as such the graphics do tend toward the adult reader. This is not a young child's book. It is more a slip-into-reading-classics introduction.

That being said, The Odyssey is an action-packed, boy friendly read that may capture YA readers' attention. The graphic drawings done with broadly sweeping, articulate pencil swipes and muted washes of color capture the action and Grecian life of ancient times. Surreal in detail and story, this graphic retelling of The Odyssey may be accepted favorably by followers of the classics with new interpretation of the story imagery.

About the book: A New York Times bestseller!

With bold imagery and an ear tuned to the music of Homer’s epic poem, award-winning graphic artist Gareth Hinds reinterprets the ancient classic as it’s never been told before. A New York Times bestseller, now in a sumptuous collectible edition with new cover design, gold foil, and painted edges.

“Gareth Hinds brings The Odyssey to life in a masterful blend of art and storytelling. Vivid and exciting, this graphic novel is a worthy new interpretation of Homer’s epic.” —Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

Fresh from his triumphs in the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, wants nothing more than to return home to his family. Instead, he offends the sea god, Poseidon, who dooms him to years of shipwreck and wandering. Battling man-eating monsters, violent storms, and the supernatural seductions of sirens and sorceresses, Odysseus will need all his strength and cunning—and a little help from Mount Olympus—to make his way home and seize his kingdom from the schemers who seek to wed his queen and usurp his throne. Gareth Hinds masterfully reinterprets a story of heroism, adventure, and high action that has been told and retold for more than 2,500 years—though never quite like this.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.