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Sweeney Todd The Graphic Novel: Quick Text

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No one knows for sure if Sweeney Todd actually existed, but this story, taken from a serialization in a Penny Dreadful from 1846, was the first official record of the terrible crimes committed by t...
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  • 07 August 2012
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No one knows for sure if Sweeney Todd actually existed, but this story, taken from a serialization in a Penny Dreadful from 1846, was the first official record of the terrible crimes committed by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Gory? No! What's particularly good about this adaptation is that none of the horror is to be seen — making this a truly wonderful version of a brilliant book.

This story first appeared in serialized form in 1800s London and gripped the nation. Although there is no explicit record of these events taking place, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence that Todd existed and that he was the world's worst mass-murderer.

A gruesome tale, portrayed with a certain Victorian "twee-ness" that borders on the comical.

This edition presents the entire story with simplified US English, ideal for ELL students, reluctant readers, or for students who want a quick understanding of the play before tackling the full text. Artwork and page numbers are identical to the Original Text edition, enabling differentiation in the classroom.
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Price: $18.95
Pages: 176
Publisher: Classical Comics
Imprint: Classical Comics
Publication Date: 07 August 2012
Trim Size: 9.63 X 6.63 in
ISBN: 9781907127106
Format: Paperback
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*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

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.