In a sign that the market for comic book versions of Shakespeare is growing, the UK publisher Classical Comics has announced that it will begin distributing graphic novel adaptations of “Henry V” and Macbeth” in the U.S. and Canada this fall. The comics were first released late last year in the UK. Now, Classical Comics has signed an agreement with California-based Publishers Group West (PGW) to distribute both British English and U.S. English versions of their graphic novels. The books will go on sale in October. Classical Comics says it plans to target both casual readers and the educational market through the distribution agreement. Clive Bryant, Chairman of Classical Comics, says, “Because our books are attractive to both retail and educational sectors, it was important for us to find a distributor that was strong in both areas.”
Although comic book versions of Shakespeare aren’t new, they have been attracting a great deal of attention and controversy in recent months. There is an active debate over whether the adaptations dumb down Shakespeare or provide students with an entry point into otherwise intimidating works of literature. Despite the controversy, the publishing industry seems to be embracing literature-based graphic novels. Classical Comics is just of several publishing companies that are in the business of adapting literary classics into comic books. Wiley Publishers, best known for its Cliffs Notes, has also begun publishing Japanese-style manga editions of Shakespeare.
In another sign of the growing acceptance of graphic novel Shakespeare, a report commissioned by the British government recommends using comic books to help get boys into the habit of reading. In fact, many books included in the Boys into Books 5-11 report are comic books or graphic novels. The reports states, “The comic-strip style, or graphic, book has great appeal for many boys… here we still tend to be a little nose-in-the-air about them. Perhaps that adds greatly to their attraction for boys!” Shakespeare’s works are not on the recommended reading list but Manga-style versions of his plays are. While not mentioning Classical Comics specifically, the reports says “There is a very fine Manga Shakespeare appearing play by play and if Macbeth turns up in this style it will be perfect for 9s to 11s.”
Web Resources:
Classical Comics website
