- ISBN13: 9781897299845
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
HILARIOUS PARODIES OF CLASSIC LITERATURE REIMAGINED WITH CLASSIC COMICS
Masterpiece Comics adapts a variety of classic literary works with the most iconic visual idioms of twentieth-century comics. Dense with exclamation marks and lurid colors, R. Sikoryak’s parodies remind us of the sensational excesses of the canon, or, if you prefer, of the economical expressiveness of classic comics from Batman to Garfield. In “Blond Eve,” Dagwood and Blondie are … More >>
#1 by Arlene Johnson on April 18, 2010 - 10:38 pm
For years I have been searching for comic versions of classic books for a school library. The idea was to use the comic version as an introduction to the real version. I thought this would be a good choice. NOT. I tried reading several of the actual “classic” stories and if I was not so familiar with the origional, I would not have had a clue as to what was going on. I also resent the bastardization of genuine old comic characters. Again, I was under the impression this was geared to young readers. High school, ok. Not younger. Definitely not “classic” comics.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by Lichanos on April 19, 2010 - 12:43 am
I was a little disappointed in this. I love the classic novels, and I love comics. Satire is great too, and this book combines all three.
The artwork IS fantastic. I was amazed at how well Sikoryak copies the styles of the various comic strips he parodies…or is it the novels he’s parodying?
Yes, a great idea, great execution, very clever, and I was really looking forward to it. When I did, I found it a little flat, not nearly as funny as I’d hoped. Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic?
Rating: 3 / 5
#3 by Ruth Z. Deming on April 19, 2010 - 3:15 am
Like a great actor taking the stage in different roles, each comic is illustrated in a style befitting the tale. The reader will be moved! He will be frightened! Or chastened. Who said comic books lack soul? I shall have to summon my father from the grave to read these and reconsider his edict not to allow comics into our home.
Fortunately my Huntingdon Valley, PA library showcased this book or else I’d never have found this 65-page masterpiece. As I opened this outsize book, I was immediately struck by the full-page pretend ad for “Draw Homer!” to “find out if you have profitable literary talent,” so like the ads in the old Archie comic books I’d read back in the ’60s.
Highlights of R. Sikoryak’s book include his retelling of masterpieces of world literature such as Crime and Punishment starring Ras-Kol, Wuthering Heights terrifyingly revamped as “The House-keeper’s Tale” and my favorite “The Scarlet Letter” or “Hester’s Little Pearl” and her “Red Letter Days.”
From the copyright page, the reader will note Robert Sikoryak, b. 1964, has been inspired by Gustave Dore, Goya and Rockwell Kent among others. This masterful illustrator has shown us once again why these stories are enduring classics which can be told in even the most alluring venues such as comic books.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Johnny Heering on April 19, 2010 - 3:46 am
Robert Sikoryak is a comic book artist who specializes in making comic adaptations of literature classics, producing a mashup of high and low cultures. This book collects several of his comics. His technique is to draw literary classics in the style of a particular comic. For example, the first story here is Adam & Eve starring Dagwood & Blondie (with Mr. Dithers as God). The artwork is expertly drawn in the style of the comics that are being referenced. My favorite is The Scarlet Letter starring the characters from Little Lulu. This book is quite amusing, but you really have to be familiar with both the works of classic literature and the comics being parodied to appreciate it.
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by Adam C. Carrillo on April 19, 2010 - 6:07 am
A great mash-up of the comic medium and classic literature. I found it thrilling to read when I was familiar with the material and still quite entertaining when I wasn’t. I was inspired to pick up some classic lit that I had missed as well as dig up old comics. A fun concept successfully rendered. I hope to see more.
Rating: 5 / 5