Manga Shakespeare

The guys at Self Made Hero Publishing sent me a couple of books of two of their Manga Shakespeare titles through the post today. I’ve not heard of Manga Shakespeare before and have now added this to my rapidly growing knowledge of graphic novels.

I’ve had a quick look at both of the books (Macbeth and Julius Caesar) and really like what these guys are trying to do. Although the books use the original Shakesphere texts and plays are not set in Shakespearian times. For example Romeo & Juliet set in modern-day Tokyo, and Hamletis set in a cyberworld. The idea behind these modern / futuristic backdrops is to make Shakespeare more accessible to today's reader

‘Manga is a dynamic, emotional and cinematic medium easily absorbed by the eye. Its attractive art and simple storytelling methods enthuse readers to approach Shakespeare's work in the way he intended – as entertainment.’

Manga Shakesphere also have an area on Promethean Planet that I look forward to checking out they also have a Ning Social Network that I have joined.

Comments

[dave t]

I've got the Romeo and Midsummer Nights version - both are easy to read and do engage some of the kids who won't/can't get their heads around William S and his exotic language. I let them get the general idea of the play and themes etc but do them get them to use the original versions for their essays.