THE TEMPEST
UK
Original Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-29-7
Plain Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-30-3
Quick Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-31-0
Pre-order from:
amazon.co.uk
US
Original Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-69-3 Plain Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-70-9 Quick Text Version
ISBN: 978-1-906332-71-6
UK:September 2009
US: November 2009
Format: 144 pages
full colour
paperback
246x168mm
Cover Price:
US: $16.95
The Tempest
William Shakespeare
“O wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world
That has such people in’t.”
Although The Tempest was the first play to appear in the first official Folio printing of Shakespeare’s plays, it was almost certainly the last play he wrote. It held pride of place in that first collection, presumably because the editors thought it to be his masterpiece; a crowning glory to the career of the most brightest of playwrights.
Needless to say, we had to select the very best artists to do it justice, and to bring you the stunning artwork that you’ve come to expect from our titles. Poignant to the last, this book is a classic amongst classics.
Script Adaptation: John McDonald
Pencils: Jon Haward
Inks: Gary Erskine
Colouring: Nigel Dobbyn
Lettering: Nigel Dobbyn
I keep looking at Cinebook and Classical Comics titles and waiting for that one “dud” so I can be fair but critical and not just over-enthusiastic. I keep waiting and yesterday,the postman delivered…The Tempest.
It may be down to what you class as “commercial” but I think The Tempest could be Classical’s most commercial to date. The script adaptions by John McDonald are excellent and I chose to read the Plain Text version first.
Everything is here as you’d expect:the cast of characters in Dramatis personae,prologue,map,background and much more info. Usual great design and packaging and for our American cousins –American English versions,though they’ll have to wait a little longer!
Character designs and art is by Jon Haward with inks by Gary Erskine –you cannot lose with that combination. I am still utterly amazed that Jon Haward is not working for some big US comic company –it’s just crazy. But then,if he were we’d not be seeing this book! But 57 weeks this book too for Jon to draw which is a heck of a commitment.
Gary Erskine. Always thought he was good but that Julius Caesar page we showed a few weeks back still sticks in my mind. And on The Tempest he does a top-notch job. But why am I surprised:I’ve already said that Clive Bryant gets the best artists –however,artists do like to hear these things now and then!
Nigel Dobbyn does the fine lettering as per usual but this time he’s doing the colouring. And what colouring!! Amazing. It really brings the artwork out of the book and punching you in the eye..hmm. Perhaps just saying “this is a colourful visual treat for the eye” might be more arty but –wow.
The characters look good,the pacing is good and the covers –I love the Plain Text version cover! This would be really great for younger readers because you have magic,a monster [of sorts!] in the form of Caliban,ariel,spirits and reapers and more-and some very humorours scenes!
Speaking as a retired gamer,I can imagine this making a rather good RPG and the book has all you need.
Mainstream comic fans ought to enjoy it as well because it seamlessly bridges that comic book-Classical Comics gap that some might think exists! If you normally only read Marvel,DC or Image then give this book a try because you may find its far better than you thought.
All told,a very enjoyable reading experience and my fingers are crossed that this one really pushes Classical Comics into the US comic buyers radar.
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