Ayn Rand's Anthem: The Graphic Novel [Paperback]

Charles Santino (Author), Ayn Rand (Author), Joe Staton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Read Joe Staton's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.

The controversial classic work of one individual's will versus the subjugation of society-now available as a compelling graphic novel.

In all that was left of humanity there was only one man who dared to think, seek, and love. He, Equality 7-2521, would place his life in jeopardy. For his knowledge was regarded as a treacherous blasphemy. He had rediscovered the lost and holy word..."I".

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a future where misguided egalitarianism has reduced a once-vibrant civilization to a handful of doctrinaire serfs living in the rubble of what once was, Equality 7-2521 rejects the mindless collectivism of his people to embrace individuality. His curiosity about the mysteries of the past is anathema to those selected to rule; Equality's rejection of his assigned menial role is if anything an even greater affront to his master. Forced by the lesser men around him to flee, Equality and his lover, Liberty 5-3000, find refuge in a conveniently preserved chalet, free to rediscover eternal truths suppressed by their totalitarian forefathers. Adapted from Rand's 1938 novella, Staton's art is oddly crude for such a veteran artist, but oddly well suited for Rand's clumsy, hectoring story. The product of a time when authoritarian regimes seemed destined to prevail, written by a refugee from the Russian revolution, Anthem might have been a valuable reminder of what happens when ideology trumps humanitarian concerns, but sadly, Rand was not up to the task; Santino and Staton do what they can with this dismal tribute to egotism, but the result is still a hard slog. (Feb.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Charles Santino is a writer and packager of comic books and graphic novels.
Joe Staton has drawn comics, graphic novels, and illustrations for nearly 40 years. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451232178
• ISBN-13: 978-0451232175
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Oops! A Big Mistake, April 19, 2011

By 

Dawn0702 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ayn Rand's Anthem: The Graphic Novel (Paperback)

I was so excited to receive this book and share it with my students who read Anthem. Unfortunately, that excitement disappeared after I saw the word "I" in the story when the protagonist, Equality, hasn't even discovered the word yet. This ruins the book entirely. Until the publisher corrects this major error, I would not advise anyone to purchase this graphic novel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grandparents who love liberty should purchase this book, March 30, 2011

By 

Francis Stepper - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ayn Rand's Anthem: The Graphic Novel (Paperback)

I bought this book for my grandson (now nine years old) as an introduction to the theme of individualism vs. collectivism. It was originally written as a novelette and shouldn't tax the patience of a young person who is becoming aware of life's values and principles for living.

The setting is the future where there is no personal pronoun "I"; everyone thinks in terms of the collective, using the word "we," following the dictates of strict laws and council edicts, and so the world has reverted to a primitive, tribal existence.

One man dares to think for himself, discovers relics of a technological past, and re-invents the light bulb. Thinking to benefit his brothers, he is denounced and flees to the wilderness.

The hero is an inspiring example for young minds and demonstrates the importance of the individual in human life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent conversion, March 27, 2011

By 

Vincenzo (Somewhen in time) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ayn Rand's Anthem: The Graphic Novel (Paperback)

Excellent transition from the written story to the graphic. Though, like all such transitions, the fully written Anthem is superior in that it allows for more imaginative interaction with the story.