Customer Reviews

Gothic Classics: Graphic Classics Volume 14

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I am a big fan of the Graphic Classics series, and I am an even bigger fan of the anthologies, such as "Horror Classics" and "Adventure Classics". The anthologies give us a chance to read some great tales by authors who may not be prolific enough to rate their own individual books, but who have still made a powerful and influential contribution to literature.

As expected, this latest volume, "Gothic Classes", maintains the already high bar set by previous volumes. The black-and-white comic book style is especially suited to horror, and the illustrators have a real passion for adapting the tales with appropriate illustrations. "Gothic Classics" is a bit different from others in the series, having only five tales, each in a longer format.

This edition includes:

"Carmilla" - The infamous lesbian vampire tale by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu that inspired Bram Stoker's own "Dracula". This is one of those incredibly famous stories that I have long heard about but never read. The illustrations by Lisa K. Weber are done in her usual style, showing the influence of Tim Burton's own Gothic animation style while remaining original. It was great to finally read this.

"The Mysteries of Udolpho" - Another classic of Gothic fiction, by Ann Radcliffe, that I have heard about for years. Carlo Vergara provides the perfect art-style, reminiscent of the old Graphic Illustrated series, heavy on the lace collars and dashing brigands occupying gloomy castles with dank hallways.

"The Oval Portrait" - A Poe story is always welcome, and this short piece provides a brief rest from the longer features. Illustrator Leong Wan Kok gives us a sharp portrait of an artists obsession.

"Northanger Abbey" - Jane Austen makes a rare appearance here in Graphic Classics, with her sharp send-up of the Gothic novel. The art by Anne Timmons is all sweetness and light, but everything is not what it seems. Or is it...?

"At the Gate" - A short and sweet tale by Myla Jo Closser. I must confess to have never heard of this, but that is one of the joys of the anthology format that it brings you new things you might not have discovered elsewhere. A couple of dogs chat at the gate of heaven, wondering when they will be let in. Shary Flenniken provides the cute illustrations for this heartwarming tale.

I admit that I bought this primarily because I wanted to see the rendition of "Northanger Abbey", and I was not disappointed. The illustrations were charming, and the characters looked just as they ought-Henry and Catherine especially. I loved Catherine's facial expressions, and Henry was as dashing as a long-term fangirl like myself could have wished.

However, this was not the only treat in this volume. "Carmilla" was excellent, with drawings that added to the creepy atmosphere of the story, and "The Mysteries of Udolpho" adapted surprisingly well, though I thought Emily St. Aubert had a little bit of a bad '80's hairstyle. Finally, "At the Gate", the last story in the book was very sweet (though sad) and the artwork well done.

This is a wonderful volume and a great way to introduce people to the Classics. I highly recommend it.

I LOOOOVED this gothic classics volume! The Northanger Abbey adaptation was just great!!! (The others too, bu I'm a NA fan so I was very strict when judging that one =P)

I must admit that when I first saw this series I was pretty dubious. I mean, classical stories of horror and the macabre presented in graphic novel form? Well, I have been turned into a believer!

This great addition to the series has five stories:
J. Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla - This story is illustrated in a manner rather reminiscent of Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. The story itself is well presented, and quite interesting.

Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho - This classic of Gothic Horror is rather more realistically illustrated, bring a real work of art.

Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait - This short story is presented in a more "cartoonish" manner, though it does do a great job of capturing the essence of the original story.

Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey - This novel is quite condensed, though the essence of the original story is adequately captured. The illustration work is not quite as realistic as that of The Mysteries of Udolpho, but is still quite excellent.

Myla Jo Classer's At The Gate - This short story by a little-known author is quite cute, and the illustration work does a great job of bringing the story to life.

Overall, I must say that I really liked this book. I found that the stories all give the reader a good feel for the original stories. Plus, I do like graphic novels, and this one is one of the best. I highly recommend this book!

The newest addition to the fourteen volume 'Graphic Classics' series from Eureka Productions, "Gothic Classics" is the third multi-author anthology and wonderfully showcases the short story in graphic novel format. Comprising this outstanding compilation is Ann Radcliffe's archetypal gothic novel 'The Mysteries of Udopho' adapted by the collaborative work of Antonella Caputo and Carlo Vegara; the adaption of Jane Austen's gothic parody 'Northanger Abbey' by Trina Robbins and Anne Timmons; Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Oval Portrait' as illustrated by Malaysian illustrator Leon Wan Kok; Myla Jo Closser's canine ghost story 'At the Gate' which is illustrated by Shary Flenniken; and J. Sheridan Le Fanu's famous vampire tale 'Carmilla' as presented by the team of Rod Lott and Lisa K. Weber. "Gothic Classics" is very strongly recommended to illustrated graphic novel enthusiasts, as well as fans of Radcliffe, Austen, Poe, Closser, and Le Fanu. Readers, community librarians, and graphic novel collectors should visit the Eureka Productions website for a complete listing of all the titles in their continuing and highly accomplished 'Graphic Classics' series.