Tim Conrad adapts Victor Hugo's classic romance about a beautiful gypsy girl, Esmeralda, who is framed for murder by the infatuated archdeacon of Notre Dame. Only Quasimodo, the hideously deformed bell ringer of the cathedral, can save her. Religious extremism, class distinction, fate, destiny, and sexual dynamics are played out in a rousing yarn of intrigue within the walls of the Parisian Cathedral of Notre Dame. This is Tim Conrad's first foray back into comics in twenty years. Beautifully illustrated. Packed with emotion. Not to be missed!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Alt
Format:Hardcover
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is, as you might suspect, based on Victor Hugo's classic novel of tragic romance. Tim Conrad is no Victor Hugo but, to be fair, it's impossible to do justice to the story in a fifty page comic book. This abridged version of the novel is nonetheless faithful to the original, retaining the heart of the story while omitting minor characters and losing some of the subtle themes that make Hugo's novel endure. It is no substitute for the original but it clearly isn't intended to be. No reader buying a short graphic novel should expect to own something that reflects the depth and detail of Hugo's original story.
To his credit, Conrad didn't make the mistake of "modernizing" a classic work of literature. He is not so conceited as to think he could do it better than Hugo did, nor so dim as to believe that modern readers are incapable of understanding the context and setting of Hugo's work. Remember that Hugo's novel was published in 1831. Readers who expect nineteenth century characters to reflect twenty-first century sensibilities might be disappointed, but the graphic novel (as it should) presents the characters as Hugo portrayed them. If the writing seems insensitive to certain ethnic groups or to women, blame Victor Hugo or the times in which he lived, not the comic.
Fortunately, some of what is lost in the condensed story is regained in vivid artwork that often has the feel of old woodcuts. The artwork captures some of the story's intense emotion that the prose fails to convey. Any reader unfamiliar with Hugo's novel will at least get the flavor of the original by reading this adaptation, and fans of the original work will probably enjoy the art. Quasimodo in particular looks exactly like I've always pictured him in my imagination
If you want the real thing -- and you should, if you love literature -- read Hugo's novel. After you've done that, enjoy the artwork in this very abbreviated version.
To his credit, Conrad didn't make the mistake of "modernizing" a classic work of literature. He is not so conceited as to think he could do it better than Hugo did, nor so dim as to believe that modern readers are incapable of understanding the context and setting of Hugo's work. Remember that Hugo's novel was published in 1831. Readers who expect nineteenth century characters to reflect twenty-first century sensibilities might be disappointed, but the graphic novel (as it should) presents the characters as Hugo portrayed them. If the writing seems insensitive to certain ethnic groups or to women, blame Victor Hugo or the times in which he lived, not the comic.
Fortunately, some of what is lost in the condensed story is regained in vivid artwork that often has the feel of old woodcuts. The artwork captures some of the story's intense emotion that the prose fails to convey. Any reader unfamiliar with Hugo's novel will at least get the flavor of the original by reading this adaptation, and fans of the original work will probably enjoy the art. Quasimodo in particular looks exactly like I've always pictured him in my imagination
If you want the real thing -- and you should, if you love literature -- read Hugo's novel. After you've done that, enjoy the artwork in this very abbreviated version.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I got a copy of this for review through Netgalley(dot)com. I am going to be extremely blunt here and say this is one of the worst graphic novels I have ever read. There is nothing about this novel I can recommend.
This is a retelling of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The retelling is very straight forward and one of the blandest interpretations of the story I have ever read. I am not sure what age group this graphic novel is intended for; but I would definitely not recommend for children or young adult. There is torture, sexual abuse (although not graphic), an implied sex scene, and more torture.
The drawing is...well...really bad. It is done in an impressionistic style. At times you can't tell what is going on. You can't even see facial expression of the characters and faces are lumpy and misshapen (and we aren't talking about the Hunchback's face here). The characters look completely different from frame to frame...it is very odd. The whole thing look hastily put together and poorly drawn. I really did not enjoy it.
Next let's talk about characterization...or the lack of. I was incredibly disappointed in Esmeralda, who after being rescued by a guard from the Hunchback's gropings in an alley, immediately sleeps with the guard and then begs him to say he loves her. It was pathetic, demeaning, and definitely backwards thinking. The priest is your typical, I want to have sex with a beautiful woman but shouldn't so I will try and blackmail her in secret, kind of guy. Again not someone I want to read about.
All of the characters were cardboard cut-outs, 2D, and did nothing for the poorly rendered drawings. The dialogue was stilted and awkward sounding throughout.
Overall I am really not sure why this got published. The drawing is horrible, the characters are horrible, and the dialogue is awkward and difficult to read. Definitely not recommended. Also only for adults.
This is a retelling of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The retelling is very straight forward and one of the blandest interpretations of the story I have ever read. I am not sure what age group this graphic novel is intended for; but I would definitely not recommend for children or young adult. There is torture, sexual abuse (although not graphic), an implied sex scene, and more torture.
The drawing is...well...really bad. It is done in an impressionistic style. At times you can't tell what is going on. You can't even see facial expression of the characters and faces are lumpy and misshapen (and we aren't talking about the Hunchback's face here). The characters look completely different from frame to frame...it is very odd. The whole thing look hastily put together and poorly drawn. I really did not enjoy it.
Next let's talk about characterization...or the lack of. I was incredibly disappointed in Esmeralda, who after being rescued by a guard from the Hunchback's gropings in an alley, immediately sleeps with the guard and then begs him to say he loves her. It was pathetic, demeaning, and definitely backwards thinking. The priest is your typical, I want to have sex with a beautiful woman but shouldn't so I will try and blackmail her in secret, kind of guy. Again not someone I want to read about.
All of the characters were cardboard cut-outs, 2D, and did nothing for the poorly rendered drawings. The dialogue was stilted and awkward sounding throughout.
Overall I am really not sure why this got published. The drawing is horrible, the characters are horrible, and the dialogue is awkward and difficult to read. Definitely not recommended. Also only for adults.
Format:Hardcover
This classy Hard Cover is significant for several reasons. First it is the inaugural publication from Sequential Pulp a book producer dedicated to producing quality Graphic novels based on some of best tales from the pulp era. The books are being published by Dark Horse books. 2nd it marks the return of comic artist Tim Conrad after several decades . Conrad who broke into comics in the mid 1970's doing some fine work on Robert E Howard creations is back.
The art style is a big change from the intricate fine line work Conrad used early in his career. This works looks like fully painted panels on some type of textured canvas and is very fitting for this project.
My only complaint would be the brevity of the material. Victor Hugo's original novel is quite lengthy and condensing it down to 44 pages hurts a little. My understanding is it was originally commissioned for a revival of the Classics Illustrated line on comics and then abandoned by the publisher. That explains the length.
One thing this book makes quite clear is, unlike the Disney film, the original source material followed quite faithfully here is quite graphic with torture, sex and murder.
I quite enjoyed this book.
The art style is a big change from the intricate fine line work Conrad used early in his career. This works looks like fully painted panels on some type of textured canvas and is very fitting for this project.
My only complaint would be the brevity of the material. Victor Hugo's original novel is quite lengthy and condensing it down to 44 pages hurts a little. My understanding is it was originally commissioned for a revival of the Classics Illustrated line on comics and then abandoned by the publisher. That explains the length.
One thing this book makes quite clear is, unlike the Disney film, the original source material followed quite faithfully here is quite graphic with torture, sex and murder.
I quite enjoyed this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Legendary cult artist returns at last!
Dark Horse has brought back legendary Conan comics artist Tim Conrad for the first time in 20 years! Read more
Published 4 months ago by korak
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Keen on the Artwork
Reason for Reading: I enjoy reading graphic adaptations of the classics.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one classic which I love not because I've read the book but... Read more
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one classic which I love not because I've read the book but... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Nicola Manning
1.0 out of 5 stars
So disappointing.
Sigh.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo is my favorite novel of all time, no contest. Read more
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo is my favorite novel of all time, no contest. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Amber
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