The Odyssey (Marvel Illustrated) [Hardcover]

Roy Thomas (Author), Homer (Author), Greg Tocchini (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2009

Odysseus, one of the great Greek warriors of the Trojan War, has not arrived home. His ship is blown off course by the vengeful sea god Poseidon, thus leading the hero into a series of awesome adventures that form a cornerstone of Western literature - the greatest voyage in all mythology! This Homeric epic has been told and retold, and now receives the grand Marvel Illustrated treatment courtesy of classic scribe Roy Thomas (The Iliad) and penciler Greg Tocchini (Thor: Son of Asgard). Marvel Illustrated: The Odyssey #1-8

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Marvel (July 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785119086
• ISBN-13: 978-0785119081
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Odyssey: The Long Trip Home..., April 18, 2010

By 

D. S. Thurlow (Alaska) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Odyssey (Marvel Illustrated) (Hardcover)

Homer's epic Greek poem "The Odyssey" has a distinct advantage over its predecessor "The Iliad" in that its narrative centers on a single person, Odysseus, hero of the Trojan War, and his ten year battle to return to his Kingdom of Ithaca, his faithful wife Penelope, and his young son Telemachus. The Odessey thus lends itself much more readily to a translation to graphic novel format, here accomplished with considerable success by author Roy Thomas and illustrator Greg Tocchini for Marvel Illustrated.

Thomas and Tocchini chose to tell the story in parallel narrative arcs. One follows Odysseus and the crews of his surviving ships, who as the story opens are trapped on the island of Calypso. Home in Ithaca, the palace of Odysseus is infested with suitors for the hand of the lonely Queen Penelope, while son Telemachus is furious at their greed and arrogance. The Olympian gods take a hand, sending help to Odysseus while encouraging Telemachus to take action.

Much of Odysseus's story is told in flashback, either by Odysseus himself or by characters from "The Iliad" who make appearances in the Odessey. The story is brought to life by Thomas's careful editing and Tocchini's dynamic artwork. Readers will find the adventure of the Cyclops, the imprisonment of Calypso, the island of the lotus-eaters, and the frightening trip to Hades, among others. The best of the story may be Odysseus's secret return to Ithaca to take revenge on Penelope's suitors.

"The Odessey" is very highly recommended to young adult readers as an introduction to an enduring literary classic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An English Teacher's review of the Marvel the Odyssey, November 1, 2009

By 

Jeanne S. Alsup (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Odyssey (Marvel Illustrated) (Hardcover)

Good illustrations, and the comic book is very much like the real Odyssey. I wouldn't trade this book for reading the Fitzgerald or Fagles translation of the Odyssey, but it's a nice addition.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure awesomeness, February 1, 2010

By 

Eclectic Sal (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Odyssey (Marvel Illustrated) (Hardcover)

A compelling adaptation of Homer's classic, I bought it for my 11yo son to introduce him to the classics. He's a big fan of the Percy Jackson series, so this is a natural progression. He enjoyed watching and reading of the heroic battles and adventures of the trickster Odysseus, and the illustrations bring out the story in a way that brings the younger set into the arena.