Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini (Graphic Classics (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)

~ et al Rafael Sabatini (Author), Tom Pomplun (Editor), Carlo Vergara (Illustrator), Rich Tommaso (Illustrator), Gerry Alanguilan (Illustrator), Milton Knight (Illustrator), Roger Langridge (Illustrator), Stan Shaw (Illustrator), Jackie Smith (Illustrator), Kevin Atkinson (Illustrator), Joel F. Naprstek (Illustrator), Hunt Emerson (Illustrator) "One sunny morning in January, Miss Arabella Bishop rode toward Government House....." (more)
Key Phrases: Colonel Bishop, Peter Blood

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 9-12. This thirteenth volume in the Graphic Classics series offers adaptations of eight works by the early-twentieth-century author of such classic adventure-romance stories as Scaramouche and Captain Blood. Densely illustrated in black-and-white panels, the stories, retold by diverse writers and illustrators, range in style from realistic to cartoonlike, achieving continuity through their period details and appropriately archaic prose. A lengthy, straightforward account of Peter Blood's progress from conscientious doctor to slave to buccaneer captain leads off, followed by a lively biography of Sabatini himself, which combines personal information with witty asides and pop-culture references. "The Dream" is a provocative psychological mystery in which hypnosis plays a part. Author and artists profiles close this book, which comics fans can enjoy on their own or as an adjunct to literature studies. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Graphic Classics is a fine series, and Rafael Sabatini is no exception; readers unfamiliar with Sabatini's work are in for a treat. --George Galuschak, Kliatt

If you want entertainment, it's all here! …a gorgeous book of unforgettable images, the most sparkling literary debut of the year! --Paul Dale Roberts, Jazma Online

The adaptations are short but effective, retaining the excitement and suspense of the originals, while the illustrations enhance the atmosphere… Artists and adapters alike have done a fine job in translating Sabatini's works yet again for a new audience. --Marlene Y. Satter, ForeWord Magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Eureka Productions (February 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974664863
• ISBN-13: 978-0974664866
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,246,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captain Blood and the Plague of Ghosts, March 3, 2006

By	Zack Davisson "japanreviewed.com" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)

I knew next to nothing about Rafael Sabatini before I picked up this latest volume of Graphic Classics. I always did love a good swashbuckler though, and I figured the creator of Captain Blood and Scaramouche was worth a look. Graphic Classics hasn't let me down yet, and this certainly won't be the last time they introduce me to a fantastic writer.

Remembered primarily for the slate of Errol Flynn films adapted from his works, such as "Captain Blood" and "The Sea Hawk," Sabatini is credited with the literary creation of the anti-hero, a rogue who's heroic nature is made heroic only by striving against those more villainous than himself. A host of pirates, charlatans and highway robbers manage to ingratiate themselves to the reader under Sabatini's guiding hand.

"Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini" is clearly a labor of love for editor Tom Pomplun, and he has put extra care into its quality. There is not a weak piece in this volume, and the artists are especially well-matched to the stories.

This volume contains:

"Captain Blood" - From a doctor, to a slave, to a free-booting pirate, Peter Blood's story is a bloody swath of adventure. Illustrated in a straight-forward but suitable style, Sabatini's most famous story comes dramatically to life. This one definitely makes me want to get the book and read the full story.

"Desperately Seeking Sabatini" - A hunt for the author,written by a college professor who wonders why Sabatini is not better remembered. Sabatini's story is an eye-opener. I had thought of him as a contemporary of Alexandre Dumas, not someone who was able to go see his own movies.

"The Valet Mystery" - A clever short story in the Sherlock Holmes vein, tense and with an interesting twist.

"The Spiritualist" - A comedic tale of a charlatan and the worlds beyond. Great illustrations to compliment the story.

"The Plague of Ghosts" - Another mystery, where a former con man hires his services to the police to uncover other con men. This time, a haunted castle and a bullet-proof ghost with a blazing skull. Classical art on this one really brings out the mystery.

"The Fool's Love Story" - Artist Milton Knight brings his personal flair to this story of the courage of ugly people, and how their love is no less powerful than the beautiful's.

"The Risen Dead" - A no-account rogue is finally brought to trial, although it is for a crime he didn't commit. A miracle grants him a second chance, but it is up to him to make something of it.

"The Dream" - An creepy tale of a mesmerist seeking to enforce his will upon a young lady of fortune. Her true love intervenes best he can, but the mesmerist's powers are strong.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended as an introduction to Sabatini's timeless tales of high adventure, March 6, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The thirteenth volume in a series of impressive graphic novel anthologies drawn from classic stories and illustrated by various artists, Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini is a black-and-white compilation of tales of pirates, princesses, love, murder, hypnotism, extortion, and much more. The stories and their illustrators are "Captain Blood" by Carlo Vergara, "The Dream" by Rich Tommaso, "The Plague of Ghosts" by Gerry Alanguilan, "The Fool's Love Story" by Milton Knight, "The Spiritualist" by Roger Langridge, "The Valet Mystery" by Stanley Shaw, "The Risen Dead" by Jackie Smith, and a comic biography of Rafael Sabatini written by Mort Castle and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson. An eclectic range of tales with a common theme of excitement and intrigue, Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini is recommended as an introduction to Sabatini's timeless tales of high adventure.