Publisher: Udon Entertainment
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel/Manga
Format: eARC (Netgalley)
Page Count: 308
Great Expectations has it all: romance, mystery, comedy, and
unforgettable characters woven through a gripping rags-to-riches tale. Naive
Pip, creepy Miss Haversham, beautifully cold Estella, terrifying Abel Magwitch,
and the rest of Dicken's fantastic cast are perfectly envisioned in this new
adaptation in this 300-plus page volume featuring artwork by artist Nokman
Poon. Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and
illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover
editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.
My Review
If you do not already know this book along with numerous other books produced by Manga Classics are meant to be well known classics put in the popular Japanese style of graphic novel form. I have already read the original classic Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and loved it. Right off the bat, I can definitely say I love this manga version as well. This book really made me remember how much I enjoyed the original the first time and the whole intricate plot line Dickens drew up for the readers to enjoy.
This Manga Classic was a well thought out one and does a lot of justice to Dickens' original novel. It definitely is not an exact portrayal but it comes close enough to where the book still remains unique, but someone knowing the original story can recognize the main plot. Haven't read the original Great Expectations? Don't worry I trust you will not find any less enjoyment in this graphic novel. In fact, if you have been considering reading Great Expectation but have never really found the motivation to invest time into reading it, this is a graphic novel you need to try out. This book did a good job of portraying the story in a shorter and more modern way without over simplifying the original plot. This is what I appreciate the most from this manga. On top of this, the artwork is beautifully done. No part of it felt confusing or left me wondering what was going on as I find to be an issue in some of the artwork scenes in mangas.
Now on the subject of the actual plot and characters, they were just as good as the original. I was able to finish the book in one siting and I was engaged the whole way through. It goes through ups and downs as you follow the life of the main character Pip and his transition into the life of a gentleman with love, mystery, crime, and forgiveness all mixed in. I was highly anticipating the ending of this manga just to which ending out of the two versions written by Dickens would be portrayed. I have to say I did not get what I expected, but either way I was not disappointed because it was craftily and wonderfully done.
As for things I do not like about this graphic novel, I would have to say the pacing at times felt a bit rushed, but this can be overlooked when taken into account how many great aspects there are to this manga. Overall I really enjoyed reading it and I would like to thank the publisher for allowing me to review it from Netgalley.
My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Cover Rating:
3 out of 3 stars
I've seen these on Netgalley and part of me was really interesting in requesting them. Maybe I will! It just seems interesting to turn classics into manga.
ReplyDelete-Ashley
What's Your Story?
You should! They really are quite good.
DeleteI didn't know there was such a thing as Manga Classic, this looks awesome, might have to check it out for myself! Great review!
ReplyDeleteHeather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
Thank you. I think the Manga Classics are fun and different. You should definitely check them out.
DeleteManga classic is new to me as well, but it does sound like a great idea
ReplyDeleteThey were new to me too. This is my first one, but it was enjoyable.
DeleteGreat Expectations is actually the only Dickens book I've read and seeing it in manga form is actually really interesting. From what you said, it definitely sounds like it would be a great addition to those who've read and loved the original source material. I wonder if they'll make more from other popular classics...
ReplyDeleteLovely blog! I'm a new follower via Bloglovin!
Brittany @ http://www.spacebetweenthespines.com/
Thank you very much! Yes, I believe this book is great whether you already are familiar with the the story or not. They do have other Manga Classics and I believe they are making a new one over Monte Cristo.
DeleteThis seems like such a great idea. I'm just beginning to explore the world of graphic novels so I might give this a try! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteGreat! I think you will enjoy it. They are also very quick and easy to read.
DeleteThe only manga I read from this publisher is Pride and Prejudice and I did like that. I've never read Great Expectations but I kind of want to check this out now, especially knowing that you enjoyed it so much! Too bad I missed it on Netgalley! Oh well, I would just have to buy or borrow it from the library. Awesome review Chioma!
ReplyDelete