GRAPHIC NOVELS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

by William Shakespeare (text) & illus. by Poe Tse
Udon. (Manga Classics). Apr. 2019. 400p. adapted by adapted by Crystal S. Chan. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781947808096; pap. $17.99. ISBN 9781947808102.
COPY ISBN
Gr 7 Up–Shakespeare’s tale of mismatched, unrequited love gets “manga-ized” in this lushly illustrated volume. While Old English vernacular can be difficult for readers, Chan’s adaptation will resonate with teens. The magnificent black-and-white drawings in this play about star-crossed lovers perfectly capture characters’ emotions. What initially begins as a story of forbidden love between Hermia and Lysander morphs into a complicated and multidirectional story involving feuding fairies, magic love potions, and a domineering donkey thespian. This over-the-top romantic comedy meshes well with Tse’s art and would pair well with the original play to help readers keep track of the characters and their exploits and decipher the dense figurative language.
VERDICT A great entry point for new Shakespeare readers and manga enthusiasts alike. For most middle and high school libraries.
Reviewed by Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library, IL , Jul 25, 2019

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Monarchs: Beat ‘Em Down to Earn the Crown!
by Bullock, Joshua
BOOKS

The Adventures of Invisible Boy
by Horner, Doogie
BOOKS

King Cheer
by Booth, Molly Horton & Stephanie Kate Strohm
BOOKS

Punk Rock Karaoke
by Xunise, Bianca
BOOKS

Freshman Year
by Mai, Sarah
BOOKS

Continental Drifter
by MacLeod, Kathy
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?