The Marvel Illustrated version of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice collects the five comic book series by Nancy Butler and Hugo Petrus (illustrator) in a single hardcover volume. This graphic novel is a retelling of the classic novel, with the basic plot points condensed into dialogue and accompanied by sassy illustrations in warm colors to bring the characters to life.
Butler’s adaptations of Austen’s novels (read my review of the graphic novel version of Emma) make the classics accessible to younger readers. Of course, the richness of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is sacrificed for brevity and the brilliance of Austen’s characterizations is missing, so readers who are new to Austen and enjoy this version will definitely want to seek out the original right away. It also seems to be based on the movie version with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, which I think I only noticed because I watched it the day before reading this book.
For the most part, I enjoyed Petrus’ illustrations. He does a wonderful job showcasing Elizabeth Bennet’s personality through her facial expressions and capturing Mr. Darcy’s arrogance and, later on, the softening of his personality. However, the Bennet sisters often resemble comic book vixens, which I must admit was humorous even if it wasn’t what I’d expected.
For someone who has read Pride and Prejudice numerous times, I thought this graphic novel was a fresh and exciting way to enjoy one of my favorite books all over again. It could never replace the original, but it’s obviously not trying to. It would especially be perfect for younger readers who think classic novels aren’t interesting or fun, and it certainly is a creative way to bring Austen to the masses.
Book 2 for the P&P Bicentenary Challenge
Disclosure: I borrowed Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice (Marvel Illustrated) from my local library. I am an Amazon associate.
© 2013 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
I never thought I’d see a P&P graphic novel, but this one sounds good. Great post.
Thanks, Naida! With all the Austenesque books out there, I can’t say I’m surprised to see graphic novel adaptations. To me, they make more sense than the paranormal mashups.
Another book my daughter would love. She has watched the P&P UK movie many times. I didn’t like the Keira Knightly version.
It’s not my favorite movie version, but I do like it. My daughter prefers to watch that one with me because the Colin Firth one is way too long for her.
I’ve only read P & P once but I’m excited to know this is a fresh approach to it.
I thought so. Getting to read it and “see” it unfold at the same time.
Nice review — I hadn’t seen these graphic novels before — I need to get my hands on them!
I learned of them at BEA in 2010 when I met Nancy Butler and saw the first issue of the S&S comic book series. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read them!
It was coo, that is what I needed. But yes could have been more
Yeah, it was just enough to keep you satisfied until reading the real P&P again.
The cover on this has some funny, clever “headlines”! I do think this would be fun to read, especially for those well-acquainted with the classic story.
The cover is fun, but it really has nothing to do with the story inside. lol
Sounds like another fun way to introduce younger readers to a classic. I’ll have to check out these vixens!
I think you’ll get a laugh out of that!
I have all of these and loved them!!!!
Glad to hear it! I’m waiting on the S&S graphic novel to come from the library.
I’m not much for graphic novels but this might be a fun way to experience P&P especially, as you say, for young people and those who love graphic novels.
I think The Girl would like these for sure!
I read these a couple of years ago and thought they really did a good time of getting the core of the story across (although, as you say, they do lose much of what makes Austen Austen). I had a big problem with the modern look of the girls (like you said, they look like vixens) but I can see where that would make the story more appealing to younger readers.
I’m sure their appearance does attract younger readers, as they don’t look old fashioned.
I’m glad you say these were well-done. I’ve seen them and wondered, but didn’t quite have the guts to pick one up!
They definitely don’t replace the original, but they’re lots of fun!
[...] this is my favorite of the Austen graphic novel adaptations so far (read my reviews of Emma and Pride & Prejudice). Butler simplifies the text for the graphic novel format, and at the same time, enables readers [...]
I’m glad you thought the depictions were a bit vixen like too. Also – did you think Mrs. Bennet looked a bit like Kathy Bates?!?
Yes, she did!!