The Marvel Illustrated version of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility collects the five comic book series by Nancy Butler and Sonny Liew (illustrator) in a single volume. This graphic novel is a retelling of the classic novel, with the basic plot points condensed into dialogue and accompanied by a blend of serious and humorous illustrations to emphasize the different sides of the various characters.
I think 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 to really get to know the characters. From Elinor’s reserve to Marianne’s overwhelming emotion, from Fanny Dashwood’s arrogance and greed to Mrs. Jennings’ tendency to gossip, from Edward Ferrars’ morals to Colonel Brandon’s quiet suffering to Willoughby’s impropriety, Butler does a great job displaying the essential truths of Austen’s characters, and coupled with Liew’s detailed drawings and charming, almost doll-like portrayals, they are brought to life.
However, there were times that the artwork bothered me. In some scenes, Elinor’s head is elongated and looks ridiculous, and Liew occasionally incorporates chibi figures, which add some humor but also make the illustrations inconsistent. Butler also acknowledges in the author’s note at the beginning that she created some of the speeches in her adaptation because there was more narration than dialogue in Austen’s novel. But neither the artwork or added dialogue detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I expected Butler to make such changes given the graphic novel format, and there were times that I was so involved in the story that I realized I was paying little attention to the illustrations!
Sense and Sensibility was the first Jane Austen novel I read (back when I was in high school), and Butler’s adaptation reminds me that it’s time for a re-read. I really enjoyed it, but it made me long for Austen’s writing, particularly her rich observations of human behavior and social interaction. Overall, I think these graphic novels are a fun and fresh way for readers (especially young ones) to acquaint themselves with Jane Austen and learn that the classics can be very entertaining.
Disclosure: I borrowed Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility (Marvel Illustrated) from my local library. I am an Amazon associate.
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I love the cute pics at the bottom of the book
I’m not a fan of those chibi illustrations in the context of Jane Austen, but they are cute.
I do think this looks like a fun way to introduce children to the work of Jane Austen, who will hopefully go on to read Sense and Sensibility and other Austen novels. Did you share this one with The Girl?
No, she didn’t get a chance to read it before I had to bring it back to the library. I do own the Emma graphic novel, and she wants to read it.
It’s great to have classic novels in graphic so younger kids can get to know the magic of Jane Austen.
Yes, they are very fun!
I need to try one of these graphic novels. This one sounds like it’s well done.
They are a different way to enjoy the classics.
Hmm, interesting that there were speeches created and the chibi illustrations would seem out of place to me.
They do seem out of place at times, but they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
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Thanks, Ella!
I like how they’re trying to convert them younger and younger!! These look fun!!!
They are! Whatever sparks a love of Jane Austen, right?
I didn’t realize JA’s novels were made into graphic books. One the hand it’s another way to reach more readers and make them aware of a terrific writer. On the other hand these books are nowhere close to the wonderfully written novels of JA. The fact that this book made you miss JA’s writing tells me a lot. And what’s with the weird graphics? It sounds a little mocking too me. I probably being too sensitive!
I’ve made a note to look at these books the next time I’m in a bookstore or library
Well, they really do only scratch the surface of Austen’s novels. I think it’s sort of like a way to whet your appetite, show you how fun the novels can be before you read them. I don’t think they’re trying to be mocking, but trying to be more modern. Hope you get a chance to check them out!
Oh, I think I’d like these a lot more than the illustrations in the graphic P&P. May just have to give the graphic Austen another chance.
The illustrations in this one were more of what you’d expect for an Austen retelling, minus the few chibi characters. The female characters aren’t portrayed as vixens at any rate.
I finally bought the Jane Eyre graphic novel and it’s a real shame that I haven’t made the time to read it! It looks like such a fun and new way to experience an old favorite.
I’ll have to check out the Jane Eyre graphic novel!
This was my favorite of the three illustrated Austen novels too! I thought the illustrations were the best. P&P seemed unrealistic and Emma’s seemed really childlike.
I wonder if this book just translates better to a graphic novel? I had more problems with the illustrations in this one than Emma, though both were better than the illustrations in P&P.
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