Adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. 132 p. Candlewick Press, September, 2013. 9780763668075. (PPB copy courtesy of publisher in return for a review.)
Gareth Hinds casts the Capulets and Montagues multiracially and takes a few liberties with the setting of Verona in this adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. His abridgment maintains the Bard's iambic pentameter but he infuses some modern sensibility to both the art and the words. For example, Juliet rocks some really cool boots and a short dress for the party scene where they first meet.
The art is gorgeous, the city is alive and vibrant, the night scenes are moody and dark, and the fight scenes crackle with energy and movement. The scene showing Romeo and Juliet dead in each other's arms is haunting and moving.
An extensive author's note explains the decisions that were made in the book's production. Hinds' work is an automatic purchase for me. This volume is sure to lure your graphic novel fans into reading more Shakespeare.
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