Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Original Text: the Graphic Novel

Jacket Description/Back: From his barber shop in Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd murders selected customers to steal their money and valuables. Some suspect he is up to no good, but no one knows how he actually kills his victims. How does he dispose of the bodies? And what is his connection with Mrs. Lovett who runs a popular pie shop nearby? Will Colonel Jeffery discover what happened to his friend Mr. Thornhill after he visited Todd for a shave? And will the heartbroken Johanna Oakley ever find out what happened to her beloved Mark Ingestrie? Perhaps Todd's shop boy Tobias Ragg will uncover the barber's dark secrets... "Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street" is a tale that has become part of London folklore. Adapted from the original serialized story "The String of Pearls," published in weekly installments in "The People's Periodical" from November 1846 to March 1847, this graphic novel breathes new life into the legendary barber who "polished 'em off."Review Quotes: *"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Quick Text". ISBN 978-1-906332-50-1.*"Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel: Original Text". ISBN 978-1-906332-49-5.illus. by Declan Shalvey. While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley's famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this horror classic with either the "Original Text," or the "Quick Text," a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers follow the story's progression. Back matter includes a biography of Shelley, a description of the novel's origin and history, and a clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable edition. Reluctant readers who start with the "Quick Text" will probably be enticed to try the "Original Text" and continue to explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic.--Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY"School Library Journal", May 2009Biographical Note: Sean Michael Wilson has adapted other books in the Classical Comics series including "A Christmas Carol" and "Wuthering Heights." Declan Shalvey is now a high-demand comic book artist, working on "28 Days Later" as well as some Marvel titles. Kat Nicholson and Jason Cardy have colored a number of titles within the Classical Comics range. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was their first fully illustrated work. Clive Bryant is the founder of Classical Comics and has served as Editor in Chief for the entire series. Review Citations:

School Library Journal 01/01/2013 pg. 140 (EAN 9781907127823, Library Binding)

School Library Journal 01/01/2013 pg. 140 (EAN 9781907127106, Paperback)