
Member Reviews

*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 28th – Dec. 01st, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Mar. 31st, 2015
PROS
This adaptation is just wonderful in every aspect. I’m in love with the portraying of the characters and the adaptation of such a heavy classic. The Scarlet Letter is one of the few titles that I didn’t have the heart to reach for an original version yet – I’ve only read childish ones and basic ones for English learners when I was younger. After reading this manga, I’m seriously thinking of grabbing the original one and give it a try.
CONS
I admit that the beauty of this classic made me wish for a different ending than the one I’d knew I was coming. It was twice as sad to see it ended just like the original story!
COVER ANALYSIS
The look in Hester’s eyes is so fierce! I love the simplicity of elements in this cover, it’s everything perfect.
RECOMMENDED FOR
Manga, Comics and Classic lovers!

This was a lovely rendition of a classic morality text. The characters were drawn in black and white so that the scarlet 'A' was the main focus of any panel with Hester. There was some artistic license given during a few panels, for example the villain of the tale had a panel almost mystical with snakes to represent his twisted human nature.

I was approved to read an advanced e-copy of Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, SunNeko Lee, Crystal S Chan, and Stacy King from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts on the book and why I think you should pick it up:
This manga is based off the classic book The Scarlet Letter. I have never read the original because of either a long tbr list or just the fact that classic literature can be intimidating. This manga offers a new way to read a classic that keeps you engaged with its wonderful artwork and great storytelling. Not only is the artwork wonderful but when it comes to depicting the emotions of someone it really shines through. They have quite a few other classics in a manga version that I will definitely be checking out! I would highly recommend this so go check it out!

I found this enjoyable to page through. The message it tries to put out there is clear. The art work was well done and tasteful and it definitely succeeded in making me want to pick up the actual original work by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Thank you Netgally for giving me a chance to read and review this novel.

The art work was fantastic and some of my students were so engrossed in the story it prompted them to look up more titles from Manga Classics. A great way to get students to fall in love with some of the classic titles that they wouldn’t have a chance to read otherwise. I look forward to purchasing a hard copy for my classroom library.

An excellent adaptation and a great way to get teens into reading the classics. The Scarlet Letter is one of those iconic titles that is viewed as terribly boring and tedious, that students would never read on their, without the threat of tests and term papers. But, after reading this, I really want to read The Scarlet Letter. Of course, the manga won't replace the actual book, but it certainly is a closer adaptation than you would get from watching the film version!
Highly recommended.

I had to read this novel in college.
I struggled my way through it. I cliff noted so much of it. However, this graphic novel version made it easier to read along. I found myself much more interested in our naughty priest and bigot town. I love these classic manga series. I think they can do wonders in a classroom for students who don't neccessarily want to read classic novels.

It is a bit confusing at first to see the Scarlet Letter in neat and pretty pictures. I remember the novel as something brutal, suffocating even and here the atmosphere was a bit different for me, lighter somehow. I still liked the way it stays close to the novel and the way the story unfolds. It could be a great way to discover this classic for students or younger readers. i will definitely recommend it to my school librarian.

I really liked this book. I liked the adaptation and felt it stayed true to the original story including the themes and the feelings of the book. I liked the illustrations as well; I felt the consistent black and white illustrations except for the stark red/scarlet A on Hester was perfect and so well done.

I have not read the original classic, so I cannot make a comparison. The story alone flowed well, but I didn't really connect with it. I think it would be a great companion with the original book, rather than a stand alone.

Enjoyed this graphic novel of the Scarlett letter. It's one of my all time favorite classics to read. And having a visual to go along with the story makes it much better. Graphics are great!

I was not a fan of the original book.
Even tho I am not a fan, doesn't mean I don't care about maintaing the integrity of a classic.
I think this book was a great version of the original story, and I really enjoyed it.
I think that this book would be a great way to introduce some of the classics to people who have not read them before.

Its funny, but I first read the (non-graphic) book a couple of years ago, not in High School, but it was a free title for my Kindle. I really don't remember if I wrote a review or not. It's a classic, so who am I to critic the written words of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
So when I walk about 'The Scarlet Letter' graphical novel, I am writing about what I think of the presentation and artwork. Great stuff here, pat yourself on the back! I know lots of artists drawing Anima and are quite good. I am an artist, but never drew one anima. I have never attempted to illustrate a great book as a comic/graphic novel. I admire the skill, the ability to draw the same characters over and over again, in different poses. I admire how what is seen in one's mind while reading 'The Scarlet Letter' is reproduced on paper and in ink, consistently following the novel and staying true to what Hawthorne wrote.
I thank the publisher for allowing me to have a copy of this book, to be able to read this classic illustrated as it were. and put together. While I would recommend non-graphic books over graphic novels, this is a solution to those students who are lacking in desire and/or ability consume the written word but know what would be missing if not introduced to classic novels in this artful medium.

I've read Thr Count of Monte Cristo in the same format. I do believe they made it concise and understable making the read fast and enjoyable.. Having graphics in classics literature makes it less intimadating and interesting. Though they some part may have been taking out, the important ones and highlights are present.

A fun manga style take on the Scarlet Letter. Udon consistently delivers high quality modern interpretations of classics for teens and young adults.

'The Scarlet Letter' has always been on my mind ever since I first read it. So when I realised there was a manga adaptation, I had to read that too. I read various adaptations in order to understand the characters and their choices better. I still cringe at the ending of this story because I believe Hester deserves a happy ending but she got what was the most practically possible one in their time, okay.
Coming to the manga adaptation, I was surprised that Dimmesdale was dark-haired. In my imagination, he had always been blonde and he looked really younger than he was supposed to. Pearl was a cute baby and an even cuter kid. I felt Hester could have been a bit more expressive, but it was a good read overall.

This is definitely a five star book for me, because of the wonderful craftsmanship that went into the drawings and the scrupulous attention to detail needed to adapt this novel into a manga.
I'm less of a fan of the story itself, because of all the emphasis on "morality" and religion that permeate it. There's a lot of hypocrisy and harshness in the Puritan community in the book, with little to no Christian, or indeed any other, kindness towards one's fellow man. The townspeople are evil, hiding behind piousness, and this is illustrated in the drawings by the black shadow-like masks that fall on their faces, and that of Hester's estranged husband.
Hester Prynne is kind, brave and strong, a wonderful heroine. She takes responsibility for her mistakes and is steadfastly loyal to her partner in sin, whose name she refuses to give up.
The minister, on the other hand, is a coward and a weakling. He does nothing to help his child or the woman he had an affair with.
Hester's husband is at times drawn almost like the devil himself, face half in shadows and hair blowing wild behind him. He is also often depicted with a big scary snake. A biblical reference maybe to the snake that enticed Eve, and through Eve, Adam into sin.
The letter A, symbolizing first Hester's sin and later her penitence & kindness, is always colored in red, even though the rest of the illustrations are in black&white. We are never allowed to forget that it is there, nor is she.
Pearl is a strange child, in part due to her unusual and isolated upbringing. This is very well reflected in the way she is drawn and the scenes she is depicted in. A beautiful example is when she lurks behind the trees, with the sunbeams shining through the forest, instead of running towards her mother and the minister even though her mother repeatedly calls out to her.

If you're searching for alternate ways to read classic literature, you may wish to try Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter in graphic novel format.
There are many things I appreciate about this manga interpretation of this tragic story. The beginning includes a guide on the traditional manga format, in which the pages are read from right to left.
I love the way the story is condensed and yet remains faithful to the original. There's an informative authors’ note at the end that explains the adaptation and discusses the metaphors within the original story as artistic choices.
The backgrounds and backdrops displayed are well done and each image is vivid. The story is rendered in black and white with a bold pop of red for the Scarlet A and the fonts are easy to read.
The pages are engrossing because of the depth of detail in creating the scenes and expressions. I especially like how faces are enlarged in the frame so the expression pops out more at viewers.
You can envision their shame and see there was no inner solitude for those tormented by those advocating a greater purity. You can also see how the crowd's mentality was frightening and may have influenced behavior, especially during that era of Puritan America.

First and foremost thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
Another classic I had yet to read, manga makes it much more enjoyable to myself. The artwork was gorgeous, the story was very well done.
I rate this a 5/5 as well. I will be purchasing this book asap as well as recommending it to everyone!

The illustrations are just lovely. This is a first for me, reading a manga version of a classic, but I do absolutely believe the story was done just in everyday by the artwork and Retelling . My favorite character was precocious little Pearl who seems to come to life more than ever in this version. The emotions are believable and touching. It really is a great adaption ,