Member Reviews
It has been 11 years since I first read Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter. I was so pleased to have the chance to rediscover my favorite classic novel in manga format. This new adaptation of Hawthorne's work should be, in my opinion, in every junior and senior level English literature classroom. Stacy King's adaptation and artwork make this story accessible to a new generation who may struggle with the antiquated language of Hawthorne's original novel. It can also provide an extension of learning for all readers by studying King's choice of characterization as well as her revisions to the original language. If I ever move up to teach high school English, this manga will certainly have a place in my curriculum.
The manga is true to Hester Prynne's story of adultery, although it never uses the word for her crime. (That's another choice that teachers and students can examine!) As I am already familiar with the content of the main plot, I could easily see how the author foreshadowed the twist in the story and I appreciated her efforts in doing so. I do not believe it is as easy to incorporate a subtle foreshadowing in a visual medium as it might be in a written medium. I especially loved the artist's portrayal of Pearl. King captures Pearl's other-worldliness perfectly through a combination of art and original dialogue. The graphic novel adaptation also provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.
I highly recommend that anyone interested in classic literature to take a look at this book as well as the entire series of manga by this publisher. I will be purchasing physical copies of some of these manga adaptations for my classroom in the future.
This definitely wasn't my favorite of the Manga Classics renditions. The artwork was okay, but not particularly interesting or varied, and the adaptation felt like it dragged a lot in some parts while rushing in others.
A powerful tale of forbidden love, shame, and revenge comes to life in manga classics: this new edition features stunning artwork by SunNeko Lee which will give old and new readers alike a fresh insight into the Nataniel Hawthorne’s tragic saga of Purtain America. Manga classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in Manga style, proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.
I loved this adaptation of the scarlet letter, the art work is beautiful and this version brought the story up to date and really interesting. I love manga so was really interested to read this version in their manga classics range and wasn't disappointed. This graphic novel is a great introduction to both manga and classic literature.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
I forgotten how sad this tale truly was. I feel sorry for the life that Hesta and her daughter must live. Once again I loved manga classics take on this tale. The artwork is beautiful and the writing is first-class. If you love classics and want to try out manga I highly recommend this book and series.
A really enjoyable manga adaption of a classic. The artwork was great, but I don’t know how the adaption compares to the original as I haven’t read it.
I really loved the art style for this!! These mangas are some of my faves. A new way to present this awesome classic!
Knowing nothing about the original from which this is adapted, I cannot say as to how accurately it stuck to it, but the story in manga form seems concise and putting only major events into it. Hester's life in her village, being ostracized for her adultery, while also raising her daughter is depicted dramatically, and also with subtle cues. The characterization shines through the artwork, simple though it may seem, with a pretty generic manga style. I did feel, however, that the story as a whole isn't compelling enough, and didn't really present anything, so it was an okay read. Didn't make me want to seek out the original, either.
Manga classics helps us get through classics easily.
Ok , please don't hate ne for this . But CLASSICs are boring. Its so irritating and boring.
But manga helps us focus and get through easily. Thanks netgalley for offering me a copy to review.
I love this series of classic manga. The scarlet letter is in TBR a lifetime but the introduction always discouraged me to read it. After finishing this book I can not wait to read the original.
For those unfamiliar with the work of Hawthorne is the story of Hester, a young woman punished by authority and her fellow citizens for having a child out of wedlock. Her punishment consists in having to wear a red A sewn on her clothes.
The plot is summarized in a perfect way and the drawings are well done, they manage to convey the feelings of the characters: the anguish and shame of Dimmesdale, the strength and courage of Hester, the ingenuity and sweetness of Pearl, the austerity and hatred of Chillingworth.
The story is not light and you can't read it all in one breath, but it is an interesting and very current reading even though it was written some centuries ago.
I definitely recommend it to young people who approach for the first time to this classic or to those people who are terrified of it but it's good for everyone.
This is a beautiful graphic novel of one of my favorite books. This edition of The Scarlet Letter is gorgeous and also a great way to read the story of you've never read it before. Looking forward to reading more graphic novels of classics.
*~.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.