Macbeth

Gr 8 Up--On the opening page, three Witches sit atop a barren tree in the midst of a bloody battlefield against the backdrop of a gloomy sky, setting the stage for one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Macbeth, a valiant general of the King's army, is told a prophecy by the three witches that he will one day become King of Scotland. Unwilling to wait for the prophecy to come true on its own, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to expedite the process, murdering the current King Duncan in his sleep. Thus begins their psychological descent into darkness. Shakespeare's text has historically been linked to theatrical productions, the story enhanced by the visual performance, making his plays perfect source material for graphic novels. Hinds, widely praised for his graphic novel adaptations of classic literature, succeeds yet again in bringing Shakespeare to life for modern readers. He captures the haunting and dramatic tone of Macbeth with expert pacing, skillful usage of shadow and color within the panels, and emotional close-ups of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, depicting their journey into madness. Hinds includes a family tree identifying the characters at the beginning of the story and end notes explaining the reasons behind his artistic and language choices. VERDICT Hinds's Macbeth will make a solid addition to any graphic novel collection, especially those looking for accessible, enjoyable, and quality Shakespeare adaptations.--Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Hinds offers another sensitive adaptation of classic literature in this beautifully colored and evocative rendition of Shakespeare's Macbeth.... Students struggling to find an entry point into the Scottish play should look no further than this entertaining and elucidating volume. Along with Hinds' earlier Beowulf (2007) and The Odyssey (2010), an essential addition to Shakespeare collections as well as curricular support materials.
—Booklist (starred review)

Teachers and students alike can rejoice that Hinds has turned his considerable talent for graphic adaptation to the Scottish play.... This is an essential addition to Hinds' growing library of engrossing adaptations and a must-have companion to Shakespeare's original.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

With its simple, linear plot, its witches and its ghosts, its clear-cut moral questions about the lure of evil and whether and how we control our own fates, (Macbeth) is well suited for teenagers. Gareth Hinds's stellar new graphic-novel adaptation, aimed at a young adult audience, makes that abundantly clear. The play also, of course, features some epic fight scenes and lots and lots of blood, and Hinds makes the most of these opportunities to show how naturally Shakespeare takes to the comics form.
—The New York Times

Following his adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, and King Lear, Hinds turns to the story of the Scottish king who is ruined by his ambition.... Judicious abridging and even rewording make the text more accessible, yet Shakespeare's language is preserved throughout. "What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?" Lady Macbeth cries as she tries frantically to clean her hands of blood, a moment whose intensity Hinds drives home with close-ups of dozens of hands rubbing each other, over and over. Such visceral, violent imagery is common—Hinds understands, as Shakespeare did, that sorcery and gore are powerful draws.
—Publishers Weekly

Hinds's Macbeth will make a solid addition to any graphic novel collection, especially those looking for accessible, enjoyable, and quality Shakespeare adaptations.
—School Library Journal

An adaptation both respectful and daring.
—Kirkus Reviews

Hinds provides an authentic and powerful entry point into the original play.
—Horn Book