Since their creation, books have taken readers to new worlds, some based on real events, others to alternate realities far beyond the possible. And while there are those who enjoy curling up with a good book, there are others who can't get into just reading words and recounting events in the story. Because of this, creators are constantly looking for new ways to get people to know these stories.
Adapting a story to fit another format isn't something new. From movies to tv shows, there are many ways for new audiences to be reintroduced to old stories. One format, closer to books, comes from graphic novels. Using the source material, but in an illustrated design that brings books to life, can often be as good as reading the original classics.
10 Kindred Illustrates Civil War Hardships
Octavia E. Butler's novel Kindred is one that doesn't shy away from its subject matter. The story follows Dana Franklin, a young Black writer who is jolted from her home in 1970s Los Angles to pre-Civil War Maryland. Butler's tale of racism, sex, and the idea of what it means to be free was well received when it was published in 1979, though its topics were a hard pill to swallow for some.
In 2017, artists John Jennings and Damien Duffy would bring Butler's Kindred to life as a graphic novel. Their adaptation took her words and meshed them with art and graphic design, allowing for an interesting take. The comic was also well received, allowing new readers to see the world through Octavia's eyes.
9 To Kill A Mockingbird Redraws From A Classic
Most people, especially those who did their summer reading, are well acquainted with To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Lee's classic tale of Scout Finch's father Atticus as he defends an innocent black man in Alabama during The Great Depression has served as one of the most influential American stories to date. Being one of the first novels to tackle racism and social status, the book is no stranger to adaptations, including the classic 1962 film.
To Kill A Mockingbird was turned into a graphic novel in 2018. Adapted by Fred Fordham, the illustrated version retells the events of the book. However, instead of constantly using Lee's words, Fordham uses art to recount certain events, making it easier for younger readers to understand and connect with.
8 Fahrenheit 451 Burns A Literary Fire In Readers
Considered to be one of the fathers of modern science fiction, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 cements his place in literary history. In an alternate future where books are encouraged to be burned, a fireman's encounter with one novel would soon change the course of his life forever. The book, though celebrated as a dark dystopian masterpiece, had its critics, with several countries banning it for its polarizing themes.
Fahrenheit 451 has since been adapted multiple times over the years. In 2009, Bradbury, along with Tim Hamilton, would bring the book to the world of comics, launching a graphic novel of the story. Composed of dark images and truly disturbing moments, the graphic novel manages to bring Bradbury's vision of a nightmarish future to life.
7 The Odyssey Journeys Into A New Era
Homer's Odyssey has served as one of the oldest published stories in history. The retelling of Odysseus' journey back to his wife and homeland is filled with many tropes and adventures passed down in classic literature. Filled with monsters, curses, and friendship, the poems are a true spectacle.
Just like other Greek mythical tales, Odyssey has multiple incarnations when it comes to adaptations. One such retelling was through writer and illustrator Gareth Hinds, who has also retold other stories like Macbeth and Beowulf. The graphic novel explores the worlds of Odysseus, and Hinds' watercolor drawings fit the sea fairing adventure, creating a truly awe-inspiring version of the classic tale for new fans.
6 Frankenstein Brings The Goth To Gothic
For any horror fans, the tale of Frankenstein is a literary roller coaster. Mary Shelley's tale of scientist Victor Frankenstein and his descent was adored by fans of the macabre and gothic. Considered to be one of the first science fiction novels, it's no wonder that Shelly's book would go on to inspire many future stories involving zombies and science gone bad.
One recounting of Frankenstein was created by Gris Grimly, an illustrator known for his creepy designs in children's books. Shelley's original text with Grimly's gothically whimsical designs creates a nice fusion of the two, serving as a new version of an ageless classic to read during Halloween.
5 Wrinkle In Time Revisits A Classic
Written in 1962 by Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time is a modern sci-fi tale with lots of symbolism. When Meg Murray discovers that her missing father is alive, she travels through space and time to find him. Offering a study of morality and purpose would drive the book to popularity, though some did have problems with the book's takes on spirituality.
A Wrinkle in Time would be adapted many times, including as a film. In 2012, author and illustrator Hope Larson would do her own version. Larson manages to convey L'Engle's worlds of time and space with her alternative art style, providing a unique approach to each. Although abridged a bit, this version still manages to provide a new perspective to the book.
4 Animal Farm Combines Animals With Art
Written by acclaimed writer George Orwell, Animal Farm is among one of the world's more prolific novels. After rebelling against their master, a group of farm animals rebuilds their society, but all isn't green pastures when their new leaders, the pigs, start to enforce stricter laws, which reflect Russia's change during the 1940s.
Animal Farm's commentary on governments and socialism has seen success in other avenues. Brazilian artist Odyr would create his version of the book, combing realistic drama with his paintings to convey Orwell's narrative. Odyr's revamp of the classic keeps the story fresh, yet still in the vein of the original
3 Anne Frank's Diary Illustrates A Tragedy
The story of Anne Frank is one filled with tragedy and heartache. The Diary of a Young Girl recounts Frank's life, going from a regular young Jewish girl to living in hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. The gruesome tale, as told through Anne's diary, has since become a popular WW2 story that has helped keep the horrors of the Nazis in the minds of today's younger generations.
Anne Frank's story would again live on through other recounts. Writer Ari Folman would team up with artist David Polonsky to reintroduce Frank's story to young readers via a comic, Anne Frank's Diary. The duo would weave the innocence of childhood with the horrors of persecution, bringing an engaging and tragic biography to life.
2 The Hobbit Paints A Picture Of Middle Earth
J.R.R Tolkien's The Hobbit introduced not just the world of Middle Earth, but the many characters and creatures that populate it. The simple story of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his quest to help dwarves take back their homeland have delighted fantasy lovers since 1937. Its acclaim would bring forth a continuation with The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion.
Middle Earth is no stranger to adaptations. One version was told through legendary comic writer Chuck Dixon, who would team with artist David Wenzel to bring Tolkien's first book to life. Combing their comic book expertise, Dixon and Wenzel would bring a cartoony fantasy design but still remain true to the story. The result is a fun yet charming adventure that old and new fans can enjoy.
1 Marvel's Classic Comics Creates New Classics
In the 1970s, Marvel Comics would try to fill the void left by Classics Illustrated, a comic magazine that adapted popular adventure novels. This resulted in Marvel Classic Comics, which continued the series with takes on classic works of fiction and even some forgotten stories.
The pro of Marvel doing the series involved their back catalog of creatives. From writers Otto Binder and Doug Moench to artists like Alex Nino and John Buscema, they were able to pool their talent to bring novels like Treasure Island or Ivanhoe to life. Sadly, the line was canceled, but shorty brought back in the 2000s as Marvel Illustrated.