19. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel by Frazer Irving

1. Bibliographic Information
Irving, F. (2005). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The graphic novel. New York: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0-14-240407-1
176 pages

Note about the text and illustrations: Frazer Irving completed the illustrations for the graphic novel, and is cited as the main author. Gary Reed completed the script for this version.

2. Plot Summary
Dr. Victor Frankenstein sets out to understand the boundaries of science. Becoming interested in the building blocks of life, the doctor sets out to recreate life in a laboratory. Obsessed with his work, Dr. Frankenstein finally defies modern science and reanimates a being using human cadavers. However, his attempt becomes a failure when the being escapes. The narrative then turns to the monster showing his inability to connect with humanity, and thus setting out to destroy everyone who has wronged him. During this time, the Doctor has returned to his home. Trying to return to a normal lifestyle, the doctor begins to find solace in routine. However, when he finds that his best friend and brother have died due to suspicious circumstances, Dr. Frankenstein begins to wonder. When it is confirmed to the doctor that his creation is destroying his life, both become consumed by their hatred for each other. Can Dr. Frankenstein stop the monster before it finds him?

3. Critical Evaluation
Shelly’s original work questions the idea of what it means to be human, and how far the realm of science should go to determine such ideas. However, Irving’s graphic novel, though consistent with the plot of the book, fails to retain much of Shelley’s original language. In some ways, this detracts from the graphic novel. The reader is not allowed to read some of the stylistic differences and word choice. Nevertheless, the book allows readers to understand the general ideas of the story, as well as the darkness that pervades the original novel. The book also includes a biography of Mary Shelley’s life which allows the reader to get a feel for the author and some of the hardships she had to face during her lifetime. Hopefully, this will push the reader to see how Shelley’s original work was modeled after her own experiences, and will encourage readers to try her version.

4. Reader’s Annotation
The classic story of Frankenstein is now retold in a Graphic Novel format. Read the story all over again and experience the despair of knowing what Dr. Frankenstein has created and the horror of the monster himself.

5. Information about the Author
Frazer Irving was born in London, and has been reading comics since he was a young boy. He has worked for many popular comic book publishers including DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics.

Gary Read has written over 200 comics, as well as serving as the president of Caliber Press, a specialty publisher of comics and books.

6. Genre
Classic Novel Adaptation

7. Curriculum Ties
While I do not feel that this book is of the same quality of the original, I could see an English class using this graphic novel as a means of comparison.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Where do you feel the boundaries of science should be contained?

-How does this Graphic Novel compare to other renditions of Frankenstein? What about to the original text?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this book would most appeal to readers aged 16-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This graphic novel is a recent adaptation of an original classic. Like the classic, the book questions the role of science. The question of science versus religion, is not explicitly stated in this graphic novel, however, one could pose an argument that Dr. Frankenstein’s ability to create life goes against some of the religious ideas of today. Additionally, this book includes instances of violence, death and murder. Furthermore, Dr. Frankenstein’s actions border on the extreme and obsessive. Since these ideas are used to question the actions of the characters and are also prevalent in the original novel, I do not think that this book would be challenged. However, if there were such a challenge I would refer patrons to the ALA’s website on guidelines and challenge forms found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why it was selected?
I thought that teenagers might be more inclined to read these graphic novels rather than the classic originals.

12. Citations

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Irving, F. (2005). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The graphic novel. New York: Puffin Books.

Picture from
Amazon.com. (2010). Puffin graphics: Frankenstein (Puffin graphics (Graphic novels)) (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Puffin-Graphics-Frankenstein-Graphic-Novels/dp/0142404071

13. Awards

No awards known.

27. Something Rotten: A Horatio Wilkes Mystery by Alan Gratz

1. Bibliographic Information
Gratz, A. (2007). Something rotten: A Horatio Wilkes mystery. New York: Dial Books.
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3216-2
207 pages

2. Plot Summary
While visiting his friend, Hamilton Prince in Denmark, Tennessee, Horatio Wilkes notices that all is not what it seems. Two months after the death of Hamilton’s father, Hamilton’s mother, Trudy, marries her brother-in-law, Claude. Hamilton, still grieving over the death of his father, takes an active dislike towards his uncle/step-father. Olivia, Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend and daughter of the Prince’s family lawyer, is an environmental activist who opposes the water pollution that the paper mill creates. Candy, a servant with a fetish for western wear, seems too aggressive as the Prince’s hired help. Ford Branff, Trudy’s ex-boyfriend is trying to blackmail the paper company into selling to him. Lastly, Claude has always been jealous of his older brother’s success. After Hamilton shows Horatio a video showing Hamilton’s father stating he was poisoned; Horatio agrees to help Hamilton discover the truth behind his father’s death. With a slew of suspects, can Horatio confirm that Rex Prince was murdered or was he simply a casualty of cancer?

3. Critical Evaluation
This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is a fun and fast-paced read. Gratz success stems from his ability to take a well-known play and make the story appear fresh. Horatio is a likeable if not conceited narrator. As a high school senior, his behaviors do seem somewhat unrealistic. As a detective of sorts, Horatio is similar to the likes of Poirot and Columbo; he uses other people’s stereotypes of him to further his investigation. In this case, it is Horatio’s age and conceit that people tend to misread. While Horatio’s character is not always believable when put in context with his age, his interactions and dialogues with the other characters does sound like a teenager’s. Horatio is constantly belittling and insulting Candy, Claude, Branff and even Hamilton. As stated previously, the novel succeeds in its fresh interpretation. The author is able to create a believable story with a quirky setting. Current ideas about the need to protect the environment are also an added element to the story’s conclusion. Ultimately, it is an enjoyable read.

4. Reader’s Annotation
When Rex Prince the owner of Elsinore Paper dies, his son Hamilton wonders if his uncle is to blame. Sound all too familiar? See if Hamilton and his friend Horatio can get to the bottom of this mystery in Alan Gratz’s Something Rotten.

5. Information about the Author
Alan Gratz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alan graduated from the University of Tennessee with a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing. He also obtained a Master’s degree in English education. His other novels include Samurai Shortstop, The Brooklyn Nine, and the sequel to Something Rotten entitled, Something Wicked.

6. Genre
Mystery, however, for those who have read Hamlet, it should not be difficult to figure out the ending.

7. Curriculum Ties
This novel would be an interesting adaptation to include in an English class’ lesson on Hamlet/Shakespeare.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-What are some similarities and differences between Something Rotten and Hamlet?
-How well do you think this adaptation lives up to the original?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this novel would be appropriate for readers aged 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel does have instances of drinking, and violence. The violence includes cars blowing up, and someone getting shot. There is mention of murder; however, the novel does not implicitly describe the murder.

If a parent did ask to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s challenge form and website at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I enjoy reading adaptations of classics.

12. Citation Page

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Gratz, A. (2010). Alan Gratz: About me. Retrieved from http://www.alangratz.com/about.htm

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Something rotten (a Horatio Wilkes mystery). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241297X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0Y61Z1ZMP29531JMFWS8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

13. Awards
2008 ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Readers