The Odyssey a graphic novel by Gareth Hinds
Bibliography
Hinds, Gareth. The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel. Candlewick Press, 2010.
ISBN: 978-0763642686
Plot
Odysseus is trapped on an island after he offends one of the gods returning home from the Trojan War. When the gods decide to release him, he begins a journey back to his home in Ithaca, where hundreds of suitors are spoiling his food and waiting to marry his wife. On the way back home, he stays with King of the Phaeacians and tells his story of how he ended up on the island. After many trials and battles, in which Odysseus loses loyal men to beasts and magic, Odysseus arrives home in Ithaca. With the aid of the gods, he defeats all the suitors and makes peace with their fathers. The book is a graphic novel based on the traditional tale told by Homer.
Odysseus is trapped on an island after he offends one of the gods returning home from the Trojan War. When the gods decide to release him, he begins a journey back to his home in Ithaca, where hundreds of suitors are spoiling his food and waiting to marry his wife. On the way back home, he stays with King of the Phaeacians and tells his story of how he ended up on the island. After many trials and battles, in which Odysseus loses loyal men to beasts and magic, Odysseus arrives home in Ithaca. With the aid of the gods, he defeats all the suitors and makes peace with their fathers. The book is a graphic novel based on the traditional tale told by Homer.
Critical Analysis
The Odyssey pulls the reader into the fantastical "willing suspension of belief" through its action packed plot line. Odysseus is a character whose flaws and strengths shine clearly through his decisions. Whether choosing to risk his men's safety to defeat the Scylla unsuccessfully, or wisely following the advice of Kings, Odysseus shows that he can be both god-like and human in his flaws. Each of the characters of the gods are also well developed in what Hinds' chooses to portray in the graphic novel. For example, Athena is seen in all aspects as a helper to Odysseus, and her nature as a source of wisdom is shown through these scenes. The plot is grounded in a sense of reality, as a lonely boy without a father and a grieving wife are part of the first chapter, something that readers will be able to identify with. A universal theme of good vs. evil is set up from the beginning, when the suitors are ravaging Odysseus' land and animals, and Odysseus is trapped on an island. As Odysseus recounts his tale, he faces foe after foe which further the theme and make the reader yearn for his safe return home to his family.
The journey plot line is fleshed out within the journey home that Odysseus makes; he re-tells his previous journey while on a present one. Hinds does an excellent job of distinguishing between the two, so that the reader knows by looking at the text boxes which is past experience and which is present action.
Hinds' illustrations vividly show the action of the classic text. Whether creating a mellow, happy mood in the Isle of the Mists, to the bloodshed at the final victory over the suitors, the watercolor acts as a portrait of the story. Gareth Hinds also demonstrates knowledge of the original text and respect towards the language of The Odyssey. He directly quotes the text twice, and uses appropriate vocabulary throughout the story. A well done graphic novel variation of the tale.
"Hinds's beautiful watercolors skillfully capture the rosy-fingered dawn, the wine-dark sea, the land of the dead, and many other settings and characters that will inspire readers. This adaptation goes far above and beyond the “highlights” coverage that other versions such as Tim Mucci's The Odyssey (Sterling, 2010) provide. Hinds's work will be a welcome addition for fans of Homer's original work and for newcomers to this classic story."
School Library Journal
"Hinds lets the epic story take its time, with a slow build and pages
that aren’t afraid to alternate packed dialogue with titanic action. The
sumptuous art, produced with grain, texture, and hue, evokes a time
long past while detailing every line and drop of sweat on Odysseus’ face
and conveying the sheer grandeur of seeing a god rise out of the ocean.
Teens may be baffled by the hero’s commitment to the same pantheon of
gods who heap trouble in his path, but they will not lose touch with the
universal qualities of steadfastness that Odysseus still embodies."
Booklist
"A timeless long-ago past comes alive in these images of gods and heroes,
monsters and enchantresses; of mayhem, lovemaking, and touching
reunions-all arrayed in frames whose shape, number, and palette expertly
pace and propel the story. As introduction, outline, illustration, and
visual translation, a worthy companion to its great predecessors."
The Hornbook
Connections
1. Use the Hero's Journey interactive application to explore more Epic texts:
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/herosjourney/3. Learn more about Greek Mythology by reading books such as:
Heroes of Olympus by Philip Freeman
Tales of the Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green
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