Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo

Goodreads Synopsis:    A Conspiracy and a miscarriage of justice turn the gentle Edmond Dantès into an implacable agent of fate: The Count of Monte Cristo . Obsessed by vengeance and empowered by providence, the Count avenges himself on whose who have wronged him - but is this justice, or is this hubris? In the end, does even the Count know?

Alexandre Dumas' skillful narrative combines intrigue, betrayal, and triumphant revenge into a powerful conflict between good and evil. Now this exciting saga, rich and diverse, takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classics adaptation!

My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE these Manga Classics. I love that they stay true to the original story. 

-    The story is so complex and interwoven. I love how characters effect each other, and how the Count uses connections to create his plans.

-    The overall story is very sad, but there is some happiness in the end. Most of the characters are doomed to suffer though. 

-    The illustrations and character designs were beautiful! Each page was amazing.

-    I think I attempted to read the book once. Dante spent so much time in prison, and it was so slow. I don't know if I'll try again.

Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility

From Goodreads:    Impulsive Marianne Dashwood and cautious Elinor are as different as two sisters could be, yet both are shattered by their father's sudden Death. Elinor's attachment to the reserved Edward Ferrars is torn asunder by family opposition and his own dark secret, while Marianne's brilliant romance with the dashing John Willoughby comes to a tumultuous end in a devastating public betrayal. Can the two sisters overcome these trials to find true, lasting happiness?

Jane Austen's beloved first novel, filled with romance, redemption and social critique, is brought to life for a modern audience in this gorgeous manga-style adaptation!

My Thoughts:

-    I like all of Austen's stories, but this one is probably my least favorite. The characters aren't as awesome.

-    This was a great adaptation. I loved the artwork and character design. Marianne and Elinor were picture perfect.

-    I've gushed over the previous Manga Classics I've read, but I'm at a loss for words with this one. I really liked it, but I just don't have much to say about it.

-    While I was reading, I kept thinking of the movie, and how tragic it is that Alan Rickman is gone. 

Manga Classics: Emma

From Goodreads:    Just in time for the 200th Anniversary, Manga Classics: Emma brings Jane Austen's classic tale of youthful folly and romantic exuberance to a modern audience with this beautiful, new manga adaptation. The impulsive match-making of Emma Woodhouse delivers both humor and heartache through the gorgeous artwork of manga-ka Po Tse (Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice). - Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.



My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!! I devoured this book! I couldn't get enough.

-    The artwork is beautiful! I loved it. The character designs were great!

-    This was a great adaptation from the original book. All the emotions and events were captured so perfectly.

-    This used to be my favorite Austen book before I read Persuasion, but after reading this I think it climbed back up to tie as favorite again. I just love Mr. Knightley! I hope they adapt Persuasion into a manga. That would be AWESOME!

-    I really enjoyed reading the notes at the end of the book. I loved reading about the challenges of adapting the story into a manga. I liked how they talked about Emma being a mystery story as well as a romance story. It was very interesting.

-    I loved the character sketches/development pages between chapters. They were fun to look at.

-    I loved this book! I highly recommend it to everyone, especially Austen fans!

Manga Classics: Les Miserables

From Goodreads:    Adapted for stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo's classic novel of love and tragedy set in 19th century France is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition!

Gorgeous and expressive art brigns to life the unforgettable stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the tragic Fantine in this epic adaptation of Les Misérables!

My Thoughts:

-    I've been struggling with my reading lately. I'm still reading, but I don't seem to be enjoying anything I've read. When in a slump, I usually read more graphic novels to get me through, but even those have been disappointing. But I FINALLY found something AMAZING! 

-    I enjoyed Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice immensely! This was no different! I devoured this book in one day. I couldn't stop reading. I have always loved this classic tale, and it is fantastic in any adaptation. As a manga, I was plunged into ecstasy!

-    Les Miserables always gives me chills, and it almost always brings me to tears. I love the each character's story, and I love the overall theme of redemption. Every character pulls at my heartstrings! 

-    The artwork was SO good! I loved the portrayal of all the characters. The panel layouts were great. 

-    I loved reading the Author's Note about adapting the book into a manga. There were some great insights on the process. 

-    I can't wait to read more Manga Classics!! They are my new favorites!

Manga Classics: Pride & Prejudice

From Goodreads:    "This adaptation retains all of the charm and fun of the characters and situations, and is a great way to expose those without the time or inclination to pick up the novel."

"Good Comics For Kids (School Library Journal)." 

Beloved by millions the world over, Pride & Prejudice is delightfully transformed in this bold new manga adaptation. All of the joy, heartache, and romance of Jane Austen's original, perfectly illuminated by the sumptuous art of manga-ka Po Tse, and faithfully adapted by Stacy E. King.

My Thoughts:

-    I was SO excited when I found this!

-    The illustrations were beautiful and amazing! I wish they had been in color. I loved the character designs. Everyone was perfect! They way Mr. Collins is depicted cracked me up! Elizabeth and Jane were gorgeous! The clothes and hair were amazing! These were some of the best illustrations I've seen in Manga! I loved it!

-    This is my new favorite adaptation of Pride and Prejudice! I'm really excited to read the other books in this series!

-    I loved this book! I just can't contain how awesome this is!! Austen Manga!!!!! GENIUS!