Hinds, Gareth
Candlewick Press. 2010. ISBN: 0763642681
Summary
This graphic novel interpretation of Homer’s The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca and his adventures along the way. Hinds adapted the story to fit a graphic novel format, although it contains much more text than other graphic novels. Through watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, Hinds conveys the story of Odysseus’ captivity on the island of Ogygia by Calypso and his journey back to his forlorn wife Penelope who is being plagued by a group of suitors who think him to be dead. On the way back on a raft, he is shipwrecked in Phaecia, whose king Alcinoos hears Odysseus’ story of his tribulations on the way back from the Trojan War, and his dealings with creatures like the Cyclops, the evil queen Circe who turns men into swine, and his visit to the Land of the Dead. Alcinoos helps him get back to Ithaca, where he can be reunited with his wife and his son Telemachus, and plan his revenge against the suitors.
Critical Evaluation
Gareth Hinds’ interpretation of the Odyssey is successful both from the storytelling and the artistic perspectives. Unlike most graphic novels, where short dialog and rapidly shifting scenes of speakers is common, the dialog in this graphic novel is quite long, and most of the story is told through it. Although this makes it a little heavier than most graphic novels, it is what makes the interpretation successful, because the story is not lost in the adaptation. The text is still easy to read, thanks to Hinds’ decision to use the more accessible translations of The Odyssey as his reference.
Another factor that contributes to the graphic novel’s success despite its wordiness is the beauty of the art. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are stunning. Hinds skill as an artist is evident from the painstaking detail in each of the frames of the 250-page graphic novel. The art truly brings the story to life, and conveys scenery, emotions, and expressions through subtle details and vibrant colors. All the characters look different and unique, and the interpretation of the novel’s many characters are striking. This is a great graphic novel for those who like the story of The Odyssey but are not yet ready to read the whole epic poem. It will also be appreciated by aspiring artists, as each frame looks like an individual work of art.
Reader’s Annotation
The graphic novel adaptation of Homer’s epic poem tells the story of Odysseus’ return to Ithaca after his long disappearance following the Trojan War through colored illustrations and dialog.
About the Author
“I grew up in small-town, liberal Vermont, a nerdy kid who drew all the time. I did well in school, read a lot, and was fascinated by martial arts. I did illustrations and comics for my high school newspaper, co-edited and illustrated the literary magazine, and painted a mural on the wall of one of the school hallways. I toyed briefly with being an engineer, but then decided to do the sensible thing and went to art school. I graduated from Parsons School of Design, lucked into a job making computer games, and managed to draw a couple of graphic novels in my spare time. These days I live in New York City and I still draw all the time.” – Gareth Hinds Bio
Website: http://www.garethhinds.com
Genre
Graphic Novel. Classics.
Curriculum Ties
English Language. Drama. Art.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Show some examples of the pages of the graphic novel.
2. Talk about some of the events in Odysseus’ journey, and show some of the illustrations.
Interest/Reading Level
Grade 9+
Challenge Issues: some disturbing images
Challenge Defense Ideas:
- Have a copy of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights to show/give to patron.
- In addition to, or in place of the above, explain library policy of inclusion of information that might be controversial. For example, Pasadena Public Library, Philosophy of Selection. Have a printed copy ready, with appropriate sections highlighted.
- Explain the parental rights and responsibilities with their children’s library use. Explain the different card designations and the parents’ right to monitor or restrict borrowing of materials.
- Depending on the library’s policy, either have paperwork to fill out for formal challenges, or the contact information of those who handle challenges.
- Give examples of book reviews from School Library Journal, Library Journal, or BookList. Note any awards that the book received.
Reasons for Inclusion
Graphic novel adaptation of a classic.
Teen Picks 