Dr. Anna Iacovetta | The Children’s Book Review | September 12, 2018
The boom of graphic novels for young people over the past decade brings a new excitement and motivation to reading, along with a new appreciation for illustrations. As the new Dark Tales series shows, graphic novels can immerse readers in a world of historical fiction, classical literature, and even fairy tales.
As graphic novels continue to remain popular with pre-teens and adolescents, Dark Tales brings a new spin on old classics for middle-school youngsters. Attempting to reach a newer audience who may not be familiar with these classics, each novel conveys a bit of a darker edge, while adding a twist to the original story by including new characters. The books are easy to read since the text bubbles accompany the fantastic illustrations by Pete Katz, Emilie Majarian, and Dave Shephard. Overall, these books are a fun read!
Dark Tales: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Illustrated by Dave Shepard
Publisher’s Synopsis: Eliminate the impossible, and whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
This classic “whodunit” story with the famous Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is now told in graphic novel format. More than 100 pages of illustrated action and adventure! Sir Charles Baskerville, master of the Baskerville estate, is found dead at the gates with a look of horror on his face. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called in to investigate the possibility of foul play. After several false leads, they solve the mystery and reveal the truth.
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Ages 10+ | Publisher: Canterbury Classics | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1684121007
Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast: A Modern Retelling
Written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince
Illustrated by Pete Katz
Publisher’s Synopsis:Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
This modern retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is told here in a graphic novel format. More than 100 pages of illustrated action, adventure, and love teach a lesson to look beyond the surface and learn to love what’s underneath. A merchant takes shelter in a castle during a thunderstorm, and ends up striking a bargain with its beastly master. His youngest daughter, Beauty, returns to the castle to live in exchange for a restoration of the family’s previous wealth. Beauty befriends Beast, but longs to see her family again. He allows her to visit her former home, but when she doesn’t return at the designated time, consequences ensue.
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Ages 10+ | Publisher: Canterbury Classics | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1684120994
Dark Tales: The Snow Queen: A Graphic Novel
Written by Hans Christian Andersen
Illustrated by Emilie Majarian
Publisher’s Synopsis:
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Ages 10+ | Publisher: Canterbury Classics | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1684121021
Dark Tales: The Call of Cthulhu: A Graphic Novel
Written by H.P. Lovecraft
Illustrated by Dave Shephard
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this Dark Tale, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming…
H. P. Lovecraft’s story of supernatural monsters deep in the Pacific, told in graphic novel format, will keep you on the edge of your seat. More than 100 pages of illustrated horror and adventure await! Henry Wilcox can’t ignore his dreams of an enormous green monster calling to him from an underwater alien city. He seeks the help of Professor Angell, who dies suddenly, leaving a box of research on the subject for his nephew, Francis. Francis seeks answers about his uncle’s death, and in the process uncovers evidence of a cult waiting for the Great Old Ones to return.
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Ages 10+ | Publisher: Canterbury Classics | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1684121014
The review of the Dark Tales Graphic Novels series was written by Dr. Anna Iacovetta. Discover more books like the titles listed here by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Kids Series, Non-Fiction, and Picture Books.
