Graphic Classics, Volume 7: Bram Stoker » (2nd Edition)

Graphic Classics: Bram Stoker is completely revised, with an all-new comics adaptation of Dracula by Rich Rainey and Joe Ollmann. Returning from the first edition are "The Judge's House" by Gerry Alanguilan, "Torture Tower" by Onsmith Jeremi, and "The Lair of the White Worm" by South African artist Rico Schacherl. Also "The Bridal of Death", an excerpt from "The Jewel of Seven Stars" by J.B. Bonivert and "The Wondrous Child" illustrated by Evert Geradts. With a sumptuous cover painting by Mark A. Nelson.

Matthew Weaver - VOYA

Reigning names in the comic book and graphic novel communities band together to give some of the shorter stories by two literary lions, Ambrose Bierce and Bram Stoker, the panelized treatment, and the results are fantastic. In an age in which comics and their kin are being recognized for their capabilities for superb storytelling, fans can thank Neil Gaiman for his Sandman books and Kevin Smith for Green Arrow: Quiver and Daredevil: Visionaries. What better way to further the format's credibility than by putting some classic writers' less famous work into the excitingly different medium? Stoker will draw more curious onlookers than the lesser-known Bierce, but both books are equally interesting. Readers will do better to start with the probably unknown entity, satirist Bierce, and savor the anticipation for Stoker in the meantime. High points for the Ambrose book are An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, illustrated by John Coulthart; An Imperfect Conflagration by Rick Geary; and Michael Slack's rendition of The Hypnotist. Selections from Dracula are included, but the best Stoker offerings are Rico Sacherel's Lair of the White Worm and the creepy The Judge's House from Jerry Alanguilan. With their dramatic retellings and marvelous artwork, the books prove interesting and entertaining on their own. Certainly, they make the prospect of reading pre-1920s literature seem like less of a chore and more of a choice. But ultimately, they go one step even better: Many readers might just be interested enough to seek out more Stoker and Bierce on their own. VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P M J S A/YA G (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8;Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults; Graphic Novel Format). 2003, Eureka Productions, 144p., Trade pb. Ages 11 to Adult.