Graphic Classics, Volume 9: Robert Louis Stevenson »

The ninth in a series of books which present great literature in comics and heavily-illustrated format by some of the best artists working today in the fields of comics, book illustration and fine arts. This volume includes comics adaptations of "The Suicide Club," "The Bottle Imp," and a unique two-part interpretation of "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" by Simon Gane and Michael Slack. Plus a story by Fannie Van de Grift Stevenson and a collection of R.L. Stevenson's short fables and poems, with art by Hunt Emerson, Lance Tooks, Maxon Crumb, Shary Flenniken, Johnny Ryan, Michael Manning and more.

GeorgeGaluschak - KLIATT

This Graphic Classics volume contains adaptations of Stevenson's poems, short stories and novellas. The bulk consists of adaptations of three stories—"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," "The Bottle Imp," and "The Suicide Club." Unfortunately, Treasure Island is not adapted, but is ably represented by a Robert Crumb comic and an essay by his brother, Maxon Crumb, detailing their boyhood obsession with Long John Silver. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is, of course, famous; many will find the actual novella disappointing, as most people know the story's epiphany. "The Bottle Imp" is about a man who buys a bottle with a demon inside, and then must sell it if he wishes to save his soul. My favorite story is "The Suicide Club," which is about Prince Florizel of Bohemia and his confidant (translation: babysitter), Colonel Geraldine. The Prince joins an exclusive London club whose members are all suicidal. Every night they gather round a table and deal cards; the man who gets the Ace of Spades dies. The Prince is bored and jaded, and he finds the situation rather thrilling...until he gets the Ace of Spades. This title is easy to recommend. Stevenson is a literary figure, after all, which makes his work literature; the adaptations, illustrated by a number of artists, are more than competent; and defenders of graphic novels in libraries can point to works such as these as proof that graphic novels have literary merit. However, there is another reason to recommend this graphic novel: it's a good, entertaining read. (Vol. 9, 2004). KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Eureka, 144p. illus., Ages 12 to adult.