The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

Hinds, Gareth. The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0- 7636-4266-2. 

PLOT SUMMARY

After fighting and defeating the Trojans, Greek hero Odysseus begins his journey home to Ithaca and to his loving wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, a voyage that takes 20 years to accomplish. During his return trip, he enrages Poseidon, the god of the ocean, when he kills Cyclops in order to save himself and his crew from horrendous deaths. Poseidon does all in his power to ensure Odysseus's return voyage will not be quick or easy. Fortunately, though, Odysseus is a favorite of Athena. The goddess appeals to Zeus to allow her to help Odysseus face and overcome the treacheries Poseidon places before him. In the meantime, while Odysseus struggles to return home, his wife Penelope finds herself surrounded by men who believe Odysseus is dead and desire to marry his widow in order to gain Odysseus's home, lands, and position. She delays choosing a husband, hoping that her husband will return and reclaim what is rightfully his. Their son, Telemachus, sets out on his own voyage to find news of his father's fate after leaving Troy. The family of three, loyal to each other, fight against odds to be reunited once again.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, achieves new heights in Gareth Hinds' The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel. Hinds replaces the poetry of the epic with a flourish of illustrations and dialogue, remaining true to the ancient tale while appealing to a modern young adult audience. The story opens with a scene that takes place in the home of the Greek gods, Mount Olympus. Athena convinces Zeus to allow Odysseus to return to Ithaca, where his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, anxiously wait either for his return or for news of the fate that befell him after leaving the infamous Trojan shores where he became one of the heroes of the Trojan War.

The dialogue is sophisticated in form, yet it is simple enough for the reader to be able to understand the basics of the plot. Perhaps the most difficult words to read are the names of the Greek characters. A reader who may not be familiar with the lengthy names and the complicated pronunciations may find reading the graphic novel a bit of a challenge. However, in order to stay true to the original story, Hinds cannot create modern names to simplify the reading. Instead, he successfully uses various translations of the original epic in order to provide a better understanding of the story line. The most effective key to understanding the story, though, falls in its illustrations.

Throughout the story, Hinds keeps the narrative's dialogue brief and to the point, while his pencil and watercolor drawings complete the details. The intent of graphic novels is for the story to be told through pictures as well as words. Noticing the differences in the characters and the background scenery enhances both understanding and following the story. Once the reader takes the time to examine the pictures carefully, the story becomes alive and filled with action depicted in drawings instead of descriptive and intense poetry.

Just as the poetry completed the scenes in the original epic, Hinds' art completes the scenes in the graphic novel. Homer's words provide detail when describing the scenery, the people, and the horrific actions of the gods against Odysseus and his men. Hinds remains true to Homer when he transforms the poetry into visual images. He carefully draws characters' facial expressions, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind of what a character's thoughts or feelings might be. Penelope is revealed as a mature, brave, and beautiful woman, yet at the same time lonely and tragic in her misfortunes. Odysseus is handsome and manly in his older age, but adeptly faces the physical and mental challenges he encounters. The scenes are vivid when Hinds shows in pictures what Homer reveals in words. There is little left to the imagination in the hideous moments when Cyclops eats men and when the terrible Scylla attacks Odysseus's ship. Not all scenes are violent, though. The gentler sides of the poetry are also seen in images of more tender moments, such as the impassioned embrace between Penelope and Odysseus when they are finally reunited.

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel fully realizes the greatest adventure story told, a story that has survived for over two thousand years. Gareth Hinds creatively transformed the poem into a graphic novel that can be enjoyed by readers who may not attempt to read the traditional poetic translations. By rewriting the poem in graphic form, Hinds has opened the world of ancient Greek writings to people who would otherwise remain unaware of the fantastic adventure stories that remain timeless masterpieces in literature.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

Best Children's Books of the Year. 2011. - Bank Street College of Education

Booklist Book Review Stars. 09/15/10 - ALA

Bulletin Blue Ribbons. 2011 - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Kirkus Best Young Adult books. 2010.

Kirkus Book Review Stars. 10/01/20

Pure Poetry. 2010 - Voice of Youth Advocates

YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens. 2011 - ALA

YALSA Top 10 Great Graphic Novels for Teens. 2010 - ALA

School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books. 2011 (Nominee)

Reviews

"Don't confuse this hefty, respectful adaptation with some of the other recent ones; this one holds nothing back and is proudly, grittily realistic rather than cheerfully cartoonish." Kirkus Reviews, 2010

"...the depth of the dialogue, the outstanding individuation of characters, and the patient and lovingly developed flow between frames - often in wordless stretches- makes the work accessible." Elizabeth Bush, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, January 2011

"Hinds lets the epic story take its time, with a slow build and pages that aren't afraid to alternate packed dialogue with titanic action." Jesse Karp, Booklist, September 2010

CONNECTIONS

Graphic Novel for Young Adults: Ages 13+

Related Books

Other Graphic Novels by Gareth Hinds

Beowulf by Gareth Hinds

Gifts From the Gods by Gareth Hinds

Other Classic Novels in Graphic Novel format:

Jane Eyre: The Classic Novel Collection by Amy Corzine (and Charlotte Bronte)

Wuthering Height: The Classic Graphic Novel Collection by Sean Michael Wilson (and Emily Bronte)

A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel by Sean Michael Wilson, Clive Bryant, Mike Collins (and Charles Dickens)

Enrichment Activities

Teacher's Guide: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763642665.btg.1.pdf

Detailed lesson plans: http://www.scribd.com/doc/86786153/The-Odyssey-UnitPlan

PERSONAL  RESPONSE

When I first heard the term "graphic novels" I thought they were, well, graphic in a violent, sexual way. After reading The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel, I suddenly understand the value of graphic literature. I can think of so many people who do not like to read or who struggle with reading. Perhaps graphic literature will give them the opportunity to read the great classics with pleasure instead of misery. While I enjoyed looking through the pictures and reading the book, I believe that it helped me to have read The Odyssey  in its poetic form a few times before reading the graphic novel. I think some things may confuse readers. It tends to jump around from one scene to another, from the present to the past and then back to the present, which is true to Homer's format. It also mentions people who are not actually in this story but who fought with Greece against the Trojans. These issues might cause some problems for readers unfamiliar with the story.  All in all, though, it was interesting to read a graphic novel. I believe the next one I read will be Jane Eyre. Little Jane in a graphic novel...I wonder what Charlotte would think?!

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel.  cover illustration. Internet on-line.  December 1, 2012 from http://www.garethhinds.com/odyssey.php