(Graphic Novel) Review of THE ODYSSEY by Gareth Hinds based on Homer's Epic Poem

1. Bibliography
Hinds, Gareth. 2010. THE ODYSSEY. Based on Homer's epic poem. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978076364268

2. Plot Summary
An ancient classic comes back to life through this vivid graphic retelling and 250 pages of watercolor illustration. The same adventures and antics of Odysseus with a few added twists and turns will take readers on an updated version of the epic poem by Homer.Odysseus, who is returning home from his battles and triumphs in the Trojan War, desires more than anything to see his wife and son and his homeland, Ithaca. However, the king angers the god of the sea, Poseidon, and blows his ship off course, forcing him to face years of violent storms, tempting sirens and spells, monsters and sea creatures only to come home to fight off greedy suitors that are trying to take his wife and his kingdom. This is the classic fantasy story of good versus evil told in a fresh new way by Gareth Hinds.

3. Critical Analysis
Gareth Hinds' beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the classic tale of The Odyssey to life in a very new way. Epic poems are extremely long because of the long journeys and quests the hero must take, and with this book, because of its vibrant and expressive illustrations, the pages seem to fly by quickly. The detail that Hinds was able to get into each picture, each facial expression of the characters, is astounding. Readers will be able to get a clear picture of each event in detail; not one thing was left to the imagination. The watercolors seem to jump off of the page and into your living room. The background colors are strategically planned out as well - from more grays and blues when there is great contemplation from Odysseus or another character to burnt oranges and reds when there is more dire action occurring such as the showdown with the cyclops, Polyphemus. The fantasy genre is at its best here with vivid depictions of sea creatures and unearthly monsters, a powerful sorceress, wrathful gods, beautiful sirens, and lands and places that can only be seen within the imagination.

The text that appears in the book is cleverly placed, helping readers get a further, clear picture of the adventures of Odysseus. Hinds has added a modern feel to the words of Homer's epic poem without taking away from the meaning of the original text. Such as when Poseidon sees Odysseus when Odysseus is able to leave Calypso's island, Poseidon says, "So I go off to Ethiopia for a few days and the other gods decide to release Odysseus?" Hinds has a knack for making the characters seem as though they could be here in the modern world versus the ancient world in which they reside. The element of fantasy is not forsaken, and even with the modern twists with the words, the illustrations still take the reader to another place and time that cannot exist in the real world. Readers will feel sorry for Odysseus at times and then at other times feel that he needs to suffer for his stubbornness and overly-confident attitude. Even the non-human, one-eyed Polyphemus will receive a few sympathy votes when readers realize the way his father, Poseidon, treats him. Through all of Odysseus' character flaws, his ability to never give up is what gets him home to his family. Readers will quickly pick up on this theme of perseverance, as well as messages of love can conquer all and good reigns over evil.

4. Review Excerpts and Notable Awards/Honors:
THE HORN BOOK STARRED REVIEW: "Accessible and effective...A timeless long-ago past comes alive."

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: "A lavish retelling...a grand example of Hinds' ability to combine historical adventure with human understanding."

Winner of/Honored by:

• Junior Library Guild Selection
• An American Library Association Great Graphic Novel for Teens
• Best-of 2010 lists including Booklist, Kirkus, Roger Sutton, Monica Edinger, and by many libraries.  

5. Connections and Personal Connection

A. Watch movie versions (clips) of The Odyssey. There are many clips of different versions on YouTube. Clips of more modern-day versions of stories such as The Lotus Eaters and others can be seen in such movies as Perseus Jackson and The Lightning Thief. 
B. Students could research a mythological character or creature of their choosing and present their finding to the class using a Web 2.0 tool.
C. Most of the time, epic poems seem suitable for middle school and beyond, but because this is a graphic novel, the story of Odysseus and others could be introduced to children as young as ten.
C. Look at Gareth Hinds' website http://www.garethhinds.com/aboutme.php for further information.

I had never read a graphic novel before, even though many of my students have tried to get me to read one over the last few years. I was presently surprised that I enjoyed it! I guess my apprehension before was that I would be bored because I "just wasn't into that type of book," but the pictures took me away, and even though the book was 250 pages, I finished it within a few bedtime sessions. It was a rich experience to get lost in the pictures and illustrations of another world and to not be over-whelmed with text. I can see why young adults love this type of book.


*Other graphic novels to explore by the same author:
Hinds, Gareth. BEOWULF. ISBN 9780763630232
Hinds, Gareth. GIFTS FROM THE GODS. ISBN 9780547152295
Hinds, Gareth. KING LEAR. ISBN 9780763643447

image from Amazon.com