Summary – We’ve all seen and heard of the “graphic novel” adaptations of Shakespeare’s work.  I guess I didn’t realize that this outfit is in the UK, and has only just now secured a US publisher.  I like the fact that they’ve got a quote from Patrick Stewart at the end, who manages to be complimentary while still saying “for me the original Shakespeare is always my reason for turning to these plays.”  Exactly.  They are companion pieces, not replacements.  I’ve already written back to ask if they’re doing The Tempest. UPDATE:  Karen writes back, “The Tempest should be January 2009. Together with Richard III and Romeo and Juliet.  Then Hamlet.” [Press Release] Just seven months after the publication of their first book, Henry V, Classical Comics have secured distribution for their range of titles throughout USA and Canada. Classical Comics, whose first book Henry V won Silver at this year’s Independent Publisher awards in Los Angeles, have signed an agreement with California-based Publishers Group West (PGW) to distribute both British English and US English versions of their graphic novel adaptations of literary classics, which will be available from October. Chairman of Classical Comics, Clive Bryant said, “We’re delighted to have PGW as the distributor of our books. America and Canada present a massive opportunity for us, and knowing PGW are there to advise and guide us as we start out in these territories is hugely reassuring. Because our books are attractive to both retail and educational sectors, it was important for us to find a distributor that was strong in both areas – which PGW are. With distribution in place, it’s now a case of flowing the books into the market and raising awareness in these territories, just as we did in the UK – which is very exciting indeed.” Classical Comics’ pioneering multiple text versions of well-loved literature have already proven to be a success around the globe, particularly with students and teachers, who welcome this vibrant, colourful way of introducing the classics. Kevin Votel, VP Director of Marketing & Business Development for Publishers Group West, said, “We are delighted to be working with Classical Comics.  What they are doing with classical book content is completely unique and we’re excited to be partnering with them to bring their list to the market place.” PGW will launch the Winter 2008 season with the first five books in the series: Henry V (Shakespeare), Macbeth (Shakespeare), Jane Eyre (Brontë), Frankenstein (Shelley) and A Christmas Carol (Dickens). [Ends] Contact Karen Wenborn on 0845 812 3000 karen@classicalcomics.com Notes to editors Copies of Henry V and Macbeth are available on request Images/sample artwork/text are available on request Copies of the teaching resources are available on request www.classicalcomics.com Classical Comics are UK publishers who are creating engaging versions of literary classics, by converting the timeless stories into stunning, full colour graphic novels. Spearheaded by Clive Bryant, Chairman, following his successful exit from a business start-up, he was joined by Karen Wenborn as Managing Director in May 2007. The core team was cemented when Jo Wheeler became Creative Director soon afterwards. To quote Clive, “Neither Karen or I have a publishing background, but we’re both strong businesspeople, and are probably overly enthusiastic about books, literacy and education. Jo comes from a print background, so we rely on her to make sure the end product is right.” As well as meeting the criteria of being strong in colour, dynamic in action, vibrant, engaging and exciting, the books have a myriad of applications in education across all ages and skill levels. The team of scriptwriters include teachers, playwrights and novelists, while the artists range from newspaper stalwarts to Spiderman creators and Eagle award winners. “I’m fascinated by your approach to the play and its language. I find them gripping, dramatic and, although for me the original Shakespeare is always my reason for turning to these plays, I think that what you are doing in illuminating and making perhaps more lucid, especially for young people, is clever and meaningful.” – Patrick Stewart, Actor “This is a fun way of getting into the stories. Plays are not meant to be read but to be seen. The illustrations in these books are an easy way of following what is going on.
The genius of Shakespeare is in the language but for some students understanding it can be a struggle. It will be useful for teachers to have three different versions of the text.” – Ian McNeilly, director of the National Association for the Teaching of English “What a marvellous way to bring Shakespeare to new audiences and venues.
Bridging 400 years with a graphic pen is brilliant.” – Barbara Romer, founder of The New Globe Theater, New York

When I tell my kids the story of The Tempest, I usually spin it so that Ariel is a playmate of Miranda’s, playing hide and seek (tricky with someone who can turn invisible), turning into various animals, and generally hiding from Caliban. But I read somewhere that, every time we see Ariel, Prospero makes it a point to put Miranda to sleep.  Ariel is always invisible, said this source I can’t remember, and Prospero didn’t want Miranda to see him talking to nobody. If that’s the case, then Miranda wouldn’t even have known that Ariel existed. Is that right?  Takes some of the fun out of the story.

It dawns on me this morning that I don’t know the answer to this question:  Would Shakespeare’s family (Ann and the kids, that is) have seen his work?  How and when exactly would this have happened?  Would they have trekked into London?  How old would the kids need to have been?  I guess I’ve always assumed that while they may have known what Dad did for a living, that they wouldn’t necessarily have ever seen the plays.  But I don’t have a reason for thinking that one way or the other.

Or is it just coincidence? Today I get email from Writer’s Market, as I often do, and I notice a story about four new book publishers.  I always check those out, because in the past I’ve had luck getting published with new/small houses.  One of them, SynergEbooks, intrigues me for their emphasis on e-books, so I check it out. What’s highlighted on the first page?  A series of romance novels set in the fictional town of….Oberon, California. Best I can tell there is no Shakespeare connection, other than the fact that your Shakespeare Geek happened to trip over it.