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Manga Shakespeare
Manga Shakespeare: Romeo ve Juliet
"Tek aşkım tek nefretimden doğdu," diyerek üzüntüsünü dile getirir, en ünlü aşk öykülerinden biri olan Romeo ve Juliet'in kahramanı Juliet. Klasik Shakespeare'in manga çizimiyle kaynaşması olan bu çarpıcı uyarlama, okurlara heyecan verecektir. Günümüzün modern Japonya'sında yaşayan iki genç aşık, birbirine düşman Yakuza aileleri olan Montague ve Capulet aileleri arasındaki kan davasının ortasında kalmıştır. Tokyo sokaklarında yaşanan şiddet, ihanet ve trajediye rağmen yasak aşklarını sürdürebilirler mi?
Romeo ve Juliet, William Shakespeare'in tiyatro oyunlarının çizgi uyarlamaları olan Manga Shakespeare dizisinde yer alıyor. Japon çizgilerinden esinlenen ve Shakespeare'in özgün metinlerinden Richard Appignanesi tarafından uyarlanan bu dizi, usta mangacıların çizimleriyle bu büyük yaratıcının sözlerini öğrenciler, Shakespeare okurları ve manga hayranları için canlandırıyor.
"Manganın dinamik akışı ile Shakespeare'in olay örgüsü birleşince sayfalar bir solukta okunuyor."
Independent, Pazar Eki
Romeo ve Juliet, William Shakespeare'in tiyatro oyunlarının çizgi uyarlamaları olan Manga Shakespeare dizisinde yer alıyor. Japon çizgilerinden esinlenen ve Shakespeare'in özgün metinlerinden Richard Appignanesi tarafından uyarlanan bu dizi, usta mangacıların çizimleriyle bu büyük yaratıcının sözlerini öğrenciler, Shakespeare okurları ve manga hayranları için canlandırıyor.
"Manganın dinamik akışı ile Shakespeare'in olay örgüsü birleşince sayfalar bir solukta okunuyor."
Independent, Pazar Eki
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
31 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Richard Appignanesi
118 books39 followersRichard Appignanesi is a published adapter and an author of young adult books. Published credits of Richard Appignanesi include Manga Shakespeare: Julius Caesar (Manga Shakespeare), Manga Shakespeare: Macbeth (Manga Shakespeare), Manga Shakespeare: Hamlet (Manga Shakespeare), and Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Manga Shakespeare).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
June 30, 2015
Okuduğum en komik şeylerden biriydi
April 12, 2011
Quite a more happy marriage of Shakespeare's text and Manga visuals than the titular couple enjoy. This sort of venture is excellent for intriguing young minds to the bard's plays. It isn't the full text mind you, but what does appear is pretty much untampered with. Although the visuals represent a Japanese cast of characters playing out a modern day Tokyo Yakuza rivalry it doesn't distract too much from the power of Shakespeare's wordplay. Manga visuals are an excellent medium for representing the emotional context of a story and Sonia Leong's pencils are cleanly rendered. Nice idea.
December 11, 2022
Review to come but you know it's bad when your honest kneejerk reaction is that it's so generous of Manga Shakespeare to keep hiring people who simply cannot draw.
March 12, 2013
Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, but in this abridged, modern-day manga version, Romeo is a Japanese pop star, and Juliet is a trend-setting fashionista. Although the story is told through Shakespeare's words, all the characters and situations are seen through a manga lens, complete with chibi transformations at moments of strong but immature emotion. Although everyone is of course gorgeous beyond words (the manga standard), there's not too much fanservice, and overall the story works well in this format, and will be highly appealing to teens forced to study the play.
July 19, 2022
I'm really sorry, but this was bullshit.
You say you're going to make modern day Romeo and Juliet in the format of manga? Then make it. The only thing they made that was 'modern' was that Romeo 'was' a rock star, even though they only mentioned it once. It annoys me the fact that it should be a contemporary retelling, but it's THE SAME as the original (they wear traditional clothes, fight with swords and use 'thee', 'thou' and similar words). You cannot say it's a modern retelling, only because he sent the text message 'I am in need of thee'. That is not contemporary.
I was so annoyed reading this that I didn't have the patience to watch pretty drawings. Style of drawing is the only reason this book didn't get one star.
You say you're going to make modern day Romeo and Juliet in the format of manga? Then make it. The only thing they made that was 'modern' was that Romeo 'was' a rock star, even though they only mentioned it once. It annoys me the fact that it should be a contemporary retelling, but it's THE SAME as the original (they wear traditional clothes, fight with swords and use 'thee', 'thou' and similar words). You cannot say it's a modern retelling, only because he sent the text message 'I am in need of thee'. That is not contemporary.
I was so annoyed reading this that I didn't have the patience to watch pretty drawings. Style of drawing is the only reason this book didn't get one star.
April 7, 2017
I gave four stars solely for the art style. It's a typical manga art style which I love. The setting in Tokyo with two rivalling families felt great.
But I cannot help myself; I just don't like the story of Juliet and her Romeo. Everyone always says how romantic this story is and how tragic the circumstances...
In my opinion it's bullshit. Romeo is a hormone stricken 15 year old who at the beginning of the play is in deep depression because Rosaline doesn't return his love. He sees Juliet and snap, Rosaline is forgotten and Juliet is his one true love. Really? I mean seriously?
And Juliet is not any better. She's fourteen years old and her father says to her that other girls her age are already married and mothers. No wonder she falls in love with the first oh so mysterious guy she meets at a party...
And don't get me started on the ending: oh, our children are dead because they loved each other. Damn, let's bury our old quarrel because hey, the loved each other. Really?
No, sorry not sorry, i just don't like the play.
But I cannot help myself; I just don't like the story of Juliet and her Romeo. Everyone always says how romantic this story is and how tragic the circumstances...
In my opinion it's bullshit. Romeo is a hormone stricken 15 year old who at the beginning of the play is in deep depression because Rosaline doesn't return his love. He sees Juliet and snap, Rosaline is forgotten and Juliet is his one true love. Really? I mean seriously?
And Juliet is not any better. She's fourteen years old and her father says to her that other girls her age are already married and mothers. No wonder she falls in love with the first oh so mysterious guy she meets at a party...
And don't get me started on the ending: oh, our children are dead because they loved each other. Damn, let's bury our old quarrel because hey, the loved each other. Really?
No, sorry not sorry, i just don't like the play.
August 4, 2020
Skilfully summarized in manga form, featuring Shakespeare's most memorable lines from R&J in a contemporary Japanese setting
January 27, 2021
A good introduction to the works of William Shakespeare. This stays true to the original next but is a very quick read.
April 18, 2021
Puanım 2/5 (%38/100)
Genel olarak "eeeh işte" bir kitaptı. Orjinal Romeo ve Juliet Shakespeare'in çok sevdiğim oyunlarından olmasa da yine de herkeste olduğu gibi benim için de özel bir yeri vardır. Fakat bu kitap onun kadar bir etki bırakmadı ve bunun birkaç nedeni var. Öncelikle oyun tamamen aynı şekilde uyarlanmamış: Olaylar günümüz Tokyo'sunda geçiyor ve bu yüzden herkes Asyalı. Başta bunu öğrendiğimde aslında heyecanlanmıştım çünkü güzel yapılırsa gerçekten özgün bir kitap olabilirdi. Fakat konuşmalar Shakespeare'in o süslü dilinde verilmiş bu da çok garip geldi kitap boyunca. Onun dışında durup dururken herkesin bir anda samuray gibi katana çekmesi, aralara "komik" diye serpiştirilen birkaç sahneler derken sevmediğim çok şey çıktı.
Diyeceğim şu ki ya tamamen modern olarak uyarlanması lazımdı konuşmalar, olaylar, mekan vs. Ya da orjinali neyse tamamen aynı şekilde uyarlansaydı (diğer Manga Shakespeare'ler gibi). Modern olsun demişler ama arada bazı şeyleri orjinal bırakmaya çalışınca olmamış o yüzden de bana orjinal oyunun verdiği etkiyi vermedi. Yine de çabuk okunabilen, koleksiyon diye tutulabilecek ilginç bir kitap. Fena değildi diyorum.
Genel olarak "eeeh işte" bir kitaptı. Orjinal Romeo ve Juliet Shakespeare'in çok sevdiğim oyunlarından olmasa da yine de herkeste olduğu gibi benim için de özel bir yeri vardır. Fakat bu kitap onun kadar bir etki bırakmadı ve bunun birkaç nedeni var. Öncelikle oyun tamamen aynı şekilde uyarlanmamış: Olaylar günümüz Tokyo'sunda geçiyor ve bu yüzden herkes Asyalı. Başta bunu öğrendiğimde aslında heyecanlanmıştım çünkü güzel yapılırsa gerçekten özgün bir kitap olabilirdi. Fakat konuşmalar Shakespeare'in o süslü dilinde verilmiş bu da çok garip geldi kitap boyunca. Onun dışında durup dururken herkesin bir anda samuray gibi katana çekmesi, aralara "komik" diye serpiştirilen birkaç sahneler derken sevmediğim çok şey çıktı.
Diyeceğim şu ki ya tamamen modern olarak uyarlanması lazımdı konuşmalar, olaylar, mekan vs. Ya da orjinali neyse tamamen aynı şekilde uyarlansaydı (diğer Manga Shakespeare'ler gibi). Modern olsun demişler ama arada bazı şeyleri orjinal bırakmaya çalışınca olmamış o yüzden de bana orjinal oyunun verdiği etkiyi vermedi. Yine de çabuk okunabilen, koleksiyon diye tutulabilecek ilginç bir kitap. Fena değildi diyorum.
October 10, 2016
3.7 Stars (WORTH A RE READ!!!)
SHAKESPEARE MEETS THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF MANGA.
A great retake on the old English, Shakespeare classic! It granted me a better understanding of how to read the notoriously popular Japanese Mangas, to tackle Hana Kimi I will have to read their way: right to left as opposed to the usual left to right. It's a little mixed too, which order to go from to what word to what picture is still confusing this way, our Western way so it will be even harder the proper way! It even had a summary of the original play and old Will himself for those not in the know, very useful!
The illustrations were beautiful and the words, though in Old English still managed to blend well with the pictured counterparts, though it could seem odd at times. The modern day Tokyo was also strange and a weird contrast with some of the character's appearances and how it was adapted, by nonetheless an entertaining ( but strange read). How they are warring Mafia families, the Montagues and Capulets makes a lot of sense in modern times and how it is done in the original, where they are enemies for unknown reasons. At least here it is stated and the character introductions and quotes at the start of the novel are a treat and beautiful.
If you are not familiar with Romeo and Juliet or Shakespeare this is a recommended delightful adaptation. However if like me, you have read the original play ( with help) for school or have read other previous adaptations and films you might find this somewhat predictable and not as enjoyable as you may if it was new. It was a treat to me still, especially how it was adapted into the creative Japanese world of manga.
I look forward to reading more mangas, both in the classics region, Shakespeare and pure genius, original, crazy, far-fetched but lovable mangas that the writers of Japan have always came up with! Woo! Wish me luck :)
Note: This edition only had 196 pages. Creative and playful, not to mention colourful (even technicolour).
SHAKESPEARE MEETS THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF MANGA.
A great retake on the old English, Shakespeare classic! It granted me a better understanding of how to read the notoriously popular Japanese Mangas, to tackle Hana Kimi I will have to read their way: right to left as opposed to the usual left to right. It's a little mixed too, which order to go from to what word to what picture is still confusing this way, our Western way so it will be even harder the proper way! It even had a summary of the original play and old Will himself for those not in the know, very useful!
The illustrations were beautiful and the words, though in Old English still managed to blend well with the pictured counterparts, though it could seem odd at times. The modern day Tokyo was also strange and a weird contrast with some of the character's appearances and how it was adapted, by nonetheless an entertaining ( but strange read). How they are warring Mafia families, the Montagues and Capulets makes a lot of sense in modern times and how it is done in the original, where they are enemies for unknown reasons. At least here it is stated and the character introductions and quotes at the start of the novel are a treat and beautiful.
If you are not familiar with Romeo and Juliet or Shakespeare this is a recommended delightful adaptation. However if like me, you have read the original play ( with help) for school or have read other previous adaptations and films you might find this somewhat predictable and not as enjoyable as you may if it was new. It was a treat to me still, especially how it was adapted into the creative Japanese world of manga.
I look forward to reading more mangas, both in the classics region, Shakespeare and pure genius, original, crazy, far-fetched but lovable mangas that the writers of Japan have always came up with! Woo! Wish me luck :)
Note: This edition only had 196 pages. Creative and playful, not to mention colourful (even technicolour).
Read
January 21, 2020DISCLAIMER:THIS REVIEW HAS A LOT OF SPOILERS!!!!!!
I thought this book was amazing but I was very triggered because this could have all been avoided if stupid friar John had giving the letter to Romeo. I thought the plot of the story was so interesting watching Juliet and Romeo still have cute couple moments even though they have to hide from their parents. I also thought it was interesting how all the sneaking around happened at Juliet's place. When first hearing about the gist of the story I thought it would be more envovled where Juliet would have to sneak around at Romeo's house and his parents would tell him how he has to mary the other girl. But instead it seemed to be all around Juliet's house and the fact her parents(DAD mostly) were forcing her to mary Paris. The most dramatic part was the parents had finally made up after realizing this feud had gone to far after both their kids had to kill themselves to be together. They didn't see that when the people of their House where killing each other over the feud! Over all the way the characters were portrayed was super cool and how it was in a different culture and country from the original. My favorite line though is how Romeo was so devoted when he killed himself for Juliet. The book said, "eyes look their last, arms take your last embrace, here's to my love! O true Apothecary thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die." The amount of love and scarfice in this line is so awesome especially for people who love saby love stories, love this sobly love line.
I thought this book was amazing but I was very triggered because this could have all been avoided if stupid friar John had giving the letter to Romeo. I thought the plot of the story was so interesting watching Juliet and Romeo still have cute couple moments even though they have to hide from their parents. I also thought it was interesting how all the sneaking around happened at Juliet's place. When first hearing about the gist of the story I thought it would be more envovled where Juliet would have to sneak around at Romeo's house and his parents would tell him how he has to mary the other girl. But instead it seemed to be all around Juliet's house and the fact her parents(DAD mostly) were forcing her to mary Paris. The most dramatic part was the parents had finally made up after realizing this feud had gone to far after both their kids had to kill themselves to be together. They didn't see that when the people of their House where killing each other over the feud! Over all the way the characters were portrayed was super cool and how it was in a different culture and country from the original. My favorite line though is how Romeo was so devoted when he killed himself for Juliet. The book said, "eyes look their last, arms take your last embrace, here's to my love! O true Apothecary thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die." The amount of love and scarfice in this line is so awesome especially for people who love saby love stories, love this sobly love line.
October 28, 2008
I usually do not like abridged books, I feel the original full text should be read and savoured, not a shortened and edited text.
That being said, it is important for teens who read the manga versions of Shakespeare to realize that what they are reading is a summarized version. Hopefully the manga adaptation will get teens to seek out the real thing.
The artwork and the emotions portrayed by the drawings in the manga version of "Romeo and Juliet" are wonderfully executed. I enjoyed the updated time and place setting of modern day Japan and Shakespeare's bloody and violent play fits right in with the manga culture.
It was a fun manga book to read and my teenage daughter enjoyed it (yes, she has read the original and seen the play in theatre). There definitely is a market out there for graphic novels amongst the teen world. The characters are drawn in an appealing, cool, modern and fashionable way. Juliet is beautiful and has great clothes and Romeo is handsome and also has great clothes. It seems shallow, but it is appealing.
I guess my biggest fear would be that teens would just read the manga version and feel they have experienced “Romeo and Juliet”. The play needs to be partaken of in a theatre to be fully appreciated and the manga version just does not offer the full meal deal. My hope would be that any manga Shakespeare would encourage readers to seek out the original.
That being said, it is important for teens who read the manga versions of Shakespeare to realize that what they are reading is a summarized version. Hopefully the manga adaptation will get teens to seek out the real thing.
The artwork and the emotions portrayed by the drawings in the manga version of "Romeo and Juliet" are wonderfully executed. I enjoyed the updated time and place setting of modern day Japan and Shakespeare's bloody and violent play fits right in with the manga culture.
It was a fun manga book to read and my teenage daughter enjoyed it (yes, she has read the original and seen the play in theatre). There definitely is a market out there for graphic novels amongst the teen world. The characters are drawn in an appealing, cool, modern and fashionable way. Juliet is beautiful and has great clothes and Romeo is handsome and also has great clothes. It seems shallow, but it is appealing.
I guess my biggest fear would be that teens would just read the manga version and feel they have experienced “Romeo and Juliet”. The play needs to be partaken of in a theatre to be fully appreciated and the manga version just does not offer the full meal deal. My hope would be that any manga Shakespeare would encourage readers to seek out the original.
September 8, 2012
Romeo and Juliet are star crossed lovers who are caught up in the whirlwind of a bitter feud between their rival Yakusa families. Will defying their families wishes to be together result in more bloodshed and killing on the city streets?
The most famous love story wielded by William Shakespeare has been transported to the streets of modern Tokyo, to great effect. The manga illustrations are edgey and help the reader to connect the complex language in a way I wish i could have when I first encountered Shakespeare's works.
The themes of love, revenge and death are more suited to a young adult reader but I feel this would be a great introduction to the bard for year six/ seven students.
I would recommend it for independent reading and as inspiration for students to story board scenes from other Shakespearean texts.
The most famous love story wielded by William Shakespeare has been transported to the streets of modern Tokyo, to great effect. The manga illustrations are edgey and help the reader to connect the complex language in a way I wish i could have when I first encountered Shakespeare's works.
The themes of love, revenge and death are more suited to a young adult reader but I feel this would be a great introduction to the bard for year six/ seven students.
I would recommend it for independent reading and as inspiration for students to story board scenes from other Shakespearean texts.
April 6, 2012
This story is a remake of the classic Romeo and Juliet. It holds the same plot and Shakespearean language, bet depicts teenaged characters in modern day Tokyo. For those who have a hard time understanding or following along with the original Romeo and Juliet, the comic form remake of the story makes it easier to understand. Aside from the ease of understanding that the manga retelling of this story offers, I wish that it did not take place in modern day Tokyo. The Shakespearan language used didn;t match up with the setting nor the overall tone with the book. I understand the premise I just didn't particularly like it.
December 19, 2018
Summary:
This story is Graphic novel , "Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet"by Richard Appignanesi is about one girl love each other , but they dad and mom don't agree with their marriage.
At the beginning of the story : they brother is combat some they father and mother is get angry .
In the middle of the story : they elope then dad call policeman .
At the end of the story : they suicidal
This story shows us that don't stop others from doing something because of something.
Providing a summary Date 9.7 .
This story is Graphic novel , "Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet"by Richard Appignanesi is about one girl love each other , but they dad and mom don't agree with their marriage.
At the beginning of the story : they brother is combat some they father and mother is get angry .
In the middle of the story : they elope then dad call policeman .
At the end of the story : they suicidal
This story shows us that don't stop others from doing something because of something.
Providing a summary Date 9.7 .
January 14, 2021
It is a romantic genre story by Sonia Leong. I really like the book because it has exciting story and i will never feel bored when i read it. So that i spent no so long time to finish it. And the story is much more interesting to the old "Romeo and Juliet". It will be really relax when you read it. It is a great book to read when you are boring. it add some interesting plots and can make you feel fun
November 10, 2012
While not the full text of the play(there is a version by the Cliffs Notes people which is more faithful) this is still a great adaptation of my favorite love story. All the power is still there and the art style is a joy to look at. A perfect way to get your young ones to read the greatest author in the English language.
March 24, 2024
Very much not a manga person, but even compared to other graphic novel adaptations I’ve seen of Shakespeare the emotion or lack thereof in the illustration and facial expressions is ridiculously discordant with the dialogue. Graphic adaptations of classics can be done well, but this is a disservice to Shakespeare’s talent of wordplay and metaphor.
October 28, 2015
I thought it was pretty good. I really like art in it and it was fun to read and made Shakespeare less boring and a little bit easier to understand with the help of the manga very cool the mix of manga and Shakespeare.
June 24, 2017
Maybe it is just me, but Shakespeare and Manga aren't a good mix. At all.
November 8, 2018
I thought it would be interesting but i didnt like the manga version of Romeo and Juliet.
February 3, 2024
Adapting Shakespeare and then adapting Romeo and Juliet is not the easiest of tasks to set yourself. Not only do you have to wrestle with an incredibly familiar text that everybody knows (and even if they don't, they still sort of do - this story's so deeply embedded into popular culture now), you also have to find a fresh approach for a story which has already been told a thousand times. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to do so; classics survive when we retell them and remake them for new audiences, when we re-purpose the story to tell new stories and have new resonance for new readers, when we are not afraid of them. And when they are plays, in particular, we should not be afraid. These are stories to be performed and made real for people and so there's an opportunity here to play (pun unintentional!) and see if something interesting happens.
And something interesting does happen here. The combination of Sonia Leong's determinedly youthful and vibrant art coupled with a well-edited text from Richard Appignanesi managed to make me look again at a story I know very well. I really liked the work done with the Nurse and the Friar in particular as Leong's art managed to give them a really nice sense of identity and purpose that I feel can sometimes lack. For me, the heart of the piece is with Juliet herself and in her joyful movement on the page. Leong really captures what it means to fall firmly and enormously and dizzily into love and the heightened nature of some of these pages are particularly lovely.
One thing to note is that this is designed to be read left-right and top to bottom rather than the right-left and bottom to top that you might expect with Manga. It also has a little summary of the play and a little (nicely-opinionated and not just written by rote!) biography of Shakespeare himself. I liked it. It's a nicely handled text which shines new light onto a very old story.
And something interesting does happen here. The combination of Sonia Leong's determinedly youthful and vibrant art coupled with a well-edited text from Richard Appignanesi managed to make me look again at a story I know very well. I really liked the work done with the Nurse and the Friar in particular as Leong's art managed to give them a really nice sense of identity and purpose that I feel can sometimes lack. For me, the heart of the piece is with Juliet herself and in her joyful movement on the page. Leong really captures what it means to fall firmly and enormously and dizzily into love and the heightened nature of some of these pages are particularly lovely.
One thing to note is that this is designed to be read left-right and top to bottom rather than the right-left and bottom to top that you might expect with Manga. It also has a little summary of the play and a little (nicely-opinionated and not just written by rote!) biography of Shakespeare himself. I liked it. It's a nicely handled text which shines new light onto a very old story.
September 16, 2021
this book was alright, i had fun reading it but i have fun reading most comics so \_(•_•)_/ this version was set in modern day tokyo which makes sense since its a manga, but if you were reading this you wouldn’t even notice it was modernised. they made romeo a rock star but the only time you see him singing is on the character introduction page at the start where it says he’s a rock star T_T i was annoyed at this since i thought that would be a really cool way to write a romeo and juliet story :/
they kept the original story and didn’t add anything modernised into the plot and for most of the book i forgot it was modernised... the only part that you can tell it was modernised was near the end when romeo is riding his motorcycle... it would’ve been better if they just kept it the original story because they are not good at modernising at all 1:
they kept the original shakespearian speech thingy and i didn’t mind that they did because i only had to do one google search about it! and just so you don’t have to do the same search here is my definition of artificial night “closing all your curtains/blinds, making your room pitch black and going to sleep as if it was night time” ☆o☆
the art style wasn’t very good, i wasn’t expecting it to be as the cover art isn’t very nice but i would’ve loved for it to have been a simpler and more round art style, but when i’m choosing graphic novels the art style isn’t one of the main things i consider if it’s cheap (and this was)
it was embarrassing to read in school since the art style was bad and people in my class for some reason get really annoyed at bad art style in books, so if you don’t like bad art styles, don’t read it -_-
overall i did enjoy this book and i’m definitely going to read some of the other ones but if you are looking for a modernised version of a shakespeare story, please look somewhere else :)
they kept the original story and didn’t add anything modernised into the plot and for most of the book i forgot it was modernised... the only part that you can tell it was modernised was near the end when romeo is riding his motorcycle... it would’ve been better if they just kept it the original story because they are not good at modernising at all 1:
they kept the original shakespearian speech thingy and i didn’t mind that they did because i only had to do one google search about it! and just so you don’t have to do the same search here is my definition of artificial night “closing all your curtains/blinds, making your room pitch black and going to sleep as if it was night time” ☆o☆
the art style wasn’t very good, i wasn’t expecting it to be as the cover art isn’t very nice but i would’ve loved for it to have been a simpler and more round art style, but when i’m choosing graphic novels the art style isn’t one of the main things i consider if it’s cheap (and this was)
it was embarrassing to read in school since the art style was bad and people in my class for some reason get really annoyed at bad art style in books, so if you don’t like bad art styles, don’t read it -_-
overall i did enjoy this book and i’m definitely going to read some of the other ones but if you are looking for a modernised version of a shakespeare story, please look somewhere else :)
May 24, 2023
As someone who's reading the original play right now for school, this book was quite a helpful source. This manga version of Romeo and Juliet is a good source of visualizing the play. It is an adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet play, but it takes place in Japan with Japanese cultural visuals, like clothing and housing. It includes most of the scenes' action and all the important highlights from each scene. To summarize the plot, it is along the lines of the original Shakespeare's play, but is adapted to modern times in a Japanese tradition. One part of the plot that is included and not left out like other variations of the play is that it includes the part of Paris dying in the last scene of the play.
One thing I liked about this play was the use of visuals to communicate some of the lines in the play. For instance, the sun at the end of Romeo and Juliet's night together indicated the "morn" and it didn't require speech from the characters to express it. Another thing that is good in this manga edition of Romeo and Juliet is the use of visuals. It really helps bring the play to life, and gives readers a better understanding of Romeo and Juliet. It personally helped me in school, understanding the play better and giving a new perspective to the story.
This is the only variant of Romeo and Juliet I have come across, and it didn't disappoint. I have given it 4 stars out of 5 because of the creativity incorporated in the illustrations; creating visuals not based directly off the playscript. It was an engaging quick read that I recommend to anyone who likes manga, or wants a better understanding of the complex play that is Romeo and Juliet, this is the book for you.
One thing I liked about this play was the use of visuals to communicate some of the lines in the play. For instance, the sun at the end of Romeo and Juliet's night together indicated the "morn" and it didn't require speech from the characters to express it. Another thing that is good in this manga edition of Romeo and Juliet is the use of visuals. It really helps bring the play to life, and gives readers a better understanding of Romeo and Juliet. It personally helped me in school, understanding the play better and giving a new perspective to the story.
This is the only variant of Romeo and Juliet I have come across, and it didn't disappoint. I have given it 4 stars out of 5 because of the creativity incorporated in the illustrations; creating visuals not based directly off the playscript. It was an engaging quick read that I recommend to anyone who likes manga, or wants a better understanding of the complex play that is Romeo and Juliet, this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
Kes meist ei teaks Romeo ja Julia lugu? Kaks vihavaenlast perekonda, kelle lapsed saatuse tahtel just üksteisesse armuvad ning kelle keelatud soovist koos olla sünnib palju traagikat. Selles teoses sünnib see lugu Tokio äärelinnas, kus Capuletid ja Montague'id elavad. Lugu ise oli sama, mis Shakespeare'il ning seetõttu oli minu jaoks üsna kummaline lugeda. Mobiiltelefonid, autod, igasugune muu tehnika. Kiriku asemel on shinto tempel. Ja siis veel väga shakespeare'ilik dialoog. Kogu see kombinatsioon pani vahepeal silmi pööritama, sest kammoon, need asjad ei käi nii lihtsalt kokku. Väga kummaline mulje jäi.
Pildid olid joonistatud manga stiilis ning see on ka ainus, mis selles raamatus minu jaoks selle Jaapaniga seotud nimetusega seostub. Selle raamatu lugemist ei alusta sa meie poolt vaadatuna raamatu lõpust, vaid siiski algusest. Seda loetakse ka vasakult paremale igalt pildilt, mitte paremalt vasakule ja mul läks raamatu alguses aega sellest arusaamiseks. Mulle ei tulnud pähegi, et raamat, mille sarja nimes on manga ei olegi üdini jaapanipärane, kui inglisekeelses maailmas selle sõnaga eristataksegi just jaapanipärast koomiksit.
See raamat oli vahva lühike lugemine, kuid külvas minu jaoks ikkagi paraja portsu segadust. Mõtlen veel, kas proovin sarja mõne teise raamatu ka järgi, aga kui proovin, küll siis kirja ka panen.
Pildid olid joonistatud manga stiilis ning see on ka ainus, mis selles raamatus minu jaoks selle Jaapaniga seotud nimetusega seostub. Selle raamatu lugemist ei alusta sa meie poolt vaadatuna raamatu lõpust, vaid siiski algusest. Seda loetakse ka vasakult paremale igalt pildilt, mitte paremalt vasakule ja mul läks raamatu alguses aega sellest arusaamiseks. Mulle ei tulnud pähegi, et raamat, mille sarja nimes on manga ei olegi üdini jaapanipärane, kui inglisekeelses maailmas selle sõnaga eristataksegi just jaapanipärast koomiksit.
See raamat oli vahva lühike lugemine, kuid külvas minu jaoks ikkagi paraja portsu segadust. Mõtlen veel, kas proovin sarja mõne teise raamatu ka järgi, aga kui proovin, küll siis kirja ka panen.
May 12, 2019
Manga Shakespeare is a series of graphic novels that includes: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, The Tempest, King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and of course, Romeo and Juliet. Setting this classic tragedy in Tokyo, the novel starts by introducing all of our characters and their modern, Japenese inspired illustrations. The original text of Shakespeare is used and the oringial story line is followed. At the end of the book, there is a brief plot summary and bio on William Shakespeare. This rendition did receive the "Best Books for Teen Age" and "Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers" from the Young Adult Library Services Association.
I would absolutely use this in a classroom setting because it stays true to the work of Shakespeare. There are a lot of graphic novels that do not use the original text and even change the story line. For students that are just not engaging with the orginal format, this book could spark interest and lead to great opportunites for class projects, such as creating your own comic version of the story.
I would absolutely use this in a classroom setting because it stays true to the work of Shakespeare. There are a lot of graphic novels that do not use the original text and even change the story line. For students that are just not engaging with the orginal format, this book could spark interest and lead to great opportunites for class projects, such as creating your own comic version of the story.
March 27, 2019
This book is basically a manga adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, set in modern day Tokyo and following feuds between two rival Yakuza families. Sometimes it worked, but most of the time it just felt a little weird. I guess they were trying to follow in Baz Luhrman’s footsteps, and they did to an extent, but they didn’t get it perfect.
Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays and so perhaps I was always going to be a tough critic. And in the book’s defence, I do think that it’d be useful if you had a kid who was super into manga and who was studying Romeo and Juliet at school. But if you’re a pretty big Shakespeare fan with a passing interest in Manga, which was the case for me, maybe not so much.
I’m still glad that this book exists, though. I think there’s a gap in the market for stuff like this, so if you’re at all interested by the sound of it then check it out.
Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays and so perhaps I was always going to be a tough critic. And in the book’s defence, I do think that it’d be useful if you had a kid who was super into manga and who was studying Romeo and Juliet at school. But if you’re a pretty big Shakespeare fan with a passing interest in Manga, which was the case for me, maybe not so much.
I’m still glad that this book exists, though. I think there’s a gap in the market for stuff like this, so if you’re at all interested by the sound of it then check it out.
June 23, 2020
Überzeugendes, stimmiges, modernes Setting.
Romeo und Julia spielt hier im modernen Japan zwischen zwei verfeindeten Jakuza Gruppen. Die Feindschaft der Gruppen ist somit glaubwürdig. Der Priester wird zu einem Shinto Priester und man kämpft mit Katana. Auch Harakiri am Ende ist somit tatsächlich glaubwürdiger als im Original.
Dass der Prinz zum Polizisten wird ist auch stimmig.
Julias Vater ist eher etwas zu jung, aber das ist OK.
Die Zeichnungen sind typisch Manga und nett anzuschauen aber vor allem auch teils sehr hilfreich und unterstützten das Verständnis der Handlung.
Die Dialoge wurden stark zusammengekürzt, die schnutzigen sexuelle Inhalte rauseditiert und reingewaschen auf die reine Liebesgeschichte, also schultauglich, aber ohne die coolen Dialoge.
Insgesamt wirklich Stark gekürzt auf die Highlights aber das wirklich gut.
Romeo und Julia spielt hier im modernen Japan zwischen zwei verfeindeten Jakuza Gruppen. Die Feindschaft der Gruppen ist somit glaubwürdig. Der Priester wird zu einem Shinto Priester und man kämpft mit Katana. Auch Harakiri am Ende ist somit tatsächlich glaubwürdiger als im Original.
Dass der Prinz zum Polizisten wird ist auch stimmig.
Julias Vater ist eher etwas zu jung, aber das ist OK.
Die Zeichnungen sind typisch Manga und nett anzuschauen aber vor allem auch teils sehr hilfreich und unterstützten das Verständnis der Handlung.
Die Dialoge wurden stark zusammengekürzt, die schnutzigen sexuelle Inhalte rauseditiert und reingewaschen auf die reine Liebesgeschichte, also schultauglich, aber ohne die coolen Dialoge.
Insgesamt wirklich Stark gekürzt auf die Highlights aber das wirklich gut.
December 3, 2022
A little background: I was on vacation and visited Shakespeare’s home in Stratford on Avon. It’s present form includes (of course) a bookstore with many different versions of the plays, including many as manga. So I grabbed Romeo and Juliet. The text is in English and slightly abridged/adapted from the original. The lovers are from competing Yakuza families in modern Tokyo to fit with manga style illustrations.
And still it all worked. The Bard’s tragedy shone through all of the various transformations. (Just as the West Side Story movies showed the cast credits twice because the producers knew audiences would be crying through the first time.)
Bottom line: Since I read all the plays in high school (50+ years ago) and have seen many on stage or on screen, I think I’ll keep going with the other 13 available in manga form.
And still it all worked. The Bard’s tragedy shone through all of the various transformations. (Just as the West Side Story movies showed the cast credits twice because the producers knew audiences would be crying through the first time.)
Bottom line: Since I read all the plays in high school (50+ years ago) and have seen many on stage or on screen, I think I’ll keep going with the other 13 available in manga form.
May 28, 2023
"Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet" is a manga-styled hommage of the famous play: Romeo and Juliet. This comic, like the original Romeo and Juliet, uses early modern English with the storyline of two feuding houses: the Capulets and the Montagues. however, unlike its original, its story is more dramatized like a traditional Japanese manga.
I liked the idea of dramatizing the famous play during the 1600s, and how easy it was to read this book, but what I did not like about this play was the general depth of the story, where the narrative of the story does not tell the story with full depth, but only tells the basic idea of what happens and what doesn't.
Overall, I would recommend this Manga Shakespeare to any Manga fans who want to understand the story of Romeo and Juliet or want to read mangas with early modern language in them.
I liked the idea of dramatizing the famous play during the 1600s, and how easy it was to read this book, but what I did not like about this play was the general depth of the story, where the narrative of the story does not tell the story with full depth, but only tells the basic idea of what happens and what doesn't.
Overall, I would recommend this Manga Shakespeare to any Manga fans who want to understand the story of Romeo and Juliet or want to read mangas with early modern language in them.
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