Perseus and Medusa

by Blake Hoena (Adapter), Ferran Daniel (Illustrations), Sebastian Facio (Ink)

A prophecy states that the king of Argos will be defeated by his infant grandson Perseus, so the king throws Perseus, and his mother, into the sea. They are rescued by a fisherman, and young Perseus grows up, unaware of his royal birth. Before he can claim his heritage, the hero is ordered to slay a hideous monster named Medusa, whose gaze turns men into solid stone. How can the youth fight an enemy he cannot even look at? He will need the wisdom and the weapons of the gods themselves. These reader-favorite tiles are now updated for enhanced Common Core State Standards support, including discussion and writing prompts developed by a Common Core expert, an expanded introduction, bolded glossary words and dynamic new covers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mythology, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Comics, Greek Mythology, Childrens

69 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Blake A. Hoena grew up in central Wisconsin, where, in his youth, he wrote stories about robots conquering the Moon and trolls lumbering around in the woods behind his parents house, and the fact that the trolls were hunting for little boys had nothing to do with Blake’s pesky brothers. Later, he moved to Minnesota to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Since graduating, Blake has written more than thirty books for children, including retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Perseus and Medusa myth. Most recently, he’s working on a series of graphic novels about two space alien brothers, Eek and Ack, who are determined to conquer our big blue home.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Nhi Nguyễn]

Did I tell you that Perseus is my most favorite Greek hero? Yes, he is, and it was such an amazing experience to read about his story with illustrations, as in this comic book. I love how the book got every important details in this hero's life, from the prophecy that he would bring death to his grandfather, to his humble upbringing as a fisherman, to the brave, courageous hero that slayed the Medusa. From such a poor and unfortunate upbringing, he could rise up and become the first hero in Greek mythology, wow! And there is a constellation named after him. So cool!

[The Beloved Bibliophile]

I’m loving these mythological retellings!

[Nikki in Niagara]

This retelling of the famous Greek myth is quite complete in its details including parts of the story not always included in children's versions such as the Gorgons which frequently get dropped. But I was most impressed with the inclusion of the sidestory of Perseus's return journey home including his saving of Andromeda before he returns to court with the head of Medusa. A very true retelling keeping it suitable for children. There is a bit of violence, Medusa does get her head chopped off after all, and with that a few drops of blood are shown here and there over a few pages. Nothing I wouldn't deem suitable for an 8yo of my own. The illustrations are gorgeous! I always say this when I review a Stone Arch book but they always use top-notch artists for their books. Perez has worked for Marvel and Dark Horse comics and his illustrations beautifully bring the story alive. A must read for mythology fans!

[TrastorNano]

Ya la había leído hace mucho, fue una de mis primeras novelas gráficas, pero aunque tiene a su favor ser tan corta y entretenida, además de dar un resumen y demás información sobre mitología griega, se me hizo un sentimiento de vergüenza ajena la traducción al español, ya que al ser un español neutro no me generaba lo mismo que un dialecto o léxico serio y "normal" por así decirlo...

[Emily]

I'm working up to getting my kids into reading some of the classics. Graphic novels has been pretty helpful in that. This one let them follow the story of the classic mythology of Perseus. And the artwork was very well done.

[Leo]

A interesting novel, somewhat gory

[Wenceslado Caal Chub]

It's a beautiful book is a history of perseus who fight with medusa perseus killed a medusa.

[Sarahs Reads ToKids]

Lydia picked up this graphic novel because she is reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. She really liked this graphic novel.

[Luz Mar]

interesante, bastante concisa la historia, estuvo bueno para ser mi primera novela gráfica

[Dassa]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love Percy Jackson and Greek Mithology, and I was always intrigued bout Perseus story, with Andromeda, and everything else...

[Joseph R.]

This is a fairly faithful retelling of the myths around Greek hero Perseus. A prophecy said that he would cause the death of his grandfather, King Acrisius of Argos. Naturally the king isn't happy about that and sends his daughter and grandson out to sea locked in a chest. They are found and freed by some fishermen who take them in. Perseus has various adventures on the journey that takes him back to Argos where he accidentally kills his grandfather. The main adventure is killing Medusa and taking her head, though he also rescues Ethiopian princess Andromeda from a sea monster and then weds her.

The story is entertaining and well told though it was a bit too scary for Lucy, who is only 4 years old. Also, some bits might require explanation, like why the king is banishing them so cruelly. The book has discussion questions, writing prompts, and other resources for school-aged children. It seems aimed at 4th to 8th graders.

[Colin]

A concise, stylised and dynamic version of the Perseus and Medusa myth. Ideal for less committed or lower ability readers.

I intend to use this book (amongst others) when teaching myths & legends to year 3 primary children - to compare the many ways in which stories can be told and passed on from one generation to the next.

[Dana]

Will never stop loving all these greek mythologies. This book also shows that graphic novels can convey more things and is more interestng and better than written novels. I really loved it!

[David]

Good

[Natalie]

This book is a comic about Greek myths and legends. It is about how Perseus saved his family and the quest to kill Medusa. I liked this book a lot.

[Karen]

Great, concise but thorough re-telling. I think I will purchase the series for school.

[GRPLTeens Grand Rapids Public Library]

the book was ok

[MsBDiamondDiva1]

This was for my son! But it was an ok read:-)

[Alexia]

3.5

[Manuel Bv]

Se lo compré a mi hijo y terminé leyéndome yo el cómic. Aunque el dibujo no me gusta mucho, la historia de Perseo y Medusa me encanta.

[Sabri]

Me lo compre sin esperanzas, no sabia bien la historia y esta buena. Sumando los gráficos que me re gustaron pase un lindo rato leyéndolo.

[Kristin Fletcher-spear]

reviewing for voya

[Shawn]

The story of Perseus and his battle with Medusa the Gorgan.

[Etalyas Mcneal]

i think this will be a very good book good job goodreads keep up with the good work ohh i almost forgot makes some more books like this and you will be the number one reading websites online