Jason: Quest for the Golden Fleece

Graphic Myths and Legends

by Tim Seeley, Barbara Schulz (Illustrator)

Jason was born a prince of the kingdom of Argos. But when Jason was a child, his uncle Pelias stole the throne and sent Jason into hiding. Now a young man, Jason returns to claim his birthright. But Pelias only sneers. He demands that Jason prove himself by retrieving the priceless, magical Golden Fleece from the far-off land of Colchis. Jason accepts the challenge and gathers a ship full of Greek war heroes to aid him. But what deadly trials has Aeetes, King of Colchis, set for Jason? And what plans does the beautiful witch Medea have for the seeker of the Golden Fleece?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mythology, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

48 pages, Library Binding

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Tim Seeley is a comic book artist and writer known for his work on books such as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Dark Elf Trilogy, Batman Eternal and Grayson. He is also the co-creator of the Image Comics titles Hack/Slash[1] and Revival, as well as the Dark Horse titles, ExSanguine and Sundowners. He lives in Chicago.

Reviews

[Cynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

At GR Catching Up on Classics, we are reading Medea by Euripides. Having read this play before at least once, I wanted to read something extra before rereading the play. I started with Medea Tells All: A Mad, Magical Love by Eric Braun--a book I told had too much bright, not enough depth or darkness.


A friend at GR Catching Up on Classics suggested that I instead read this book written by Jeff Limke and illustrated by Tim Seeley. I found a story with more depth and darkness. I wanted a darker story that felt more likely. I found a story that reveals the different goals that Jason and Medea had, the differences could have been known from the very beginning. Medea took charge where she should have listened and pondered. Not that there was much time to ponder upon what she wanted from Jason. Not enough time to discuss between she and Jason. Only time to make a decision and follow through. It was her fatal mistake in a less than ideal situation.

In ancient stories we often read of a fatal mistake--labeled or not labeled. It is a literary tradition.

This story does not definitively tell what happened between Jason and Medea. The story has been told and retold/imagined and reimagined too many times Only they two--Jason and Medea--would know. This story as written and illustrated tells a story that might have truth.

The art of Tim Seeley indicates the shadowy story, the vague way these two lovers negotiated relationship.

Worth reading and considering while reading Medea. Makes both human and more easily understood.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The panels of the novel are a high point of the work. The interspersing of full page depictions alongside small panels creates an pleasing contrast. There are attractive and vibrant colors that enhance the quality and the pull of attention of the work. In addition to the wonderful artwork, the story is a myth that features in many different stories and is an important addition to anyone's literary toolbox.

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great "Graphic Universe" adaptation. I think they are best when doing these Greek myths but all that I have read have been good. For a short book a lot is packed in but it doesn't feel crowded. Of course, a lot is left out because of the size but it should encourage people to read the whole story.
Jason looks a lot like Tony Stark wearing part of his Ironman armour. Very cute.

[Paul Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining retelling of the legend.

A simple but enjoyable retelling of Jason and the Golden Fleece for young people. Very well illustrated and easy to read - a good introduction for those who may wish to read further and in more detail, the adventures of Jason and his fellow Argonauts.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst of the Graphic Universe comics I’ve read so far. The others were good. This one needlessly mixes up the chronology, making it quite confusing, and inexplicably leaves out some top episodes in the myth. Where are the harpies, for instance? Instead we get a wise and helpful Phineus, “saved from starvation” by the heroes.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medea is one of my favorite mythological characters. I get that she's kind of a terrible human being (okay, more than kind of), but she's still awesome. Don't tone her down with this pushing her brother overboard nonsense. Have her chop him into pieces like she's supposed to.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jason: Quest for the Golden Fleece”
“Row! Row as if your life depends on it – because it does!”

Very good series giving a generalised overview of the predominant myths and legends that have shaped our worldviews.
- - -

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible version of a great mythological tale. It's slow, dull, lacks any real action, misses many great events, the dialogue is vapid, and the guardian of the Fleece is a tyrannosaurus.
Avoid.

[Beth Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the cover demonstrates, the artwork is pretty well done. The artist even cites at the beginning and the end of this graphic novel which sources he used in his research as well as who checked his work for visual accuracy. I do like a well researched graphic novel!

Most of the story is pretty straight forward, but there were a couple of places where I was slightly confused, not knowing the other myths that play to this one. I think for the most part, students would like the story (lots of adventure, monsters, and tricksters), but I docked it a star for clarity.

[Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

good for lil' kids but it was pretty okay for me, too.