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Manga Classics
Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet
A classic Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet is the tale of two star-crossed young lovers who dare to defy their feuding families, put aside all obstacles, and find happiness together - but at a tremendous cost. This grimly beautiful tale, set in Renaissance Italy, follows Romeo and Juliet from their fateful first meeting to their last. Manga Classics brings you this incredible manga version of William Shakespeare's most popular play, with FULL, ADAPTED MODERN ENGLISH text for easy reading!
412 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2018
29 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Crystal S. Chan
32 books51 followersAdaptation of classic novels into manga editions with Stacy King.
See also: Crystal King
See also: Crystal King
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
October 1, 2018
Romeo and Juliet- Manga Classics – by William Shakespeare, by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan (Adaptation), Julien Choy (Art), Akanovas (Lettering), Jeannie Lee (Lettering)
There is no need to go into the synopsis or plot of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. We all know the basics of this story by now. Many have read the play in school or have seen a stage or movie adaptation at one point. So, I think it is safe to skip the analysis.
For me, Manga is something I flat out ignored for years because I presumed without ever giving it a fair chance that it would not be something I’d enjoy. Then I discovered it was often geared towards teens or young adults, which was yet another strike against it. But, by sheer accident, I discovered Manga covered a lot of areas, and was much more complex than I’d given it credit for.
Having gotten to an age where I’ve dipped my toes in many different genres, and sub-genres, I find that the ‘I’ve outgrown this’ or ‘aged out of’ attitude closes off many unexplored avenues and because I like to think I’m open minded, I’ve begun to reconsider areas I’ve previously closed off. As a result, I’m having a lot of fun learning about Manga, Graphic Novels, and Comics.
Much to my surprise, I’ve found a nice selection of classic stories, in Manga/Graphic Novel format. After recently reading a memoir by Olivia Hussey, the actress who portrayed Juliet in the famous Zeffirelli 1968 film, this play was on my mind quite a lot. So, when I noticed this Manga version on Netgalley, it grabbed my attention immediately.
For anyone who may be thinking the dialogue is 'updated' with more modern dialect, you’d be wrong. This is the same script you’d find in the original play- except there are no stage directions. Instead, those are replaced by images, which works out much better than I’d have imagined. The artwork is spectacular, as is the adaptation. Obviously, a great deal of thought went into how to present this classic in Manga form, and I’d say it came off beautifully. Granted, I’m still a novice at this, but I was pleased with the presentation.
I did have a few technical issues, since this one is not in Kindle/ MOBI format. I had to use Adobe Edition, which is a pain, and the scrolling was terrible, especially since, of course it’s back to front. Several times my screen jumped to the end of the book and caused a great deal of frustration.
Shakespeare is still difficult to read and adjusting to this format made it an even bigger challenge. It took me a good long while to get through it. (If anyone has a suggestion on how to make this less daunting- please feel free to offer me some suggestions.)
However, despite the heaviness of the drama, and the extra effort it required to read the book, I was impressed, and enjoyed reading this classic with the well-drawn illustrations and art work which certainly enriched and enhanced my experience.
Despite the disdain of melodrama- I liked all the angst between Romeo and Juliet- but not that sad ending! It still makes a great cautionary tale- even after all these years. 4 stars
There is no need to go into the synopsis or plot of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. We all know the basics of this story by now. Many have read the play in school or have seen a stage or movie adaptation at one point. So, I think it is safe to skip the analysis.
For me, Manga is something I flat out ignored for years because I presumed without ever giving it a fair chance that it would not be something I’d enjoy. Then I discovered it was often geared towards teens or young adults, which was yet another strike against it. But, by sheer accident, I discovered Manga covered a lot of areas, and was much more complex than I’d given it credit for.
Having gotten to an age where I’ve dipped my toes in many different genres, and sub-genres, I find that the ‘I’ve outgrown this’ or ‘aged out of’ attitude closes off many unexplored avenues and because I like to think I’m open minded, I’ve begun to reconsider areas I’ve previously closed off. As a result, I’m having a lot of fun learning about Manga, Graphic Novels, and Comics.
Much to my surprise, I’ve found a nice selection of classic stories, in Manga/Graphic Novel format. After recently reading a memoir by Olivia Hussey, the actress who portrayed Juliet in the famous Zeffirelli 1968 film, this play was on my mind quite a lot. So, when I noticed this Manga version on Netgalley, it grabbed my attention immediately.
For anyone who may be thinking the dialogue is 'updated' with more modern dialect, you’d be wrong. This is the same script you’d find in the original play- except there are no stage directions. Instead, those are replaced by images, which works out much better than I’d have imagined. The artwork is spectacular, as is the adaptation. Obviously, a great deal of thought went into how to present this classic in Manga form, and I’d say it came off beautifully. Granted, I’m still a novice at this, but I was pleased with the presentation.
I did have a few technical issues, since this one is not in Kindle/ MOBI format. I had to use Adobe Edition, which is a pain, and the scrolling was terrible, especially since, of course it’s back to front. Several times my screen jumped to the end of the book and caused a great deal of frustration.
Shakespeare is still difficult to read and adjusting to this format made it an even bigger challenge. It took me a good long while to get through it. (If anyone has a suggestion on how to make this less daunting- please feel free to offer me some suggestions.)
However, despite the heaviness of the drama, and the extra effort it required to read the book, I was impressed, and enjoyed reading this classic with the well-drawn illustrations and art work which certainly enriched and enhanced my experience.
Despite the disdain of melodrama- I liked all the angst between Romeo and Juliet- but not that sad ending! It still makes a great cautionary tale- even after all these years. 4 stars
January 25, 2019
I'm a fan of the
Manga Classics
that's why I'm already aware that the publisher,
Udon Entertainment,
always use the original text from the book they were adapting. I know
Romeo and Juliet
but I still haven't read the book either watch any stage play or movie adaptation, hence, I'm eager to check out this manga adaptation.
This is the first time that I've rated a Manga Classics low because of it's not that easy to comprehend what the characters are saying because they are in Early Modern English. Just like what I've mentioned, I'm fully aware that the publisher never makes any alterations to the dialogues because they use the original format. I could understand some of the conversations in the story however, I fail to grasp several parts. Thankfully, I still got to follow the story through the illustrations.
If there would be any future plans of Udon Entertainment to adapt other works of William Shakespeare, hopefully, they will try to make the dialogues easy to understand because I'm positive that it will be more marketable even to middle-graders.
This is the first time that I've rated a Manga Classics low because of it's not that easy to comprehend what the characters are saying because they are in Early Modern English. Just like what I've mentioned, I'm fully aware that the publisher never makes any alterations to the dialogues because they use the original format. I could understand some of the conversations in the story however, I fail to grasp several parts. Thankfully, I still got to follow the story through the illustrations.
If there would be any future plans of Udon Entertainment to adapt other works of William Shakespeare, hopefully, they will try to make the dialogues easy to understand because I'm positive that it will be more marketable even to middle-graders.
July 26, 2022
Now, this is how Shakespeare should be adapted to manga! Modernised language but not slangy nor excessively modern, faithful to the original plot without outrageous omissions or additions & changes, beautiful art with expressive faces and lovely settings. This is what I'll be showing the children when they want to read a classic in graphic novel/manga version, as it's simply one of the best in Udon's Manga Classics series.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
TW//
There’s two versions of the Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet. There’s this one (the full text version) and the Modern English version. Had I known that there was two versions before requesting this one on NetGalley, I would’ve not requested this one and instead bought the Modern English version. Shakespeare’s old English writing style and me don’t get along. It’s so confusing for literally no reason. I was glad that I had studied the play back in high school so that I generally knew the plot because if I hadn’t, this manga would’ve been even more confusing to me. The artistic features that a manga format allows for lets there be panels where a metaphor comes to life, but if you don’t understand the metaphor in the text, then the drawings will confuse you even more than the text.
I did find the artwork to be really beautiful though. I particularly loved how Juliet, Mercutio, and Benvolio were drawn. The illustrations also made an attempt to appeal this story to a younger audience by using modern humor that teens would enjoy. If it weren’t for the stunning drawings, I would’ve struggled even more with this manga.
This is probably one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and I think everyone should read (or watch) this story in some format. It’s one of the earliest works of forbidden love, insta-love, and the miscommunication trope. The influence that this story has on pop culture will never be forgotten, but I just didn’t find this version of the story to be super interesting. I’m going to read the Modern English version of this manga at some point in the future and hopefully I’ll have more luck with that version.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a copy of this book.
There’s two versions of the Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet. There’s this one (the full text version) and the Modern English version. Had I known that there was two versions before requesting this one on NetGalley, I would’ve not requested this one and instead bought the Modern English version. Shakespeare’s old English writing style and me don’t get along. It’s so confusing for literally no reason. I was glad that I had studied the play back in high school so that I generally knew the plot because if I hadn’t, this manga would’ve been even more confusing to me. The artistic features that a manga format allows for lets there be panels where a metaphor comes to life, but if you don’t understand the metaphor in the text, then the drawings will confuse you even more than the text.
I did find the artwork to be really beautiful though. I particularly loved how Juliet, Mercutio, and Benvolio were drawn. The illustrations also made an attempt to appeal this story to a younger audience by using modern humor that teens would enjoy. If it weren’t for the stunning drawings, I would’ve struggled even more with this manga.
This is probably one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and I think everyone should read (or watch) this story in some format. It’s one of the earliest works of forbidden love, insta-love, and the miscommunication trope. The influence that this story has on pop culture will never be forgotten, but I just didn’t find this version of the story to be super interesting. I’m going to read the Modern English version of this manga at some point in the future and hopefully I’ll have more luck with that version.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a copy of this book.
April 16, 2018
This is a brilliant adaptation of William Shakespeare's work of genius. The artwork is gorgeous and fits seamlessly in with Shakespeare's original text to form a breathtaking view of Romeo and Juliet. This has always been a favorite classic of mine and I adore the adaptations I have come across like the movie that stars Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCarprio. This manga enthralled me and fully captivated the essence of the original work. I highly recommend this version to anyone studying this literature in school for a better understanding or to anyone interested in Shakespeare.
This story is about two star crossed lovers. There is a long running feud between the wealthy families Montague and Capulet. What happens when the two young adult heirs of each family happen across each other and fall in love? They know their relationship could be doomed but what if their union could smooth over their families' hatred? This story is full of action, drama, romance and is never boring.
Thank you to NetGalley and Udon Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story is about two star crossed lovers. There is a long running feud between the wealthy families Montague and Capulet. What happens when the two young adult heirs of each family happen across each other and fall in love? They know their relationship could be doomed but what if their union could smooth over their families' hatred? This story is full of action, drama, romance and is never boring.
Thank you to NetGalley and Udon Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 26, 2018
⭐4 stars⭐
I never really loved Romeo & Juliet's story but anyone who likes it and is a fan of manga should give this one a try. It was a lovely adaptation.
Can't wait for more Manga Classics stories.
I never really loved Romeo & Juliet's story but anyone who likes it and is a fan of manga should give this one a try. It was a lovely adaptation.
Can't wait for more Manga Classics stories.
December 11, 2018
I have been loving these manga classics, but this one is not my favorite!
English is not my first language, so I always struggle with reading classics, and I think that's why I didn't enjoy this one as I hoped to. And they used the Shakespeare's original text which I honestly don't fully understand.
I kept looking up words and many phrases confused me and I kept guessing the meaning. I know the fault is on me because I couldn't fully immerse myself in the manga with this writing and I hoped it was simplified.
But if you love Romeo & Juliet the classic, I am sure you would really enjoy the manga. :)
To end this on a high note, the artwork was amazing as I expected it to be. This manga brings the classic Romeo and Juliet to life!
I am so excited that there is always new manga from this classics series to add to my reading list from time to time.
English is not my first language, so I always struggle with reading classics, and I think that's why I didn't enjoy this one as I hoped to. And they used the Shakespeare's original text which I honestly don't fully understand.
I kept looking up words and many phrases confused me and I kept guessing the meaning. I know the fault is on me because I couldn't fully immerse myself in the manga with this writing and I hoped it was simplified.
But if you love Romeo & Juliet the classic, I am sure you would really enjoy the manga. :)
To end this on a high note, the artwork was amazing as I expected it to be. This manga brings the classic Romeo and Juliet to life!
I am so excited that there is always new manga from this classics series to add to my reading list from time to time.
June 8, 2019
I have never read Romeo and Juliet so I can't compare the original classic with this manga. To me, this manga was nicely drawn and delivered the emotions of love and despair. I enjoyed reading it.
September 10, 2023
This manga adaptation of Williams Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is the perfect way to introduce Shakespeare to readers who might feel intimidated by the original play. The text is modernized, but is still written in iambic pentameter, and still has the original rhymes of the play. The entire play is intact, and all the beauty of Shakespeare's words comes through wonderfully in this modern adaptation.
I am so impressed with the way the text was modernized, and with the integrity and thoughtfulness that went into editing it. It really does feel like something that Shakespeare would have written if he had been alive today. There is no jarring modern slang to ruin the beauty of the lines. It feels like someone just translated the words from another language, and made it easy to understand for modern readers, but without losing any of the flavor and emotion of the original text.
The beautiful artwork brings the play to life! Every page is just so gorgeous! The art is delicate and attractive. I love the designs for each character. Romeo is handsome and strong, and Juliet is sweet and graceful. Mercutio is wild and haughty. Count Paris is noble and elegant. Their clothing, their facial expressions, their hair and eyes and body language; it all comes together to paint the perfect picture of these characters. They really come to life!
I have read and reread the original play of Romeo and Juliet at least twenty times, and it was such a delight to revisit this favorite story in manga form!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I am so impressed with the way the text was modernized, and with the integrity and thoughtfulness that went into editing it. It really does feel like something that Shakespeare would have written if he had been alive today. There is no jarring modern slang to ruin the beauty of the lines. It feels like someone just translated the words from another language, and made it easy to understand for modern readers, but without losing any of the flavor and emotion of the original text.
The beautiful artwork brings the play to life! Every page is just so gorgeous! The art is delicate and attractive. I love the designs for each character. Romeo is handsome and strong, and Juliet is sweet and graceful. Mercutio is wild and haughty. Count Paris is noble and elegant. Their clothing, their facial expressions, their hair and eyes and body language; it all comes together to paint the perfect picture of these characters. They really come to life!
I have read and reread the original play of Romeo and Juliet at least twenty times, and it was such a delight to revisit this favorite story in manga form!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 13, 2020
It took me a while to read this, not because it’s a long read or because I didn’t like it. I just couldn’t tear my eyes away from the beautiful art!! I kept going back to look at the drawings over and over. They were simply captivating. It also gave a more dramatic take on Romeo and Juliet that you just can’t have with really actors. The nurse was hilarious, even just looking at her face cracked me up. And Romeo is so over the top with feeling that I love him all the more. Juliet is my favorite because she’s perfect and lovely in every scene. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, manga, or love stories, you have got to pick this up!! Just gorgeous!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 3, 2023
It was nice to read the most played out story by William Shakespeare in the form of a manga. Romeo and Juliet is the forbidden love story that lots of us have loved. I have always loved the classics, this had a modern side to it. It was a good read.
March 22, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Manga Classics Inc. for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although I don't particularly like the original play by Shakespeare, I really did enjoy this manga edition of Romeo and Juliet. The art is incredibly detailed and grandiose, just like the characters themselves. I felt that it was able to effectively capture the plot and remain comprehensive without seeming cluttered. I'm pretty sure that this is an unabridged version of the story, as it's written in the same language, and I recognized many of the lines from the original play.
Overall, I think that this might have been a better experience than the original play itself, at least for me. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed the play or didn't, alike, because it really is an interesting way to experience one of Shakespeare's most well-known and widely-adapted stories.
Although I don't particularly like the original play by Shakespeare, I really did enjoy this manga edition of Romeo and Juliet. The art is incredibly detailed and grandiose, just like the characters themselves. I felt that it was able to effectively capture the plot and remain comprehensive without seeming cluttered. I'm pretty sure that this is an unabridged version of the story, as it's written in the same language, and I recognized many of the lines from the original play.
Overall, I think that this might have been a better experience than the original play itself, at least for me. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed the play or didn't, alike, because it really is an interesting way to experience one of Shakespeare's most well-known and widely-adapted stories.
May 9, 2025
2025 reads: 103/300
in this manga adaptation of the classic romeo and juliet, two star-crossed lovers defy their feuding families to find happiness in each other. romeo and juliet is a story that i love retellings of, but i haven’t read or seen many direct adaptations of. i think this book really made it set in just how young these two were and how quickly this story unfolded. still, i really enjoyed this adaptation, from the art to the story itself. i’d recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the original and likes manga.
in this manga adaptation of the classic romeo and juliet, two star-crossed lovers defy their feuding families to find happiness in each other. romeo and juliet is a story that i love retellings of, but i haven’t read or seen many direct adaptations of. i think this book really made it set in just how young these two were and how quickly this story unfolded. still, i really enjoyed this adaptation, from the art to the story itself. i’d recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the original and likes manga.
May 8, 2018
I felt completely lost reading this maybe because I haven't read the original or translation or know anything about it...Shakespeare is difficult to read but I never realised he would be hard to read in Manga as well...
September 14, 2018
“Two households, both alike in dignity
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-marked love
And the continuance of their parents' rage,
Which, but their children's end, naught could remove,
Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”
THIS. WAS. PERFECT.
I have no words.
I loved Romeo and Juliet’s story since my childhood. I loved the Italian musicals and Zeffirelli’s production. I loved this story from the beginning. I loved this manga.
This book is perfection in every way: the plot, the lines, the characters, the settings. All is done right. Every detailed scene is magnifique. Fabulous.
The drawings are astonishing and iper-accurate. The characters are well described and their actions are acted as in the show.
The places are so good done: the detailed landscape and settings show us what Verona could’ve been during R&J time. The dresses and swords are beautiful.
What I find so good, however, are the metaphors. Wow, they are perfect. Shakespeare worked with words and images, and the artist of this manga creates a universe of metaphors and symbolism so truth to the original story. This imagining flights are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in a book. And I can say that studying a lot of art history’s stuff.
Talking about the characters: can we appreciate Mercutio? He is my favorite character in the play and, oh my goodness, he is better in the manga. How can it be possible? I don know, but I love how he turned out. His personality is eruption and flowers and vicious smiles and I can see all these in the character’s style and figure.
“I talk of dreams,
which are the children of an idle brain,
Be got of nothing but vain fantasy,
Which is as thin of substance as the air
and more inconstant than the wind, who wooes
even now the frozen bosom of the North
and, being anger’d, puffs away from thence,
turning his face to the dew-dropping South.”
I must do my compliment to the artist of this beautiful work.
Thanks to Udon because this is one of the best manga I’ve ever experienced.
Now I’m weeping on this arc because of this sad story and the perfection. Ops.
And you, If you are reading this review, go and buy this book. Now. You will love this story and this drawings as much as I do. Go, now.
“Alack, there lies more peril in thine eyes than twenty of their swords.
Look thou but sweet, and I am proof against their enmity.”
*Thanks to Netgalley and UDon for sending me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-marked love
And the continuance of their parents' rage,
Which, but their children's end, naught could remove,
Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”
THIS. WAS. PERFECT.
I have no words.
I loved Romeo and Juliet’s story since my childhood. I loved the Italian musicals and Zeffirelli’s production. I loved this story from the beginning. I loved this manga.
This book is perfection in every way: the plot, the lines, the characters, the settings. All is done right. Every detailed scene is magnifique. Fabulous.
The drawings are astonishing and iper-accurate. The characters are well described and their actions are acted as in the show.
The places are so good done: the detailed landscape and settings show us what Verona could’ve been during R&J time. The dresses and swords are beautiful.
What I find so good, however, are the metaphors. Wow, they are perfect. Shakespeare worked with words and images, and the artist of this manga creates a universe of metaphors and symbolism so truth to the original story. This imagining flights are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in a book. And I can say that studying a lot of art history’s stuff.
Talking about the characters: can we appreciate Mercutio? He is my favorite character in the play and, oh my goodness, he is better in the manga. How can it be possible? I don know, but I love how he turned out. His personality is eruption and flowers and vicious smiles and I can see all these in the character’s style and figure.
“I talk of dreams,
which are the children of an idle brain,
Be got of nothing but vain fantasy,
Which is as thin of substance as the air
and more inconstant than the wind, who wooes
even now the frozen bosom of the North
and, being anger’d, puffs away from thence,
turning his face to the dew-dropping South.”
I must do my compliment to the artist of this beautiful work.
Thanks to Udon because this is one of the best manga I’ve ever experienced.
Now I’m weeping on this arc because of this sad story and the perfection. Ops.
And you, If you are reading this review, go and buy this book. Now. You will love this story and this drawings as much as I do. Go, now.
“Alack, there lies more peril in thine eyes than twenty of their swords.
Look thou but sweet, and I am proof against their enmity.”
*Thanks to Netgalley and UDon for sending me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 11, 2021
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For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.
I really appreciate the intent and the effort that goes into adapting classics like Shakespeare's works. The amount of research and the art engineering that are put into something like this is admirable. However, my only comment is that maybe they create an even more accessible version where the text uses modern English (a la SparkNotes), especially if the goal is to make classics like this accessible to non-English natives and/or those who aren't familiar with old English that much.
I fairly enjoyed this one because I already read it before and had a full context before jumping in.
For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.
I really appreciate the intent and the effort that goes into adapting classics like Shakespeare's works. The amount of research and the art engineering that are put into something like this is admirable. However, my only comment is that maybe they create an even more accessible version where the text uses modern English (a la SparkNotes), especially if the goal is to make classics like this accessible to non-English natives and/or those who aren't familiar with old English that much.
I fairly enjoyed this one because I already read it before and had a full context before jumping in.
October 22, 2020
RESEÑA COMPLETA: https://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com...
Quiero empezar recalcando la maravilla que son los dibujos e ilustraciones, como el entorno y paisajes están muy bien y lleno de detalles que lo hacen único y las expresiones de los personajes son increíbles y le dan un toque original y cuqui a la historia. Así que en cuanto a dibujos es una maravilla y me alegro de haberme decidido por la adaptación al manga que por el clásico normal, porque seguramente no hubiera podido pasar de las primeras páginas, de este modo se me ha hecho muy ameno a pesar de los contras y he llegado a finalizar la novela. Y es que esta novela no ha sido para mí, sé que a casi todo el mundo le gusta y que es un clásico universal adorado y con una fama tremenda pero a mí me ha parecido una historia insulsa y con unos personajes insoportables.
Una adaptación maravillosa y llena de exquisitos detalles y una historia que no ha sido para mí.
Quiero empezar recalcando la maravilla que son los dibujos e ilustraciones, como el entorno y paisajes están muy bien y lleno de detalles que lo hacen único y las expresiones de los personajes son increíbles y le dan un toque original y cuqui a la historia. Así que en cuanto a dibujos es una maravilla y me alegro de haberme decidido por la adaptación al manga que por el clásico normal, porque seguramente no hubiera podido pasar de las primeras páginas, de este modo se me ha hecho muy ameno a pesar de los contras y he llegado a finalizar la novela. Y es que esta novela no ha sido para mí, sé que a casi todo el mundo le gusta y que es un clásico universal adorado y con una fama tremenda pero a mí me ha parecido una historia insulsa y con unos personajes insoportables.
Una adaptación maravillosa y llena de exquisitos detalles y una historia que no ha sido para mí.
July 31, 2020
A classic tragedy about how teenage boys are idiots and should never have swords or poison, the manga edition of Romeo and Juliet is well worth a read and is a lot of fun. It's been years since I've read R+J, and Shakespearean English can take a while to back into so I really like how they utilized the fantasy and visual aspects of the manga format to make the metaphors and wordplay clear. And I don't think they cut any of the dialog or scenes for this; may be the next best thing to seeing a full live adaptation.
March 21, 2018
Call me a cinic, but I've never seen the great romantic love story everybody seems to see in Romeo and Juliet. The verses that stick in my mind are not "a Rose by any other name would smell as sweet" or "it is not yet near day:it was the nightingale, and not the lark" but Tybalt's "a plague to both your houses". Because everytime I come to this play -no matter the format-I see the characters' mistakes -which are our own-. How wrong and sometimes ridiculous our choices are. I'm not sure how strong Romeo and Juliet's love is- quite volatile judging by how Quickly he forgets Rosalind- but they should have been let to love each other for a while. How absurd a feud over nothing la and how terrible consequences it has, not only for the lovers but for those who surround them like Tybalt who represents the wasted possility of a brilliant future. It is about wrong choices, c creating Walls around us, choosing hate over love and not having Free will. Because they are all puppets subject to destiny.
I'm not sure a manga is the Perfect way to show it all. Somehow it reminds me of Luhrman's Romeo+ Juliet, which I love, it is weird but it's a good way for the young ones to get into the story and the graphics are cool
I'm not sure a manga is the Perfect way to show it all. Somehow it reminds me of Luhrman's Romeo+ Juliet, which I love, it is weird but it's a good way for the young ones to get into the story and the graphics are cool
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May 14, 20213 stars.
Thank you to Udon Entertainment for having auto-approved me on Netgalley to read these!
I love these manga editions of the classics because they make the stories I would otherwise be unable to get through a lot easier and much more entertaining to read. Most classics just aren't for me, because the plot is too boring or the language too difficult. My favourite was definitely The Count of Monte Cristo, but I've read a few others and though they aren't necessarily more exciting I'm familiarised with the works.
I give this 3 stars mostly for the artwork, which is, as per usual, amazing. And of course we all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. It's not my favourite story, I don't find it as romantic as a lot of people seem to do, but rather silly. And I was hoping that the language would have been easier to read, but it wasn't, which was a bit disappointing to me. Nevertheless there are parts of it I do enjoy, and I definitely think that fans of the story and/or play would like this.
To me is was all quite meh.
Thank you to Udon Entertainment for having auto-approved me on Netgalley to read these!
I love these manga editions of the classics because they make the stories I would otherwise be unable to get through a lot easier and much more entertaining to read. Most classics just aren't for me, because the plot is too boring or the language too difficult. My favourite was definitely The Count of Monte Cristo, but I've read a few others and though they aren't necessarily more exciting I'm familiarised with the works.
I give this 3 stars mostly for the artwork, which is, as per usual, amazing. And of course we all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. It's not my favourite story, I don't find it as romantic as a lot of people seem to do, but rather silly. And I was hoping that the language would have been easier to read, but it wasn't, which was a bit disappointing to me. Nevertheless there are parts of it I do enjoy, and I definitely think that fans of the story and/or play would like this.
To me is was all quite meh.
May 28, 2024
That was... a bit much.
The art in this manga is very good and is does a good job of symbolizing the emotions of the people on the page. The 17th century dialogue however is where it lost me. I could understand most of what was happening on the pages from glimpses of modern English and the art but other than that I was lost. From what I could understand I enjoyed for the most part, the forbidden romance angst was a bit much for me, and from what I couldn't I skimmed.
Another Manga classic I can only recommend if you read and enjoyed the original novel. That obviously wasn't me so this one is just a 3 star.
ℹ Disclosure:
I received an arc copy of this book from Udon Entertainment via NetGalley and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.
The art in this manga is very good and is does a good job of symbolizing the emotions of the people on the page. The 17th century dialogue however is where it lost me. I could understand most of what was happening on the pages from glimpses of modern English and the art but other than that I was lost. From what I could understand I enjoyed for the most part, the forbidden romance angst was a bit much for me, and from what I couldn't I skimmed.
Another Manga classic I can only recommend if you read and enjoyed the original novel. That obviously wasn't me so this one is just a 3 star.
ℹ Disclosure:
I received an arc copy of this book from Udon Entertainment via NetGalley and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.
March 25, 2018
I was auto-approved by the publisher Udon Entertainment through NetGalley to review this title.
Not my favourite Shakespeare play, but one I read a few times within the last decade, I find it to be somewhat overly dramatic and not very romantic. Regardless, I appreciated the effort that was put into creating a comic out of this play.
The artwork combined various elements that helped to emphasize the characters personalities. It was harsh and beautiful; at times too busy, other times perfectly fitting the character, with a few frames that were exaggerated in their presentation of sceneries and scenes.
Overall, a nice addition to the Manga Classics series and worth a read.
Not my favourite Shakespeare play, but one I read a few times within the last decade, I find it to be somewhat overly dramatic and not very romantic. Regardless, I appreciated the effort that was put into creating a comic out of this play.
The artwork combined various elements that helped to emphasize the characters personalities. It was harsh and beautiful; at times too busy, other times perfectly fitting the character, with a few frames that were exaggerated in their presentation of sceneries and scenes.
Overall, a nice addition to the Manga Classics series and worth a read.
February 15, 2021
*3.75/5
Back at reading Manga Classics, and this time, I picked up Romeo and Juliet!
We all know the story of the young couple who fell in love but couldn't be together because of a feud between their families, and instead of living apart,and because of some other unfortunate events they chose to die.
Of course, I already knew what the story was about, as I have watched and read some of its adaptations and retellings.
I will admit, the story didn't grip me from the start like Manga Classics: Macbeth did since it took me a while to get into it. And similar to Manga Classics: Macbeth, there were some moments in the middle where the plot slowed down which wasn't ideal. But the ending, and most of the story really, were very enticing.
The artworks were great, and generally speaking, I think the whole manga adaptation was a success, even with the use of Shakespearean English which sometimes I have difficulties understanding (only sometimes.)
Also, here's a thought I had while reading this: Yeah, Romeo and Juliet are very young, they instantly fall in love and do stuff without thinking too much about it (they also spend more time apart rather than in the company of each other) but they are honestly so much better than the 'logical' adults - besides maybe Friar Lawrence who's a whole different story with his own set of flaws- at least they loved with passion, whereas their parents hated with passion.
I could elaborate more on that, but I won't. Or maybe I will when I read the actual play, we'll see.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Back at reading Manga Classics, and this time, I picked up Romeo and Juliet!
We all know the story of the young couple who fell in love but couldn't be together because of a feud between their families, and instead of living apart,
Of course, I already knew what the story was about, as I have watched and read some of its adaptations and retellings.
I will admit, the story didn't grip me from the start like Manga Classics: Macbeth did since it took me a while to get into it. And similar to Manga Classics: Macbeth, there were some moments in the middle where the plot slowed down which wasn't ideal. But the ending, and most of the story really, were very enticing.
The artworks were great, and generally speaking, I think the whole manga adaptation was a success, even with the use of Shakespearean English which sometimes I have difficulties understanding (only sometimes.)
Also, here's a thought I had while reading this: Yeah, Romeo and Juliet are very young, they instantly fall in love and do stuff without thinking too much about it (they also spend more time apart rather than in the company of each other) but they are honestly so much better than the 'logical' adults - besides maybe Friar Lawrence who's a whole different story with his own set of flaws- at least they loved with passion, whereas their parents hated with passion.
I could elaborate more on that, but I won't. Or maybe I will when I read the actual play, we'll see.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2021
2.5 stars
Character Development: Romeo and Juliet needed more development
Diversity: Not Really
Likes: I liked the romance and depesarity
Dislikes: At some parts of the book it was confusing
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Romance
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Romeo
Characters or Plot?: Character and PLot so 50/50
Overall, I took off stars because I expected more from this book, but I can't wait to read the actual classic version
Character Development: Romeo and Juliet needed more development
Diversity: Not Really
Likes: I liked the romance and depesarity
Dislikes: At some parts of the book it was confusing
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Romance
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Romeo
Characters or Plot?: Character and PLot so 50/50
Overall, I took off stars because I expected more from this book, but I can't wait to read the actual classic version
September 29, 2023
I liked this one—I’m really starting to enjoy these Manga Classics! This one contains the original text (minus stage directions). Shakespeare is not impossible to read, but it is challenging. This adaptation used illustrations well to assist the reader in interpreting the text, but I do wish they had also included notes to explain some of the common words and phrases of the time. Once again, I could tell that the artwork was absolutely beautiful, and I was sad that they lowered the resolution for the ARC edition. Overall, this was a solid adaptation—I enjoyed it very much!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented here are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented here are my own.
August 28, 2020
I enjoyed the artwork a lot, so fascinating but the use of the original text from Shakespeare made it harder for me to follow as a non native speaker of the English language.
Thank you netgalley for providing me with this e-copy. It was a ride to revisit the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet..
Thank you netgalley for providing me with this e-copy. It was a ride to revisit the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet..
February 21, 2020
A love story so endearing and timeless that has been brought to life with stunning illustrations. It is a story of love at first sight and stirs memories of my first love at a tender age.
"For never was a story of more woe than that of Juliet and her Romeo." A great read in Manga.
"For never was a story of more woe than that of Juliet and her Romeo." A great read in Manga.
April 5, 2018
With all the original dialogue of the play, this manga adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet bursts with old enchantment and romantic drama. The illustrations flow from one panel to the next in a surge of emotional tension, and the action keeps the wordy dialogue from weighing down the storyline.
This would be a great way to introduce Shakespeare to younger audiences, since the dialogue is easier to understand along with the action of the panels.
I loved the characters of Romeo and Juliet. They are passionate and sensitive and full of despair! All the characters are memorable with distinct looks and wardrobe that set them apart.
I especially liked the interpretations of the many metaphors included in the play. There are many Greek and Roman gods and goddesses referenced and used as metaphors, so the illustrations employ a depiction of the gods to show the imagination of the characters as they are speaking. I loved seeing all these whimsical background drawings as the dialogue describes flowery or frightening images. It really enhanced the story!
All the illustrations are lovely, and I thought the whole book was beautifully done! I have loved every Manga Classic that comes out, and I can't wait to read more of this series!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This would be a great way to introduce Shakespeare to younger audiences, since the dialogue is easier to understand along with the action of the panels.
I loved the characters of Romeo and Juliet. They are passionate and sensitive and full of despair! All the characters are memorable with distinct looks and wardrobe that set them apart.
I especially liked the interpretations of the many metaphors included in the play. There are many Greek and Roman gods and goddesses referenced and used as metaphors, so the illustrations employ a depiction of the gods to show the imagination of the characters as they are speaking. I loved seeing all these whimsical background drawings as the dialogue describes flowery or frightening images. It really enhanced the story!
All the illustrations are lovely, and I thought the whole book was beautifully done! I have loved every Manga Classic that comes out, and I can't wait to read more of this series!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
May 24, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
So this is the fourth Manga Classic I've read and needless to say I'm officially a fan. My method with this series is to review the adaption more than the story because really you can't review it as a story since its based off another book (that I've likely read and therefore reviewed).
Since I have not actually read Romeo and Juliet I can't exactly do that but I happen to know this book is taken word for word from the OG so I don't actually think it matters and - unpopular opinion coming your way - I genuinely think this could be a good alternative to reading the original. HEAR ME OUT.
Shakespeare never intended his plays to actually be read, he intended them to be seen and experienced. Reading Shakespeare is hard and sometimes dull for leisure purposes. I mean sure, you can get the gist of the language after some practice but I found this method of enjoying it so much better. I have read a few of the Bard's plays and I honestly don't find them even remotely fun to do so. I love watching the plays, every actor interprets and presents the character differently and it's so good to watch and the acting and context makes understanding second nature. But, plays don't come along that often, least of all really good ones, and manga is a perfect graphic substitute because the style is so expressive and hyperbolic - like good actors in a Shakespeare play should be.
I really enjoyed this book, the art was beautiful. I mean, stunning really. Of course, I knew what was coming the whole time because it's Romeo and Juliet but still loved it all the same. The only nitpick I'd have is maybe more clearly labeling characters as it can be tricky to keep track of them all.
If you enjoy Shakespeare anyway or want to get into it but are hesitant because of the language - read this, it's great.
4 stars
So this is the fourth Manga Classic I've read and needless to say I'm officially a fan. My method with this series is to review the adaption more than the story because really you can't review it as a story since its based off another book (that I've likely read and therefore reviewed).
Since I have not actually read Romeo and Juliet I can't exactly do that but I happen to know this book is taken word for word from the OG so I don't actually think it matters and - unpopular opinion coming your way - I genuinely think this could be a good alternative to reading the original. HEAR ME OUT.
Shakespeare never intended his plays to actually be read, he intended them to be seen and experienced. Reading Shakespeare is hard and sometimes dull for leisure purposes. I mean sure, you can get the gist of the language after some practice but I found this method of enjoying it so much better. I have read a few of the Bard's plays and I honestly don't find them even remotely fun to do so. I love watching the plays, every actor interprets and presents the character differently and it's so good to watch and the acting and context makes understanding second nature. But, plays don't come along that often, least of all really good ones, and manga is a perfect graphic substitute because the style is so expressive and hyperbolic - like good actors in a Shakespeare play should be.
I really enjoyed this book, the art was beautiful. I mean, stunning really. Of course, I knew what was coming the whole time because it's Romeo and Juliet but still loved it all the same. The only nitpick I'd have is maybe more clearly labeling characters as it can be tricky to keep track of them all.
If you enjoy Shakespeare anyway or want to get into it but are hesitant because of the language - read this, it's great.
March 16, 2018
Netgalley #23
Many thanks go to Udon and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is their first Shakespeare play in this format. For teachers lesson plans are available on their website. As pointed out there are excellent examples of metaphors through drawings that can be discussed in class. Shakespeare was always difficult for me to grasp as a middle schooler. This is an exemplary way to teach to kids, especially those who need a visual to make words click.
The illustrations were simply beautiful; well actually there isn’t anything simple about them this time around. Such detail as I have yet seen in any of the Manga Classics . Each characterization was spot on. Tybalt may have been my favorite.
The tragedy of this play is still there even if the presentation is different. The impact is fresh from beginning to end. In fact, I found it easier to understand. I hope there will be more Shakespeare in the future.
Note: the designers' treatment of Juliet's nurse is hilarious! It's perfect! Such a busybody that gets on everyone's nerves
Many thanks go to Udon and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is their first Shakespeare play in this format. For teachers lesson plans are available on their website. As pointed out there are excellent examples of metaphors through drawings that can be discussed in class. Shakespeare was always difficult for me to grasp as a middle schooler. This is an exemplary way to teach to kids, especially those who need a visual to make words click.
The illustrations were simply beautiful; well actually there isn’t anything simple about them this time around. Such detail as I have yet seen in any of the Manga Classics . Each characterization was spot on. Tybalt may have been my favorite.
The tragedy of this play is still there even if the presentation is different. The impact is fresh from beginning to end. In fact, I found it easier to understand. I hope there will be more Shakespeare in the future.
Note: the designers' treatment of Juliet's nurse is hilarious! It's perfect! Such a busybody that gets on everyone's nerves
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