Friday, October 17, 2014

REVIEW: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker & John Green (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: November 19, 2014

Type: Dover Graphic Novel Classics, Graphic Novel, Classic, Historical, Science Fiction, Vampires, Fast Reads, Black and White, Rawr

About the Book: Readers will be spellbound by this graphic novel version of Bram Stoker's "Dracula."""The granddaddy of all the modern vampire stories, the immortal tale unfolds in a gripping journey into the past that recounts a Victorian-era struggle against ancient evil. Original illustrations add an extra allure to this easy-to-read edition.
This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials.

My Review: This graphic novel started off well. I curled up in a dimly lit room on a dark and stormy night, huddled under a massive pile of blankets to keep out the October chill... and then I was left feeling very "meh" after reading a Vampire classic! Like the previously reviewed "Sherlock Holmes: Hound of the Baskervilles" graphic novel, "Dracula" is short, around 50 pages. I figured it would be a quick, fun read - but this left me feeling more agitated than anything. 

The graphic novel has very clunky and confusing scene changes. The rush from Dracula's castle to England is a blur, and often locations would change while on the same page. My biggest suggestion is that this graphic novel could really benefit from 1. being longer, and 2. some scene change or even "intermission" style artwork. 

I would gladly read a longer version of a "Dracula" graphic novel if it was more true to the original. The story here was not changed at all, but it was hard to care about the characters or the situation when so much is cut out or rushed along.

Hoping for better in the next Dover Graphic Novel Classics release!

Cover Lovin': Good cover! Dracula looks appropriately horrifying, and this is definitely something that would catch someone's eye. 

Recommendation: This graphic novel adaptation is definitely for serious fans of the book, or for someone that just wants a good brush up. Not suggested for people who are looking for their first taste of the classic. 

Final Rating: TWO POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (2.5/5). This was a very disappointing adaptation of the amazing original. It was clunky and the scene changes were rough. Only recommended if you're desperate for a Dracula refresher or board during your flight to Transylvania. 

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~