Classic
graphic
I
had been curious about graphic novels for quite some time but
like a hesitant spectator loitering on the edge of a busker’s
crowd I had yet to take the plunge in to see what all the fuss
was about. That is until I heard that a graphic adaptation of
F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby,
had been released. I knew that I had to read it. A Melbourne-based
writer, illustrator and comic-artist, Nicki Greenberg’s
latest creation is The Great Gatsby (A graphic adaptation
by Nicki Greenberg of the novel by F Scott Fitzgerald).
To resolve some of the mystery surrounding graphic
novels I sought out a definition. According to Wikipedia a graphic
novel is “a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and
complex storyline similar to those of novels, and often aimed
at mature audiences.”
Greenberg’s adaptation remains faithful to
Fitzgerald’s story although it has been abridged somewhat.
I imagine one of the reasons for this was to avoid ending up with
a lengthy and unwieldy graphic novel. For instance, the relationship
between Nick and Miss Baker is one aspect of the graphic adaptation
that has been largely omitted warranting just a few references.
However Greenberg’s version doesn’t suffer from the
condensed narrative; she succeeds at capturing both the essence
and the tone of Fitzgerald’s story.
The characters’ names are the same as in the
original version however rather than depict them as human beings,
Greenberg has made her characters creatures. Some are recognisable
like the seahorse, Gatsby, and others fantastical like Daisy with
a dandelion seed head.
This isn’t simply the retelling of a classic
tale in an illustrated format - it’s a work of art; every
page is beautiful. The sepia-like illustrations are exquisite,
and whilst The Great Gatsby is ultimately a tragedy,
I couldn’t help smiling with delight as I turned page after
page. It took Greenberg more than six years to create her novel
and it’s easy to see why; so detailed and considered are
her drawings
Greenberg’s The Great Gatsby is a
pure delight and I found it to be an enjoyable introduction to
the world of graphic novels. By basing her work on a much-loved
and classic story Greenberg has made this fringe genre of literature
more accessible to a mainstream audience. Enthusiastically recommended.
Karin van Heerwaarden
Read more of Karin’s reviews and author interviews
at her blog, pages
et cetera.
