Julius Caesar

For better or worse, classic literature has long been adapted for comic books. Skillful graphic adaptations may be the perfect introduction to the knottiest texts, and Shakespeare's plays are the ideal candidates for such treatment, with the visuals providing needed context for readers who may struggle with the language, plotting, and character motivations. Campfire Classics' Caesar is an admirable stab, whose preservation of the original text and vivid-if-unimaginative artwork present the material without interference: a print equivalent of a BBC television production. Verdict Seeing Caesar rendered as sequential art is a treat for those already sold on Shakespeare, and it's a novel alternative to the regular text. Still, that's not enough to capture and hold the attention of hi-lo readers, its intended audience, who may find "No Fear Shakespeare" or "Manga Shakespeare" graphic novels series more accessible. Optional but worthwhile for those wanting to introduce younger readers to the works of the Bard. Scenes of violence and gore; suitable for YA and up.-J Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 9 Up-This book is a retelling of a retelling, the reality of history filtered through the prism of Shakespeare and then refiltered through this adaptation. When sharing this story with students, it is especially important to clarify what is fact and what is fiction, which this book does not do well. There is no mention at the beginning of the book that Shakespeare's play was a fictionalized version of real events, and the "After the Curtain Fell" addendum refers to what happens next to the characters, rather than to the actual people those characters were based on. In addition, Julius Caesar, while a well-known play, requires readers to know more information ahead of time to follow the convoluted plot, and this book lacks an introduction or enough helpful footnotes. The cover artwork is both striking and visually appealing; in fact, it is one of the best things about this book. Unfortunately, the interior illustrations, while colorful and realistic, sometimes have a peculiar overuse of shading that might distract readers. The ideal audience for this book would be teens who understand the historical background of the play but who would have an easier time reading a shorter version; the language used is close or identical to the original.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.