Gareth HindsThe Odyssey: A Graphic Novel: (A Modern Visual Adaptation of Homer's Epic Tale of Greek Mythology for Young Adults)

As a film student with a love for classic literature, Gareth Hinds’ graphic novel adaptation of The Odyssey was an absolute delight. This book is a masterclass in storytelling through art, and its breathtaking illustrations and unique style made it impossible to put down—I devoured it in just one hour!Hinds’ artwork is the heart of this adaptation. His vibrant, dynamic illustrations capture the epic scope of Homer’s tale, from Odysseus’ battles with the Cyclops to his perilous journey through Scylla and Charybdis. The watercolor and pen style brings a mythical yet grounded feel, with each panel bursting with emotion and detail. For instance, the stormy seas and monstrous creatures leapt off the page, making every scene cinematic. This visual approach not only enhanced the storytelling but also made the dense epic accessible and thrilling, even for readers new to the classic.The pacing and layout kept me hooked, blending action with quieter moments of Odysseus’ longing for home. As a visual learner, I found the art made the narrative flow effortlessly, turning a potentially intimidating text into an immersive experience. My only minor wish is for more behind-the-scenes notes on Hinds’ artistic process, but that’s a small quibble.For fans of graphic novels, mythology, or anyone seeking a fresh take on a classic, this is a must-read. Hinds’ The Odyssey is a visual triumph that made me see the epic in a new light. It’s a five-star gem I’ll revisit often!

I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but this version of "The Odyssey" is superbly done. Mr. Hinds's watercolours (I presume) are excellent. He is terrific at depicting the ocean in its many moods. The colours, especially the blues, are wonderful. He is able to present seascapes, landscapes, and characters' figures and emotions convincingly in a realistic style. The "panels" illustrate the narrative in constantly changing close-up, medium, and long shots, and in such a way as the story is relatively easy to follow, though it does help to know the events beforehand. The action sequences, such as Odysseus being tossed around in a storm at sea, or the episode with the Cyclops, create the requisite thrills. Though I give the book five stars because overall it is worth it, there are, in my opinion, a few problems with how the tale is told by Mr. Hinds. First of all, occasionally the thread of the narrative is lost from panel-to-panel when the view moves from a close-up to an extreme long shot. You may be scratching your head wondering exactly where you are in the sequence. This is not a constant problem, but it does occur. This glitch, a sort of editorial concern, could have been easily solved by a bit of narration to orient the reader. Secondly, occasionally it is difficult to discern the characters, to tell them apart, because they can look alike. Is that character Telemachus? Or? Mr. Hinds tries to alleviate this difficulty through costume but still, to me at least, distinguishing characters took some work from time to time. Thirdly, the violence of the graphics could be problematic for some parents. I bought the book to send to my grandsons but seriously considered withholding it because Mr. Hinds does not soften the very violent scenes of "The Odyssey". Contemporary films have nothing on the poem and Mr. Hinds's rendering of it when it comes to this aspect. The garish Cyclops sequence is an example, and so is the final slaughter of the suitors, which literally turns red with blood and gore. The famous Book XI, rendered here purposefully in only shades of grey, in which Odysseus descends into the Land of the Dead to consult the prophet Tiresias, involves drinking the blood of a slaughtered animal, and the characters' mouths turn red with it. At the very end of the story, there was, I think, no need to include a panel, however much in long shot, of the execution of Odysseus's female servants who had been traitors to him while he was away. As to sex: Calypso is very buff and voluptuous and there is a bed scene with her and Odysseus; the same for a nude Circe (her hair flows down to provide a strategic modesty). This is honest to the story and to relations between adult men and women, but, again, parents will need to decide how age appropriate this material is for their kids. In this respect, the question may arise from more curious younger readers why, if Odysseus is married and loves his wife, is he sleeping with other women. Saying this, one could respond with approbation that Mr. Hinds has not, at least, bowdlerized this founding, classic epic of Western literature and culture. You get the real goods in this version and you get them well presented. Finally, Mr. Hinds's note on how he read many of the English translations of the poem and incorporated some of the dialogue directly into his telling is worth reading.

My teenager hates (HATES!) to read but I really wanted him to get some exposure to the classics. Enter the graphic novel. He was initially dubious that he would like it but a couple of hours later, he came out of his room and told me what an incredible book it was. Being a big reader myself and very familiar with classical literature, I quizzed him to see if he really read it or was just stringing me along. He and I discussed the story and I helped give a deeper insight into some of the points that were kind of glossed over in the name of creating an easy-to-read “comic book”.Since purchasing this title, I’ve gone on to buy him several other classical lit graphic novels. I’m happy that he’s not staring at a screen and learning with me during our discussions, and he’s happy that I’m not harping at him to go outside or something just as distasteful for kids like him who forgot how to have fun that doesn’t involve a screen. Covid did our kids no favors and graphic novels seem to be a good (not perfect) way to get him interested in something educational and making him more well-rounded.