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*Classics Illustrated #4: The Raven & Other Poems (Classics Illustrated Graphic Novels)* by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Gahan Wilson- young readers fantasy book review
Classics Illustrated #4: The Raven & Other Poems (Classics Illustrated Graphic Novels)
by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Gahan Wilson
Ages 9-12 56 pages Papercutz March 2009 Hardcover    

OMG! How could I not review this book? One of my favorite poets, Edgar Allen Poe, pressed within the covers of one of my favorite childhood comics (which has now been reborn and transformed into graphic novels), Classics Illustrated - it was too cool to pass up.

At first look, this book reminds me of a children’s picture book with its thin appearance, hard glossy cover and the haunting illustrations (provided by renowned cartoonist Gahan Wilson) that jump out at you from cover to cover. But make no mistake; this is a book for older children and adults with poems that are pure classics, starting with Poe’s most famous poem: “The Raven.”

The selection of poems offered in this short selection (nine in all) show a good cross section-of Poe’s talent, from the sweet lament of “Annabel Lee” —
“It was many and many year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee…”
To the journey for “Eldorado” -
“And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
“Shadow,” said he,
“Where can it be –
This land of Eldorado...”
To the simple pleasures of “Lines on Ale” —
“Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber…”
A good layout along with an excerpt of Classics Illustrated #3—Frankenstein and a bio on Gahan Wilson at the end of the book are interesting and should not be overlooked. Published for Edgar Allen Poe’s 200th birthday (January 19th) definitely makes this a possible collector’s item.

Classic poems are great reads no matter the format - in this case, Poe’s poems in a graphic novel are suitable and a very cool. Even if you’ve read these poems a hundred times or never before, this is a book you shouldn’t miss.
“This is it and nothing more.”
 


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