Perhaps in anticipation of the forthcoming film, here is yet another Beowulf, this one packaged as a graphic novel in the Graphic Myths & Legends series. Jumping through the story at a rapid clip, the clean, vivid panels capture the high drama, whether in depictions of the brave, stern hero or the well-fanged monsters he bests. The abbreviated text nods to the original's style and tone, although readers new to the tale may have trouble with the myriad difficult-to-pronounce names, included even for minor characters. Still, this remains an easily digestible introduction to one of the earliest ogre-and-dragon tales.

These comics retell tales about mythical and legendary heroes. The format will attract some readers, but so much background is omitted from the stories that the plots are confusing. Characters are too modernized and, without historical context, their actions seem random. Each book begins with an introduction and includes an explanation of the author's and illustrator's creation processes. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Gr 4-7-These volumes were written and illustrated with reference to particular translations and with the consultation of various university professors. The texts read like updates of the venerable "Classic Comics" series, attempting to render these tales in an accessible form that still maintains the tone of the source material. Jolley covers the events that befell Odysseus between the end of the siege of Troy and his departure from Calypso's island. Introduced as a wise strategist, he doesn't come across well here, as the narration focuses on choices he makes that result in many of his shipmates getting devoured. And while the book opens with some elegant depictions of the gods' wrath witnessed as the power of nature, the actual anthropomorphization of the gods later on makes them seem lacking somewhat in potency. Similarly, some modern turns of phrase in the narration seem at odds with efforts to maintain a visually historical depiction. Beowulf reads like ancient poetry, the dialogue rife with stately declarations of heritage, complete with ceremonial repetition, an effective mimic of the tradition. The fetishizing of ancestry and weapons might elude the intended audience, and unfortunately hints to more sophisticated readers that some original content was left out. The action and character design are strong and clear, with solid, comfortable storytelling that is strongly helped by the capable color work.-Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.