These brief adaptations of classic horror tales may engage comic book fans. For the most part, the shadowy cartoon-panel illustrations and simplified language attempt to stay true to the time periods and creepy atmospheres of the original stories. Awkward text placement is a drawback.

Gr 7 Up-Wells's simple stories are surefire hits. Is time travel possible? What would it be like to be invisible? These slim versions of the classics provide both the mind-bending plots-although slightly edited, such as a twist ending in The Time Machine-and also some discussion questions and writing prompts. The artwork and paneling are slightly oversize, hinting at a younger audience, but the coloring and lettering have that familiar computer-enhanced sleekness comic readers know well by now. Because of the simplified texts and the slimness of the volumes, these titles are great choices for boosting the reading interests and skills of reluctant readers.-John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.