Starred Review Hinds offers another sensitive adaptation of classic literature in this beautifully colored and evocative rendition of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Basing his version on both the full canonical text and research into Macbeth's historical period and how that era was understood in Shakespeare's time, Hinds engages students, researchers, and drama fans on several levels. Hinds' full-color artwork, stuffed with details of body language and facial expression, is warmly lit in interior scenes and starkly weathered when out on the heath. Hinds also makes great use of cinematic visuals in moments of intense emotion. Lady Macbeth's hand-washing scene, for instance, reveals her growing obsession as the panels fill with more and more hands. Hinds' depiction of the Weird Sisters, moreover, include occult symbols from a wide variety of traditions, imbuing the trio with ominous timelessness. Though many lines of the original are intact, Hinds does undertake some changes to make this version more accessible to contemporary readers, and a closing note addresses those alterations. Students struggling to find an entry point into the Scottish play should look no further than this entertaining and elucidating volume. Along with Hinds' earlier Beowulf (2007) and The Odyssey (2010), an essential addition to Shakespeare collections as well as curricular support materials.

Gr 8 Up-On the opening page, three Witches sit atop a barren tree in the midst of a bloody battlefield against the backdrop of a gloomy sky, setting the stage for one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Macbeth, a valiant general of the King's army, is told a prophecy by the three witches that he will one day become King of Scotland. Unwilling to wait for the prophecy to come true on its own, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to expedite the process, murdering the current King Duncan in his sleep. Thus begins their psychological descent into darkness. Shakespeare's text has historically been linked to theatrical productions, the story enhanced by the visual performance, making his plays perfect source material for graphic novels. Hinds, widely praised for his graphic novel adaptations of classic literature, succeeds yet again in bringing Shakespeare to life for modern readers. He captures the haunting and dramatic tone of Macbeth with expert pacing, skillful usage of shadow and color within the panels, and emotional close-ups of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, depicting their journey into madness. Hinds includes a family tree identifying the characters at the beginning of the story and end notes explaining the reasons behind his artistic and language choices. VERDICT Hinds's Macbeth will make a solid addition to any graphic novel collection, especially those looking for accessible, enjoyable, and quality Shakespeare adaptations. Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ

In the fourth Shakespeare play Hinds has tackled and retold as a graphic novel, he has chosen to remain faithful to Macbeth's original period and setting, owing to its basis in historical fact. It's a dark tale of power and greed, and Hinds effectively communicates in words and pictures the gist of the story. An authentic and powerful entry into the original play.