Review: Gothic Classics, featuring Northanger Abbey and The Mysteries of Udolpho
“And are you prepared to encounter all the horrors that a building such as ‘what one reads about’ may produce? — Have you a stout heart? Nerves fit for sliding pannels and tapestry?”
— Northanger Abbey’s Henry Tilney, who knows how to tell a great ghost story, among his other talents
If you’re in the mood for a quick read but crave something more substantial than brain candy, the Graphic Classics series is a perfect fit:
Graphic Classics is a series of books presenting great fiction in comics and illustration for contemporary readers ages 12 to adult. Each volume features the works of the world’s greatest authors, illustrated by some of the best artists working today in the fields of comics, illustration and fine arts. (from the Graphic Classics website)
Gothic Classics, volume 14 in the series, whets the appetite with a suprising little amuse-bouche from Jane Austen (which I’ll leave for the reader to discover), then serves up the darkly delectable Carmilla, J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s classic 1872 novella and a must-read for anybody serious about literary and cinematic vampires.
Next is Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho. As the £500 gorilla of Gothicism, any adapter would find it a challenge to do justice to this hefty tome without overwhelming the rest of the volume. I’m happy to report this is a fine condensation, capturing the imagery and suspense of the original novel in an approachable and very entertaining read. Udolpho especially translates well into a graphic novel because the sensational genre lends itself to classic comic-style sound effects and visuals. I highly recommend this adaptation to Udolpho newcomers and fans alike.
Time for a sorbet to clear the palate, provided by one of Edgar Allan Poe’s shortest short stories: The Oval Portrait. Not only does Poe allude to Mrs. Radcliffe and Udolpho, but this chilling little tale about an obsessed artist shows the danger of substituting art for reality. A fitting prelude to the next story …
And Northanger Abbey is delightful. Catherine, our unlikely heroine, does not disappoint. Anne Timmons’ illustrations are adorable; Catherine’s sweet, animated expressions are as irresistible as one imagines from the novel. As this retelling is set alongside Udolpho, it’s fun to flip between the two stories, comparing Catherine with Emily and observing how Jane Austen artfully manipulates Gothic elements to great effect. One tiny quibble: there is not much Henry in this adaptation, but his few scenes show off his humor and character to its best advantage. This is a charming version of Northanger Abbey which even Henry would have to admit is “nicely done”.
The volume closes with another surprise: the bittersweet At the Gate by Myla Jo Closser. This tender little ghost story nicely balances out the creepy “beyond the grave” motifs in the tales which precede it. The prepared reader may wish to have a box of tissues nearby in case some dust gets in the eyes while reading, because Janeites and their shriveled hearts of tar do not cry at silly little ghost doggy stories, no indeed.
Gothic Classics delivers a fine set of illustrated adaptations. Each classic work has been charmingly brought to life while preserving the spirit of its source. As a whole, the collection of stories is satisfying and memorable — and at their best when read in order. Enjoy!
Gothic Classics is available directly from Graphic Classics or several bookstores.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
w00t! Fab review! I have this, too, and LURRRRVED it. It’s a must-read for Janeites, especially as NA is juxtaposed with Udolpho. There will be a few “I get it now” moments for some, I think. A lovely treat.
Even though he doesn’t have much to say, I like the way Henry looks at Catherine. There’s one panel, I don’t have the book to hand right now so I don’t know the page, but Henry is looking at Catherine and his head is tilted all “Baroo?” as they say on Cute Overload. Like he’s thinking, “Hey! I think I like her.” It’s awesome. He’s pretty, but still Da Man.
(”Oh, Mr. Tilney, how frightful! This is just like a movie! Well, what then?”)
Janeites and their shriveled hearts of tar do not cry at silly little ghost doggy stories, no indeed.
*sniff*
(Catherine would have bawled through two or three hankies and then run round the parsonage hugging all the doggies.)
Hey Graphics Classics folks! Can we get the whole Northanger Canon?
“Dear creature! how much I am obliged to you; and when you have finished Udolpho, we will read the Italian together; and I have made out a list of ten or twelve more of the same kind for you.”
“Have you, indeed! How glad I am! — What are they all?”
“I will read you their names directly; here they are, in my pocket-book. Castle of Wolfenbach, Clermont, Mysterious Warnings, Necromancer of the Black Forest, Midnight Bell, Orphan of the Rhine, and Horrid Mysteries. Those will last us some time.”
“Yes, pretty well; but are they all horrid, are you sure they are all horrid?”
We don’t ask for much, do we?
I just finished reading The Castle of Wolfenbach over the weekend…loved it! I can’t believe how much I’m getting into these Gothic novels.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Beautifully said Heather!!!!
I agree 100%. This such a wonderful collection. I really hope they get a good response to it so they may be inspired to do the entire Northanger Canon!! Catherine is fantastic. I get such a kick out of her facial expressions…especially when she’s obviously peeved at someone. Hee!!
I cry like a baby every time I get to At the Gate. It’s such a lovely way to end things. And Udolpho! This version is such a great way to introduce everyone to that story. Plus they did such a great job picking out the events that Jane Austen so lovingly mocks
And Carmilla was just fun. I love a good vampire story to kick things off. Really, the whole thing is remarkable.
Bravo!!
June 13th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Thank you for featuring this. I’ve just purchased a copy online because of your tip and I hope they do well. Comics and graphic novels are criminally overlooked in the literature world.
June 14th, 2007 at 10:46 am
I’ve started working my way through the Horrid Novels. So far, I’ve read Udolpho, Castle of Wolfenbach and (just finished) The Italian. Wolfenbach was definitely my favorite so far - a laugh a minute. Udolpho was the scariest.
June 14th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Oh, Amazon.com has it, so I don’t have to create a new account with a different retailer!
June 15th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Oooh, I wants it!
June 15th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Thank you, Heather.
I have just read Maisy’s post about it being available at Amazon. I think I am going to buy it.
Can’t wait to read it
June 16th, 2007 at 3:03 am
Can you buy it in Europe?
June 16th, 2007 at 8:27 am
I’d like to purchase one, but I like to know if the stories included are complete or they will be continued on the #15 issue? Thanks!
June 16th, 2007 at 8:42 am
@ Carmen
I ordered it from Amazon.co.uk Amazon Germany doesn’t have it, which is a pity as that would mean free shipping.
They call it Graphic classics: Gothic volume 14.
There is no picture available, but they have mentioned the names of some of the authors.
June 16th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Ashiel, the stories are all complete. Udolpho and NA at least are contracted, scenes are cut. I think it helps Udolpho a bit, which has a tendency to ramble.
June 19th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I got this in the mail just yesterday and I am thoroughly delighted- Catherine is just as she ought to be and Henry is quite charming. I also liked the artist’s interpretation of the Thorpes- I thought JT’s plaid coat when he was making off with Catherine was a perfect touch, mainly because it made me think “tacky used car salesman”, which is not too far off, I don’t think. The only thing that I would have liked would have been to have seen more of James, and maybe to get to see Henry in all his greatcoated glory.
(By the way, I have been lurking around this website for a while, but this is one of the few times I have posted, and the first not anonymously).