Macbeth

Gr 9 Up—Udon takes a stab at a Shakespeare staple with this latest addition to the series, a staple of the English curriculum. After a hard-fought battle, Macbeth is greeted by three witches, who herald him as "king hereafter." Though Macbeth had been loyal King Duncan, the proclamation sets his imagination afire, and he and his wife decide to assassinate Duncan, paving the way for Macbeth's rise to the throne. Macbeth's lust for absolute power corrupts absolutely in this timeless work that is oft copied but rarely equaled. As with previous "Manga Classics" adaptations, the graphic format works well with the Bard's nuanced language. The original text is rife with metaphors, symbolism, and wording that lacks any semblance of modern flow. With the help of Choy's lush, shadowy illustrations, those Shakespearean turns of phrase are a bit easier to parse. Students who haven't seen a theatrical version of the play will greatly appreciate this adaptation, though some may still want or need a companion study guide to get the most out of the rich, tragic story.