Beowulf Month: Beowulf Graphic Novel (2007)

There have been a number of graphic novels based on Beowulf. While I could easily have dedicated several months to reviewing these, I’ve chosen to write about the best of the best. Among these is the 2007 release written by Stefan Petrucha and drawn by Kody Chamberlain.

What I Didn’t Like

• The closing narration line of the book is oddly out of place for the book. It sounds like a modern philosophical musing and the tone doesn’t fit with the rest of the story.
• (I can’t believe I’m writing this) The Grendels are too massive and monstrous.
• There is very little design difference between Grendel and his mother. A bit more variety would have been great.

What I Liked

• Hrothgar is portrayed as a strong and good king!
• The art is wonderful.
• The writing is great.
• The story faithfully follows the Poem, while translating it for  a modern audience.   
• There is good tension between the pagan concept of “wyrd” (fate) and the Christian God’s sovereignty.

This is a great volume to get a hold of. It is among the best adaptations of the Poem out there. It’s a great resource both for those who don’t want to read the Poem, or for those who want a great visual expression of Beowulf.

Rating: 5/5 (I Loved It)

Grab a copy over at Amazon.

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