Every year without fail Marvel will release a comic book adaptation of Jane Austen's classic after the success of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Emma. This year is no different wherein Northanger Abbey, originally published posthumously in 1817 after the untimely death of Jane Austen, was chosen. Helmed by Nancy Butler and artist Janet Lee, it is their second collaboration after previously working on Emma.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland from Fullerton who longs to be a heroine in her own story just like the ones she read in Gothic novels popular at that time. Her wish was granted when family friend Mr and Mrs Allen invited her to accompany them to visit the town of Bath. Catherine who has never been away from home find so much to delight in from balls, theatre, promenades and other social activities. She met a number of new acquintances like brother and sister Henry and Eleanor Tilney, and the Thorpe siblings Isabella and John. In the process she learns the important lesson of friendship.
Similar to my reading experience of Marvel Comics' Sense & Sensibility and Emma, I have yet had the opportunity and pleasure of perusing Jane Austen's text. Thus my understanding stem from watching the 2007 television drama of the same name shown on UK's ITV channel starring Felicity Jones and JJ Field in the titular roles. It is safe to say that Marvel Illustrated's Northanger Abbey is a faithful rendering of the original prose so kudos to Nancy for the smooth transition into comics format. The illustrations drawn by Janet are pretty and richly coloured which adds to my enjoyment. I especially like the gowns worn by Isabella and Catherine as it is stylish and beautiful to the eyes. My only quibble though a minor one is Eleanor's dresses should be more elegant in my opinion as she is wealthier than the other two characters and this is an area where it can be improved. I adore the front cover as it perfectly depicts the heroine posing in front of a Gothic castle resembling the Tilneys ancestral home in her mind.
All in all Janeites will definitely love the fact that her novels are easily translated into many forms and may want to add this book to their collection. It is also suitable for those who are not initiated into the delightful world of Jane Austen to read this simple and straightforward book. This may arouse their interest and fuel the desire to learn about her marvellous works. As for me I am looking forward to reading the next Marvel Comic adaptation of her remaining two novels. Will it be her last completed novel, Persuasion, or Mansfield Park, the least favourite among her oeuvres?
The graphics even look dark and gothic in this one. Thanks for sharing!
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