UDON Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo

Title: The Count of Monte Cristo

Author: Alexandre Dumas (original); Stacy King and Nokman Poon

Length: 401 pages

Publication date: April 1, 2017

Genre: classics, manga

Rating: 5/5

Having just finished reading the Count of Monte Cristo (which I loooved), I thought it would be fun to read this manga adaptation. I was very pleased with it! The source novel is obviously a beast, and this manga managed to be faithful to the main story while still trimming a 1,000+ page book to something readable in this format. The art was well done, it was easier to follow than some other manga I've read. I really enjoyed this volume! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

Beauty & the Beast || Mallory Reaves

Title: Beauty & The Beast 

Author: Mallory Reaves

Length: 160 pages (each)

Publication date: April 18, 2017

Genre: fairy tale, manga

Rating: 3.5/5

While I wouldn't say that Beauty and the Beast is my favourite Disney movie (that honour goes to Tangled), it is definitely up there in the top 3. I mean, what bookworm can't relate to Belle? I really enjoyed the new live action film that came out this spring as well. I liked some of the ways they drew out the characters and gave them more depth. When I saw this manga duology, I just had to read it. The story arc is pretty much the movie verbatim, with the addition of some inner thoughts. Volume 1 follows Belle's story, and volume 2 follows the Beast. The art wasn't amazing, kind of typical manga, and of course the story got really simplified from the movie. But if you're a fan of the movie I'd recommend this for a fast and fun read. 

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

UDON Manga Classics: Pride & Prejudice

Title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen (original); Stacy King and Po Tse

Length: 376 pages

Publication date: August 19, 2014

Genre: classics, manga

Rating: 4/5

Content rating: G

Back in October, I received this book for review, and I recently realized that I didn't actually get around to writing my review on it! Bad me. I read it in October, shortly after I finished Les Misérables, and I enjoyed it equally well. 

Where the art in Les Misérables is more standard manga, I would say that this adaptation is more of a shoujo manga: the art style is very cutesy, a lot of chibi panels, hearts and flowers in random places, etc. I thought that the art style made it quite fun to read. It's also appropriate for younger readers, if that's a concern for you.

I think the adaptation was quite faithful to the original story. Mrs Bennett was her usual hilariously annoying self, Lizzie over-thought everything, Mr Darcy was brooding... it was fantastic. The characters are so fun to read in the original, and seeing them play it out on the page was a nice experience. Again, if you want to get into classics, but feel intimidated by the original, this would be a good place to start, and get used to the story. That is, if you haven't watched the movie 187 times (like I have..). I have really enjoyed my experiences with UDON's manga classics, and I'm planning to pick up some more in the future. 

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

UDON Manga Classics: Les Misérables

Title: Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo (original); Stacy King and Tszmei Lee

Length: 336 pages

Publication date: Aug. 19 2014

Genre: classics, manga

Rating: 5/5

I received this book from Netgalley for review. I have really been in the mood to read more graphic novels, so this manga was right up my alley and I couldn't have been more pleased.

I read Les Misérables for the first time last year, and while it took me months to finish, I absolutely loved it. I think the translation that I read was just gorgeous. (It was the translation by Julie Rose, please check that one out if you pick up this book.) I also adore the new movie musical. Who doesn't love Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. And can we talk about Marius for a minute? Hello.

I found this manga adaptation to be very faithful to the original story. The most important parts of the story arc were included, and the story flowed well. I mean, taking a 1,200+ page book and condensing it into a 336 page manga was probably a difficult task. In my opinion they succeed. It was also very nice to just pick up this classic story and read through it in 2 sittings. You know, instead of 7 months. I highly enjoyed this reading experience.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who is maybe interested in reading Les Misérables, but doesn't want to commit to the hugeness of the novel. I'd also recommend this for younger readers as an introduction to the classic. Or if you just want to enjoy a great story in an afternoon, you should pick this up as well. 

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.