All of the volumes will be published as graphic novels. Art is being provided by British artists, most of whom have a long history of working inBritish comics. Some of the releases, in particular the Shakespeare, will come in three different versions: the original text, plain text and quick text, designed to allow readers with different needs to pick the version that bests suits them.[1]
Classical Comics chairman, Clive Bryant has stated "We want to make Shakespeare as energetic and colourful as Spider-man"[2] The aim is not just to aid in English literature classes but also in other areas: Karen Wenborn, the managing director, has said "We, and the teachers we’ve consulted, can visualize huge benefits within the education process using the books, not only for literacy and literature, but also drama, art and history."[3]
In April 2008 Classical Comics signed a distribution deal withbook&volume to cover Australia and New Zealand. In June 2008 they announced two further distributions deals.Publishers Group West will be releasing British English and American English versions of Classical Comics' titles in the US and Canada[4] andIttosha are going to be translating the books into Japanese.[5]
Classical Comics are also adapting their comics into other media and have turned theirMacbeth graphic novel into aninteractivemotion comic with actors likeDerek Jacobi andJuliet Stevenson voicing the roles.[6]Jon Haward, the artist onMacbeth andThe Tempest, moved into the role of art direction for theHamlet adaptation, providing character designs and rough page outlines for pencilled David Lorenzo to work with.[7]
TheNational Association for the Teaching of English is supporting the project. "This is a fun way of getting into the stories", the director Ian McNeilly said. "Plays are not meant to be read, but to be seen. The illustrations in these books are an easy way of following what is going on".[8] Wenborn has also reported thatfocus groups were "incredibly enthusiastic"[9] andThe Guardian, who examined the version of MacBeth, has suggested that "it will also, surely, suck some more young readers into the brilliant darkness of this play."[10]
Romeo and Juliet (by William Shakespeare and adapted by John McDonald with artwork by Will Volley and Jim Devlin, 160 pages, September 2009, Original Text,ISBN978-1-906332-19-8)[13]
The Tempest (by William Shakespeare and adapted by John McDonald with artwork by Jon Haward, 144 pages, September 2009 Original Text,ISBN978-1-906332-29-7[14]
Won the Silver Medal "Graphic Novel/Drawn Book – Drama/Documentary" Independent Publisher Book Award, forHenry V.[24]
2009:
Won the Bronze Medal "Graphic Novel/Drawn Book – Drama/Documentary" Independent Publisher Book Award, forMacbeth.[25]
Association of Educational Publishers 2009 Winner - Distinguished Achievement Award in grades 9-12 'Frankenstein'
2010
Romeo & Juliet graphic novels win "Distinguished Achievement Award" for Curriculum, Reading and Language Arts, grades 9-12.
2012:
'Wuthering Heights' by Scottish writer Sean Michael Wilson,[26] and hand painted by comic book veteran artist John M Burns, received a nomination for theStan Lee Excelsior Awards, 2012 voted for by pupils from 170 schools across the UK.
Finalist in the Education Resources Awards 2012 for Best Secondary Resource or Equipment - involving ICTMacbeth Interactive Motion Comic[27]
