It is a truth, universally acknowleged, that I, in possession of a good fortune, am in want of new comic books, new comic books and more new comic books. While browsing the racks at Golden Age, I stumbled across a current Marvel title that is both a) such a waste of space and time and b) completely irresistable to my sensibilities. I am talking, of course, about the serialized adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Yes, you heard me correctly. Jane Austen in comic form. As far as I can tell from the first two issues, it’s completely faithful to the text and all the dialogue is lifted directly from the original—basically Classics Illustrated updated for a modern audience. Which kind of begs the question: WHY? Is there any real reason for a comic book adaptation? No, really, I am curious. It’s not published under the Marvel Adventures imprint, which is geared towards children, which would make sense, I guess, if what you’re trying to achieve is an easier-to-read version, but there isn’t a pressing need for a dumbed-down adaptation because JANE AUSTEN IS NOT DIFFICULT TO READ, OMG. I have seen many brilliant comic versions of literature (Shanower’s current book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, for example) and the key to success is actually fucking adapting something, godammit, showing what you can add to or improve upon with this new medium. I suppose it also helps not to have completely lackluster interior art in comparisoin to the lovely covers. I was compelled (over my initial objections) to pick up the first two issues because the cover art by Sonny Liew, which resembles a Victorian Cosmopolitan magazine, is wonderful and fun. And let’s face it, Jane Austen would totally have been a Cosmo Girl.
Speaking of Cosmo Girls, I am unclear as to why the Bennet sisters look like Jem and the Holograms.
