“Treasure Island” is probably the first thing that springs to mind from hearing the name Robert Louis Stevenson. “Kidnapped,” “Black Arrow” and other classic tales of high adventure sprung from his pen, leading more than one child to desperately wish for a one-eyed Pirate to stroll into his life. But like his other famous creation, Dr. Jekyll, Stevenson had his darker face, and some tales not so happy.

It is this darker side at play in “Graphic Classics: Robert Louis Stevenson.” In the same vein as the Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft collections, Stevenson is presented in his justifiable role as a master of the weird tale, at play in the fields of the human psyche. Fitting collaborators have been found for each story, lending new elements and insight to the already insightful tales.

Included in this volume are:

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – The key tale of this collection, and a brilliant adaptation. Two artists are given reign, with a transformation of art as Mr. Hyde takes over. The basics of this story are as familiar as Dracula and Frankenstein, but I had never actually read the authentic original until now.

Verses and Fables – Taking from Stevenson’s vast collection of poems and short stories, this is a showcase of erotic, fantastic and sometimes brutal fables. “The Land of Nod” is a poem I have loved since I was a child, but didn’t know it was Stevenson. “Now Bare to the Beholders” eye is a seductive poetic striptease, with gorgeous illustrations.

A Brief Literary Life – As in other collections, a brief illustrated biography of Stevenson. Full of witty illustrations and references.

The Suicide Club – A dark tale of bored dilettantes seeking excitement, who wind up with more than they bargained for. An evil game of chance and men who seek death.

The Crumb Brothers on Treasure Island – Maxon Crumb tells the true tale of how Stevenson famously influenced the comic legends Robert and Charles Crumb. Included in Robert Crumbs “Treasure Island Days.”

The Nixie – A beautifully illustrated fairy tale. Haunting and poetic.

The Bottle Imp – A sweet and dangerous cautionary tale about the dangers of getting what you wish for, and playing with magic. Illustrated to take full use of the Hawaiian influences of the story. Very enjoyable.
Rating: 5 / 5