Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1: The Wind in the Willows
Product Description
The first volume of the new CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED DELUXE series presents graphic novelist Michel Plessix’s lush adaptation of “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. The artwork is in aquarelle, with thin, precise, detailed lines. In Wind in the Willows, Plessix breathes life into Mole, Rat, and Toad (of Toad Hall) as they picnic on the riverbank, indulge in Toad’s latest fad, and get lost in Wild Wood. The pacing is masterful: each panel lingers just l… More >>
Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1: The Wind in the Willows
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The Wind in the Willows has spoiled me for any other of the Classics Illustrated. Michel Plessix has a rare talent in that his drawings are unusually evocative, creative, detailed, varied from panel to panel, full of humor and sweetness. He draws with love and a deep sensitivity to the natural world, from bugs to birds to trees to the moon on a dark night. Unusual perspectives await you, such as a view of the action from behind Mole’s glasses. You want to pore over the exquisite details of Mole’s dirty house, Toad’s dungeon, Badger’s attic and a hundred other details, in order not to miss anything. This book is a rare delight and one I read over and over, with so much pleasure that I feel rested and renewed afterward.
I have ordered other Classics Illustrateds, but there is no comparison. I hope for all our sakes that Plessix will publish again.
Rating: 5 / 5
“Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1: The Wind In The Willows”
Written by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted and illustrated by Michel Plessix
(Papercutz, 2009)
———————————————————————
This is an excellent, highly recommended adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind And The Willows,” a classic children’s novel that was first published in 1908. Grahame’s novel has long attracted devoted fans, with its literate, lyrical writing and evocation of the natural world. This comicbook-format graphic novel version transforms the the delicious but sometimes densely thicketed prose into vivid, detailed images, allowing readers to more easily visualize the story… There have been several film and animation adaptations of the book, but this version comes perhaps closest to the quirky charm of the original.
The Papercutz edition is an American reissue of a comic that first came out in Europe, originally printed in a larger format (with art the size of the Tintin books). Cut down to about half its size, the artwork does seem a bit squinched down, but still retains most of its power and charm. This is one of the best volumes in the newly-revitalized “Classics Illustrated” imprint… Highly recommended as a rich, thoughtful retelling of a timeless classic. (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children’s book reviews)
Rating: 5 / 5
“Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1: The Wind In The Willows”
Written by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted and illustrated by Michel Plessix
(Papercutz, 2009)
———————————————————————
This is an excellent, highly recommended adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind And The Willows,” a classic children’s novel that was first published in 1908. Grahame’s novel has long attracted devoted fans, with its literate, lyrical writing and evocation of the natural world. This comicbook-format graphic novel version transforms the the delicious but sometimes densely thicketed prose into vivid, detailed images, allowing readers to more easily visualize the story… There have been several film and animation adaptations of the book, but this version comes perhaps closest to the quirky charm of the original.
The Papercutz edition is an American reissue of a comic that first came out in Europe, originally printed in a larger format (with art the size of the Tintin books). Cut down to about half its size, the artwork does seem a bit squinched down, but still retains most of its power and charm. This is one of the best volumes in the newly-revitalized “Classics Illustrated” imprint… Highly recommended as a rich, thoughtful retelling of a timeless classic. (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children’s book reviews)
Rating: 5 / 5
“Classics Illustrated Deluxe #1: The Wind In The Willows”
Written by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted and illustrated by Michel Plessix
(Papercutz, 2009)
———————————————————————
This is an excellent, highly recommended adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind And The Willows,” a classic children’s novel that was first published in 1908. Grahame’s novel has long attracted devoted fans, with its literate, lyrical writing and evocation of the natural world. This comicbook-format graphic novel version transforms the the delicious but sometimes densely thicketed prose into vivid, detailed images, allowing readers to more easily visualize the story… There have been several film and animation adaptations of the book, but this version comes perhaps closest to the quirky charm of the original.
The Papercutz edition is an American reissue of a comic that first came out in Europe, originally printed in a larger format (with art the size of the Tintin books). Cut down to about half its size, the artwork does seem a bit squinched down, but still retains most of its power and charm. This is one of the best volumes in the newly-revitalized “Classics Illustrated” imprint… Highly recommended as a rich, thoughtful retelling of a timeless classic. (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children’s book reviews)
Rating: 5 / 5
One of the best illustrations i have seen in years…it takes us into a beautiful world. Bit sad about not able to find more books by michel plessix.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Wind in the Willows: Classics Illustrated Deluxe
Classics Illustrated have a 60 year old reputation that is hard to beat. What other series has been embraced by educators and readers around the world and still garners attention from mainstream publishing?
NBM, in association with Jack Lake Productions and First Classics, has released the Michael Plessix adaptation of Kenneth Grahames’ “Wind in the Willows”. The adventures of Toad, Mole, Badger, Otter, and Rat leap off the page with an amazing life its’ own. Msr Plessix’ art is delightful, combining a wide range of color pallettes and detailed imagery. Clearly, this was a work of love.
The only drawback to the book is the size of the book. With art this complex, some of the detail is lost in the panel sizes. However, a larger presetation would necessitate a higher price. I can just imagine what the gallery quality original art must look like.
“Wind” is broken into 10 chapters following the first encounter of the water Rat, Mole, Otter and Toad. Theirs is a friendship born through and deepened by adventure. Whether it is going to visit Badger and his amazing underground home, or traveling with Toad, a boundless enthusiasm for life is woven through the fabric of the adventures.
Like the original series before, this presentation of the stories is magical and if this is any indication of the books to follow, Classics Illustrated Deluxe is sure to build a new generation of readers. […]
Tim Lasiuta
Rating: 5 / 5
I began collecting the original Classics Illustrated in 1953, when I was 7. Now I have a complete set of them (there are 168 titles in the series, but I have in excess of 220, which includes different covers, different interior art, and all of the Classic Comics issues). I also have all of the Marvel Classics, and all of the First Publishing Classics Illustrated. Needless to say, you can tell that I really enjoy these books! This new issue is remarkable, for it greatly expands the 60 pages from the original Classics (cut down to 48 in later years), so that there is much more space to tell a more complete story. “Wind in the Willows” is also one of my favorite books, and I was extremely impressed by the quality of the work, and the excellence of the artistry involved. The tale of Rat, Mole, Badger and J. Thaddeus Toad has never looked better! I intend to collect every one of these fine books!
Rating: 5 / 5