
The graphic novel was printed in 2007, but I just came across it the other day and had to see how they portrayed Shakespeare's baby. I have to say, I enjoyed the specific dialogue and passages chosen by the adaptor Richard Appignanesi along with textual consultant Nick de Somogyi. Illustrator Sonia Leong did a wonderful job on the artistry of the novel. First off, they keep the names of the main characters and their last names (Capulets and Montague. The story setting is in present day Tokyo, Japan. Instead of rapiers from the original story, they utilize modern day Japanese weapons like sai and katanas.
The age appropriate punk style décor of the main characters; which sports their youthfulness and naiveté towards consequences of violent clashes brings this story to life. I particularly liked how the book transforms Prince Escalus into a beat cop/detective whose job it is to keep the peace on the streets. Anyone who reads this will be able to use the context clues from the imagery on the page to determine just what the sordid language of Shakespeare is meaning to convey. If I was going to put this story into focus for those who may not have the patience to thumb through it thoroughly, here's the skinny of it.
The two families, Capulets and Montagues have some beef with each other. No real reason given, just the usual crap that is passed down from generation to generation because families cannot change their way of thinking; so they pass hate onto their kids. Essentially the story starts, when one of the families' members sees their rivals on the street and basically bullies them into a fight. The cop (Prince Escalus) stops things before they get too heated and tells them the next time it happens, they will be arrested. (Which either family could care less about).
Enter the Capulet family, for whom has a young daughter (Juliet) turning 14 years old and her parents feel it's time for her to marry. I guess junior high age was a turning point time to marry your child off back then, sheesh. Anyway, they decide to throw a huge party and in this party a certain young man has been chosen for her (Paris). The plot thickens...meanwhile the Montagues have a young man of their own (Romeo), who is acting all heart sickened over a sweetheart of his Rosaline. His buddies in an effort to get his spirits up, take him to his families' sworn enemies' party. Make sense right? Well, they are young and in search of adventure, however once young Romeo (whose age is never stated, but implied around 16) sees Juliet; all bets are off. The two steal away from the party to solidify their instant love. Their connection is so strong, they decide to get married the very next day. Talk about throwing foreplay out the door. Anyway, the story proceeds from there, but that should get you the general idea. The modern day meets the past, which mixes together to create a fun journey between these two star-crossed lovers. To know more, buy the graphic novel. Tons of famous quotes are there from the original piece and if you are a movie connoisseur as well as an avid reader, you will enjoy and "then have at thee!"
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