Only for Hardcore Mark Twain Fans

Review by Michael Vance

Graphic Classics: Mark Twain/139 pgs. and $11.95, Eureka Publications/various artists and
writers /sold at book and comics shops, and at www.graphicclassics.com.

This collection adapts several of the lesser works of American novelist, Mark Twain, and
lesser is meant as a pejorative.

"Tom Sawyer Abroad" was written when Twain was in financial straits, and decided to cash
in on the fame of one of his best known character.  It is the longest piece offered,
features the best art, and reads almost like an Indiana Jones adventure as Sawyer sails
to exotic locals in a hybrid boat/balloon. But Abroad lacks the deep characterization
that made Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn artistically and commercially successful, and
is only mildly entertaining.

"The Mysterious Stranger" was a barely disguised, controversial discussion of religion,
and Twain wasn't much of a philosopher. The art is exceptional, but the theology is
silly.

This collection is recommended only for hardcore Mark Twain fans.

Michael Vance

Graphic Classics: Special Edition/61 pgs. and $6.95 from Eureka Publications/various
artists and writers/sold at book and comics shops, and at www.graphicclassics.com.

Bierce, Lord Dunsany, Conan Doyle, and Mary Shelley for free! If your local comic book
shop participates in Free Comic Book Day in May, this jewel is yours!

If you don't have a local comics shop, or one that participates, Special Edition will be
available at a later date from the publisher and selected outlets.

Free or not, it is worth your effort to find a copy of this "sampler" of other Graphic
Classics collections. Most of the adaptations are of horror short stories, and even Mary
Shelley's gothic romance is at least historically interesting. Most of the art is
reality-based and better than interesting.

This collection is recommended.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.
mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure
Museum? Try fourcolorcommentary. blogspot.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU.