Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaptation

this is by far my favorite book ever

Read once before. Doing agin! Good book.

I am fairly new to the world of graphic novels, initially under the impression (misguided) that they were “comic books” of the Archie, Jug head and Richie Rich variety. I am now truly intrigued by this genre. When I saw that one of my favorite books (harkening back to high school days) was available in this format I was eager and couldn’t wait to pick it up from my local...more

I am fairly new to the world of graphic novels, initially under the impression (misguided) that they were “comic books” of the Archie, Jug head and Richie Rich variety. I am now truly intrigued by this genre. When I saw that one of my favorite books (harkening back to high school days) was available in this format I was eager and couldn’t wait to pick it up from my local Barnes & Noble. I started reading it in the coffee shop there and only put it down for the drive home that night. While this is a “short” book by the number of pages, this adaptation has left little out from the original. A few of the details are missing but the overall plot is essentially there. The story does not tremendously suffer any loss. The book at first glance, might resemble a more classical comic. Upon further reflection, Tim Hamilton (the illustrator) has intentionally limited his color choices, so much of the book is in almost drab and dreary tones of blue, green, brown, and gray. In contrast, the fire scenes, which reflect some of the most memorable passages (in the original novel), are explosive here, in bright reds, oranges and yellows. They jolt you from passivity. Stylistically the artwork had almost an edginess to it, Montag’s suburban neighborhood with it’s almost post Modern feel. His living room exemplifies this, with what we now consider "retro" furniture and lighting. It was however, missing "art work", instead there are stark walls awaiting the “machine” to illuminate the population with its soap operas and other inane dribble that the population laps up without question. ( Please note, that pap that is today’s television is highly criticized by this gentle reader on a regular and consistent basis) I can recall reading this book as a teenager and it made me so angry that there could be a world where others would dictate what could or should be read. I was already a voracious reader at that point and it just pushed my buttons even further. Even if you’re not a fan of this type of adaptation, I highly suggest you just hold this book in your hands; I dare you to turn a few of the pages. You won’t stop until you’re done. And you’ll reread it again as I have.   hide

Great way for reluctant readers to read a classic

Beatifully drawn, inked and colored this Graphic Novel is a equivalent counterpart to the orignial Book.