MMGM (6/11/2018): Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

For MMGM, I am recommending Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan.




Here's the publisher's description:

Award-winning graphic novelist Matt Phelan delivers a darkly stylized noir Snow White set against the backdrop of Depression-era Manhattan.

The scene: New York City. The dazzling lights cast shadows that grow ever darker as the glitzy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties screeches to a halt. Enter a cast of familiar characters: a young girl, Samantha White, returning after being sent away by her cruel stepmother, the Queen of the Follies, years earlier; her father, the King of Wall Street, who survives the stock market crash only to suffer a strange and sudden death; seven street urchins, brave protectors for a girl as pure as snow; and a mysterious stock ticker that holds the stepmother in its thrall, churning out ticker tape imprinted with the wicked words “Another . . . More Beautiful . . . KILL.” In a moody, cinematic new telling of a beloved fairy tale, extraordinary graphic novelist Matt Phelan captures the essence of classic film noir on the page—and draws a striking distinction between good and evil.


Many, many months ago, I read about this book on a fellow MMGMer's blog. I've unfortunately forgotten where I read it, and former MMGM showrunner Shannon Messenger has taken down her old blog with past MMGM posts and replaced it with a new website (which you can visit here!). However, I would like to thank whoever recommended this book, because I adored it! The art of the novel is absolutely gorgeous, usually drawn in blacks and grays with some red added in (such as for the apple). Despite lacking many words (the only text is character dialogue), the story is still rich and thrilling. I read the whole book in two sittings (a total of about 45 minutes), desperate to find out about what the stepmother would do and about the fates of both Snow White and the "Seven" (the dwarves, reimagined as a group of homeless, orphaned children of varying personalities). Each character does just enough in the story to make them seem deep and realistic, and watching them travel throughout the wonderful setting (New York City during the Great Depression) was a treat! Snow White: A Graphic Novel is an excellent reimagining of the fairy tale that adds substance, beauty, and suspense, making a fabulous novel that you won't want to miss!

Comments

  1. I also remember reading that previous post. Your review renews my interest in tracking down this book. Thanks for your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't usually read graphic novels, but I really enjoyed your post. I love this cover art! The graphics and the color scheme are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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