Question About Graphic Novel (Classics)

[iamjoy]

I am buying some Christmas presents for nine year old boys and they're kind of in to comic books/superheroes. Other than that, though, they don't really like reading. So, I thought it would be kind of cool to get them the graphic novel adaptations of some of the classics. I think Frankenstein might be too intense, but maybe Treasure Island or Call of the Wild. I know, not exactly superheroes, but you get the idea.

I am looking on Amazon.com, and it seems a lot of them are in black and white, not full color. Does anyone know how to find some good graphic novel adaptations of classics that are in color? Are there any particular companies to seek? I would also accept good titles for nine year old boys that will satisfy their desire for "action" while opening their minds to different types of stories than they might otherwise read.

I won't necessarily buy from Amazon, but I like using them to "shop" and once I know what I want look elsewhere to buy.

[Speck Tater]

1. As a kid I loved "Classics Illustrated"

http://www.tkinter.smig.net/ClassicsIllustrated/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classics_Illustrated

They are now being reprinted: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS139250+12-Feb-2008+PRN20080212

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

4. Oh, man. Those rocked.

[Orrex]

2. Great question!

Here's one:
http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Classics-Illustrated-Herman-Melville/dp/0425120236
Moby Dick as illustrated by Bill Sienkewicz

I'm almost certain that there were others in this series, but I honestly can't remember. If you contact just about any comic book store, they can probably point you toward others.

[NoodleyAppendage]

3. You should look for Classic Comics reprints. I believe they might be at Bud Plant for order.

Classic Comics turned all kinds of serious literature into comic form...some were done quite well. Robert Crumb has a graphic novel out there on Kafka and his stories, but this might be too advanced for nine year olds.

J