Ian Pollack's Illustrated King Lear

I can't say much about this because I can't really remember.

It seems that my memory of this is a bit hazy.

I really should go and read this again.

As I recall, it was really great.

Maybe upon rereading, I will be able to recall more details and be able to provide a more comprehensive and detailed account.

It's important to refresh my memory so that I can better understand and appreciate whatever it is that I'm referring to.

So, that's what I plan to do - take the time to read it again and see what new insights and memories come flooding back.

I'm looking forward to rediscovering the greatness that I once experienced.

I must have come into possession of this graphic novel version of King Lear well over twenty years ago.

Back then, graphic novels were not yet “in vogue.” To my dismay, manga had not even been translated into English.

Even before that, I was deeply drawn to the story of King Lear. Over the years, I find myself returning to it, often during dark times.

Pollock’s illustrations are a perfect visual accompaniment to the darkness, depravity, and madness of the [complete and unabridged] tale.

I believe this has been out of print for some time. However, I’d highly suggest looking into digging up a copy or for Workman to issue a reprint.

This graphic novel version of King Lear offers a unique and captivating way to experience this classic story. The combination of Pollock’s illustrations and the text brings the tale to life in a whole new way.

Even if you are already familiar with the story of King Lear, this graphic novel is well worth checking out. It may offer new insights and perspectives that you hadn’t considered before.

So, if you have the opportunity, don’t miss out on this wonderful graphic novel.

I have had this book forever.

But today, my son found it on the shelf. He then spent quite a while looking at the illustrations. After that, he made me read him the fool/Lear scenes.

I can see why he was drawn to it. I had actually forgotten that I even had this book, so I didn't remember it too well.

However, man, the illustrations are so creepy and awesome. They are really affecting. They kind of remind me of the Scary Stories to tell in the Dark illustrations. In that, they are disconcerting, but it isn't always immediately apparent WHY they are so disconcerting. They are just creepy as hell.

And they are very helpful in understanding Lear. I remember when I got this and read it as a younger person, it was the first time I felt like I understood Lear (the play as a whole).

You can't understand Shakespeare plays just by reading them. You have to see them performed. And if you can't, something like this book with its great illustrations is the next best thing.

May I first express my admiration for how everyone on Goodreads seems to have discovered this by a happy coincidence. I am no exception. Recently, while trying to stay awake at a Christmas party, I came across this gem lying around in a storage area at someone else's house. They kindly let me borrow it to finish reading. I am truly in love with this art style. It is both grimey and surreal, yet still colorful and easily readable. If you have a moment, you should definitely look up his website.

Now, let's move on to the actual play. The premise is as follows: What if the King of England was on the verge of dying from old age, and then everything conceivable related to the royal succession went awry. And I mean absolutely everything. The tragedy lies in the fact that this entire disaster could have been effortlessly averted if just one or two people had made a better choice. But that's the thing - hindsight is 20/20. Can you truly say that you would have done better? Well, maybe. This is indeed very high drama, but you understand what I'm trying to convey.

The treatment of the women in this play is not ideal, but considering it's set centuries ago, I'm actually quite surprised it's not worse. Edgar and the fool are by far the best characters, and no one can convince me otherwise. If I seem to be being somewhat vague here, it's because I want to give you the opportunity to approach this play relatively blindly, just as I did. Don't worry too much about the language. The way it's written allows you to understand what's happening even if you don't comprehend every single word. The visuals of this version also add to its appeal.

The illustrations in this play truly enhance the reading experience to a great extent. They bring the story to life in a vivid and engaging way. Each illustration is carefully crafted, adding depth and detail to the characters and the scenes.

As I was reading the play, I found myself constantly referring back to the illustrations to better understand the actions and emotions of the characters. The colors, the compositions, and the styles of the illustrations all contribute to creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.

Thanks to these wonderful illustrations, I was able to connect with the play on a deeper level and truly enjoy it. It was like having a visual companion throughout the reading journey, guiding me and enriching my understanding of the story. I would highly recommend this play to anyone who loves a good story and beautiful illustrations.

This is my favorite Lear.

Pollock's surreal illustrations have a profound impact on the play. They unhinge the play from representational plausibility, taking it to a whole new level.

Both Shakespeare and Pollock challenge the audience to embrace a new set of physical and psychological rules. These rules are looser and stranger, yet also more attenuated and more intense.

Pollock has managed to find a remarkable way to match Shakespeare's words with images. The strength of these images lies in their medium, which adds a unique dimension to the play.

He has created a graphic novel Shakespeare that is far from being a mere gimmick or an aid. Instead, it is a true interpretation, offering a fresh perspective on the classic work.

Pollock's illustrations bring Shakespeare's words to life in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. They allow the audience to experience the play in a whole new light, and discover new depths and meanings within it.

In conclusion, Pollock's work is a testament to the power of art to enhance and transform our understanding of literature. It shows that even the most well-known and beloved works can be reimagined and reinterpreted in ways that are both exciting and original.

A truly fascinating and captivating plot awaits within the story. It is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. However, one aspect that stands out is the extensive use of very advanced vocabulary. This not only adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative but also challenges the reader to expand their own vocabulary. The author's choice of words is deliberate and precise, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. While the advanced vocabulary may seem intimidating at first, it ultimately enhances the overall reading experience. It forces the reader to think deeply and engage with the text on a higher level. Overall, the combination of an interesting plot and advanced vocabulary makes this a truly remarkable piece of literature.

I understand that it is a particular style of art. However, I am not a enthusiast of this artistry style. To me, it appears to be more of a distraction rather than an enhancement. When I encounter this style, I find myself unable to fully focus on the underlying story. The elements and characteristics of this artistry style seem to draw my attention away from the narrative, making it difficult for me to engage with the story on a deeper level. It's not that I don't appreciate art in general, but this specific style just doesn't resonate with me in terms of its ability to convey the story effectively. I would much rather have an art style that complements and supports the story, allowing me to immerse myself in the narrative without being constantly pulled away by the distractions of the art itself.