Scan barcode
stackednpainted's review
4.0
J.T. Waldman illustrated and re-told the story of the Book of Esther, in which a young Jewish woman is married to King Achashverosh. When she discovers that the king's evil right hand, Haman (*boo*), wants to kill all Jews, with the help of her father she persuades the king to change Haman's (*boo*) degree.
Now, the Book of Esther (or Megillat Esther in Hebrew) is part of the Bible that not everyone heard of, I assume. At least for me, this was a new one when I first started studying comparative religion (as a minor), but I have come to like it a lot as it is an interesting story. I don't want to give away too much, though.
It took me a bit to get used to the graphics with this graphic novel, but once I got over the unique style, I rushed through the rest of it. Waldman has created a wonderful graphic novel introducing people to the story of Esther. If you have never heard of it - or really like it, you should definitely check out J.T. Waldman's adaptation.
Now, the Book of Esther (or Megillat Esther in Hebrew) is part of the Bible that not everyone heard of, I assume. At least for me, this was a new one when I first started studying comparative religion (as a minor), but I have come to like it a lot as it is an interesting story. I don't want to give away too much, though.
It took me a bit to get used to the graphics with this graphic novel, but once I got over the unique style, I rushed through the rest of it. Waldman has created a wonderful graphic novel introducing people to the story of Esther. If you have never heard of it - or really like it, you should definitely check out J.T. Waldman's adaptation.
guiltyfeat's review
4.0
I picked this up after Waldman's contribution to Harvey Pekar's Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me. This is a scholarly and graphic review of the Esther story, beautifully rendered and rigorously sourced. I can't imagine there are too many other works out there that include in their bibliography works by both Adin Steinsaltz and Scott McCloud. I have a deep fondness for the cinematic drama of the Purim story and this was a fantastic telling with a literal twist in the middle.
brucefarrar's review
4.0
JT Waldman’s version of the Scroll of Esther, the story behind the Purim festival is a daring and imaginative interpretation of scripture in a graphic novel. The artist incorporates the Hebrew text into the art along with the English narration and text balloons. The drawing and composition run the gamut from horrific to voluptuous as befits a tale of Oriental court intrigue and near genocide. As the story nears its climax the reader must physically turn the story around and switch from reading left to right in English to right to left as in a Hebrew. Thus reinforcing the narrative, as the slaughter and humiliation Haman, the villain, plans for the Jews is instead visited upon him.
Interleaved with this rich spread are parallels to other Biblical tales, genealogical information, messianic speculations, and guest appearance by prominent prophets. Plus the appended to the end matter of the book are a bibliography, rabbinic citations, and other notes. This is a cup that runs over its brim with delights, wonders, and mysteries.
Interleaved with this rich spread are parallels to other Biblical tales, genealogical information, messianic speculations, and guest appearance by prominent prophets. Plus the appended to the end matter of the book are a bibliography, rabbinic citations, and other notes. This is a cup that runs over its brim with delights, wonders, and mysteries.
More...