Gareth Hinds, Poe: Stories and Poems, Candlewick Press/Walker Books Australia, 1 August 2017, 120pp., $29.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780763681128
Gareth Hinds has harnessed the dark and foreboding essence of Poe in this graphic novel.
Hind’s adaptation masterfully illustrates the gothic horror in seven of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems: The Masque of the Red Death, The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Tell-tale Heart, The Bells and The Raven.
As my eye moves from frame to frame, exploring each image for every nuance, I am overwhelmed by a deepening sense of horror as I descend into the minds of Poe’s characters. The images are very confronting, leaving me with a lingering queasiness that could equal my response to a cinematic production. Gareth Hinds definitely has artistic talent, blending Poe’s human torment into his skilful drawings.
Selections of Poe’s words are replaced with images to convey emotion and suspense. And, although these are not Poe’s work in their entirety, this book strengthens the timeless legacy of a literary master and I can recommend it as a visual interpretation for students of Poe’s works.
Reviewed by Sharon Smith
