Weeklies

Comic: "Marvel Classic Comics: A Christmas Carol"
Published by: Marvel Comics
Written by: Charles Dickens, Doug Moench
Artist: Diverse Hands

Reviewer: Nick
Posted: 12/8/2010

Plot: Charles Dickens' classic novel re-imagined in comic book format.

Review: What's this, what's this?! A comic book of Charles Dickens' classic novel by Marvel Comics featuring super-heroes? Oh wait, it's just original story whittled down to fit inside 54 page comic, how festive! Luckily for us all that "A Christmas Carol" can stand on its own no matter what format it comes in, I suppose that's the magic of being a great story. Marvel released this gem way back in 1978, when comics were still fun to read without all the grim, black darkness that mall-dwellers just eat up these days. Featuring the stylized artwork typical of late 70's comics (which I adore) and the writing ripped straight from the novel itself, it's hard not enjoy reading it.

It would be hard to find anyone these days who have absolutely no knowledge of Charles Dickens' lovely little Christmas tale. We've all read it, watched it, or at least listened to it countless times now, but we still can't help but love it. It is the type of story that no matter how you experience it, it is still fun to sit through all over again, a timeless classic by all means. Marvel was kind enough to give us comic nerds out here a little version to call our own, but that seems to be the only real reason I could tell anyone to actually go out and track this comic down.

As stated before it has great artwork, but considering that it did come out in the silver-age that is of no surprise to anyone. I wish I could elaborate more on it, but as it seems it was published with the artist's name replaced with the pseudonym Diverse Hands, used mostly to give credit to more than one person, leaving me unable to compare it to said artist's past achievements. While Doug Moench (better known for his work in Batman) was involved with the project, he only served to arrange the original novel passages to better suit the flow of a comic book, and far be it for me to be the one to criticize Charles Dickens. I believe I would need a couple of degrees and about twenty more years of knowledge in the writing field to even consider bashing a author of his stature.

I must admit reviewing this comic was not an easy thing to do, and while I cannot honestly recommend this to anyone, as we have all gave witness to A Christmas Carol in some form or another throughout our lives, it is still an enjoyable read. If you are a fan of the original tale, comic books, or even novels being re-told through comics, then by all means track this comic down. It won't disappoint you, it's exactly what you would want out of such a thing. A comic book about A Christmas Carol.

Overall rating: WholeWholeWhole
(Scored on a 0.5 - 5 pickles rating: 0.5 being the worst and 5 being the best)

Reader Comments

WHAT'S THIS?!
Dec 8th, 2010, 05:36 PM
They have done that with a bunch of classic books. I recall reading an Ivanhoe comic once
Member
Dec 8th, 2010, 09:23 PM
I now want to see a comic book Great Expectations. Hopefully it will live up to...nah, I won't make the obvious wordplay joke.
Superior Electric Sheep
Dec 9th, 2010, 12:38 AM
I have found several comics doing a rendition of classic works. Some were good and others, meh. I found an interesting Frankenstein one awhile back. It held my attention for a good amount of time. However, a lot of times, I still just like reading the book.
Space Cowboy
Dec 11th, 2010, 02:46 AM
I've got a Marvel Classic Comics version of the Iliad. It's complete with comic book onomatopoeias as well, which makes it hilarious.