The Merchant of Venice

With elegant, contemporary artwork and a faithful but succinct adaptation, this graphic novel casts a classic drama in a provocative new light. Here is the tale of young Bassanio, who, to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender Shylock. Only Bassanio's heartfelt efforts and a clever intervention by Portia will save Antonio from paying Shylock "a pound of flesh." Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic novel adaptation of one of Shakespeare's more controversial plays boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark, familiar beauty of Venice.

Gareth Hinds is the creator of BEOWULF and other graphic novels based on classic works. Of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, he says, "I find the fairy-tale symbolism and ethical dilemmas of this play compelling, and I wanted to use the graphic novel form to present them to a modern audience." He lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.