We received review copies of the two graphic novels pictured above this past week...  And I was a little surprised when my wife, Tina, wanted to read  AND review them here.   So the following is by our 'Guest Blogger' Tina:

Rod Sterling's The Twilight Zone Graphic Novels transport classic stories from the beloved series into graphic novel form. Some are more suited than others. 

"The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" retains the pace, suspense and irony of the original episode. The artwork powerful depicts the story with a wallop much the same as the actual episode. 

"The Odyssey of Flight 33" pales by comparison.  It's tough to convey suspense in the closed confines of the time-traveling airplane. Many of the passengers and crew are as irritating as if you were on the flight with them!

These limitations aside, the graphic novels are a fitting tribute to the groundbreaking show.  Both those who grew up with the series, and new fans alike will enjoy the added tidbits of Twilight Zone lore. 

The books include background on creator Rod Sterling (Who collected "Tales from the Crypt" and "Weird Science" as a kid!), the time period, the series, and facts about the airing of each episode.

That concludes Tina's review of the two books. Thanks Tina!

Here's a couple of thoughts from Michael:   I would have to agree with Tina that 'The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street' was brilliantly transferred from TV Show to Graphic Novel Format.  Mark Kneece's adaptation was well done, and the artwork by Rich Ellis kept me enthralled as much as the airing of the episode did.  Well done by both!

However, as Tina stated about 'The Odyssey of Flight 33', there was something about this adaptation that didn't work.  My thought is that it was the 'updating' of the story, with references of today, with added security etc., that didn't quite do it for me either.  I remember as a kid marvelling at the story and the non-ending... The artwork by Robert Grabe was good, but the adaptation of the story didn't quite do it for me either.

The paperback price of $9.99 is not bad for this type of work, nor the $16.99 for hard cover format.  This series would be a good purchase for libraries to stock for their patrons, as well as Twilight Zone Fans, a.k.a. 'Zonies'. 

The following is for: The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 72 pages

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (December 23, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 080279713X

ISBN-13: 978-0802797131

Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches

 

The following is for: The Odyssey Of Flight 33

Reading level: Young Adult 

Paperback: 72 pages

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (December 23, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802797199

ISBN-13: 978-0802797193

Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches

(Note: Complimentary copies of these graphic novels for this mention / review was provided to the bloggers.)

For those of you that are new to our blog today, we have an ongoing online 'Comic Con and Pop Culture Convention'  ourselves here at "Make It So Marketing Inc.", what with our daily blog posts, and new listings of items for sale in our online eBay Featured Store! 

Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts!

~ Michael

Note From Make It So Marketing:   Michael first set up at the 1972 San Diego's West Coast Comic Con. To the left is a photo of Michael at the 1973 SDCC - San Diego Comic Con that was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Harbor Island, San Diego. Today, Michael and his wife Tina run an online business as well as attend conventions and blog!  Click the photo to the left to see 'Their Current World Of Pop Culture'!                   Each comic / comics book. Graphic Novels or magazine in our eBay Featured Store is individually graded by Michael, inventoried, priced, bagged and boarded, before being listed for sale!                     If you don't see what you are looking for, feel free to email us a 'want list' and if in stock, we'll place it in our eBay Featured Store 'Just for You' to purchase!

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"   Note: If you work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for review, send to: Make It So Marketing Inc PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

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