Comic book for Shakespeare

Feb 27 2008 By Neil Elkes

FANTASTIC adventures and daring exploits have long been a staple feast for comic fans.

So it should come as no surprise that classics such as Macbeth and Henry V have now been turned into graphic novels by a Birmingham entrepreneur.

Shakespeare's tales of kings and queens, witches, battles and ghosts are being repackaged in the style of Spiderman, Superman and Batman.

And the aim, according to Classical Comics founder Clive Bryant, is to encourage a love of literature among children.

The full colour pages burst with energy and vibrancy while readers can choose from Shakespeare's original text, direct translation into modern English or even quick read versions.

They have even been given a seal of approval from Patrick Stewart, one of the world's foremost Shakespearian actors.

Clive, born and raised in Stechford, said: "So many children think Shakespeare is boring. So I thought about how to pitch on their level, how to make his stories as exciting as Spiderman's adventures and it came from there."

His own interest had been sparked by English teacher at Audley Road Boys School, Rev Frank Higgins. The 43-year-old entrepreneur, who now lives in Northampton, said: "Rev Higgins really did instill in me a love of literature. He made stories like Macbeth and Great Expectations come alive. A true inspiration. I'd love to trace him and thank him," he added.

Clive, whose background is in business and IT management, needed to call on experts from the comics and publishing world.

And he visited the first Birmingham International Comics Show in December 2006 to recruit artists and writers.

He signed up the likes of Spiderman artist Jon Haward and leading script editors to turn the classics into graphic novels.

And at home his 11-year-old son Robert and daughter Stephanie, 16, were guinea pigs as the graphic novels developed.

Clive knew he had succeeded when one of Robert's school friends, who was given a draft print of Henry V, was told be a teacher to "stop reading that in class".

The first two books, Henry V and Macbeth, will be followed later this year by Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol.