Who would have thought that the story of the Iliad could be made into a multi-part graphic novel and one that is so carefully done!  This series gives an enormous number of backstories, making the series into a novel in and of itself!  The illustrations are carefully done, and it is easy to get caught up in the various story lines.  Shanower has finished 4 volumes in the series, and intends to do several more.

The characters are drawn (literally and figuratively) very carefully.  For example, Helen explains why she has to leave Hermione behind, in order for Menelaus to continue being king.  Paris is a total frat boy, who thinks he can have whatever he wants.  We see the birth of Achilles’ son Pyrrhus (or Neoptolemos) and his relationship with Patroclus.  Odysseus’ attempts to prove his madness are drawn beautifully.  I love it that Aeneas and Creusa are in the story, too.  

It is a graphic novel, meant for adults.  There is a lot of sex and nudity.  When I gave portions to my AP class, I was careful to cut things out!  The scene with Cassandra and Apollo is quite chilling.  But, on the other hand, the students loved reading and seeing characters come to life.

Whether you use this in your class or just for your own enjoyment, it’s a wonderful series.  While I own the volumes, many libraries have them too.  Here is a website, with many interesting links: http://age-of-bronze.com/

By Ruth Breindel, who taught Latin, Greek, Linguistics and Mythology at Moses Brown School for 30 years.