Lizzy Bennett...Comicbook Heroine?

Find the original Examiner article here.

Marvel has taken Pride and Prejudice and made a pretty good comic book
Marvel Comics’ adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic doesn’t detour off a mediocre route. The novel, since published in 1813, has inspired four silver screen films and five separate television broadcasts as well as multiple theatrical adaptations. Each one has maintained sincerity to Jane Austen’s story but attempted an innovative effort towards visualization. Since released on April 1 the four issues responsibly adhere to the book’s favored plot. Apart from maintaining the classic’s margins, the literary-warden duties peak the innovative viewpoint for the entire reading experience.

Jane Austen offered, from chapter to chapter, the personalities of her characters to render a mix toned composition. Marvel’s Pride & Prejudice translates a monotone rendition. The inane nature of Mrs. Bennett becomes tediously typical. Mr. Bennett’s sarcasm loses poignancy and agreeability. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst join all four daughters, excluding Lydia, as connotations of flat, archetypical personas.

Marvel Comics deserves a nod for undertaking the adaptation. “Pride and Prejudice” was caught in print between post-Colonial and pre-Victorian eras. Austen’s writing style is not extremely ‘ye’ but certainly ‘olde’. Credit is demanded for translation from a follow-up novel of Austen’s caliber to a different literary medium.

Pride & Prejudice will be released as a five-issue series. Issue #4 is due to be released on Aug. 12. Current releases can be found in comic stores around the DC Metro area.