Yet another adaptation from 2007 is Harper Trophy’s Beowulf, adapted by Stefan Petrucha and with art by Kody Chamberlain. Physically, this adaptation is relatively small in size (6” x 9”) but is one of the most complete versions in print in graphic format, which is interesting, in that according to Petrucha, the script was put together in roughly two weeks. While not noted in the book, the main translations used included one by Frederick Rebsamen and one by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Charles Keeping.
Petrucha’s adaptation begins with a description of Shild Shefing being set adrift following his death and quickly establishes the lineage of Hrothgar and the establishment of Heorot. Grendel is represented as being several times larger than the men who fight him, including Beowulf, who for some reason looks like a man in his thirties. In general, while a reader might find the proportion of the giant’s sword to be excessive, the art is well-suited to the story’s action, and Chamberlain is able to use the dark and shadows to great advantage. Petrucha’s integration of kennings and alliteration and his attention to detail help to give a sense of the original poem, such as in his reference to the scop telling the tale of Siegmund just prior to the battle with Grendel’s mother, a tale which foreshadows Beowulf’s inevitable demise.
Petrucha’s adaptation begins with a description of Shild Shefing being set adrift following his death and quickly establishes the lineage of Hrothgar and the establishment of Heorot. Grendel is represented as being several times larger than the men who fight him, including Beowulf, who for some reason looks like a man in his thirties. In general, while a reader might find the proportion of the giant’s sword to be excessive, the art is well-suited to the story’s action, and Chamberlain is able to use the dark and shadows to great advantage. Petrucha’s integration of kennings and alliteration and his attention to detail help to give a sense of the original poem, such as in his reference to the scop telling the tale of Siegmund just prior to the battle with Grendel’s mother, a tale which foreshadows Beowulf’s inevitable demise.