Odysseus: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

I’ve been on quite a mythology kick lately. I have always loved mythology--I consider it to be a true passion of mine. From YA authors like Rick Riordan all the way back to the classics, I have always enjoyed reading about vengeful gods, terrifying monsters, and courageous heroes. I recently got my hands on a graphic novel version of Homer’s epic, “The Odyssey”, and I was absolutely captivated by the way this classic tale was brought to life.

Gareth Hinds has brought this story alive by adding visually stunning images to one of the most iconic texts ever written. “The Odyssey” tells the story of cunning Odysseus as he journeys back to his native Ithaca after the events of the Trojan War. Unfortunately, after disrespecting Poesidon, the Greek god of the sea, Odsseus’ journey home turns from a simple sailing voyage into an adventure that lasts more than 10 years and tests the strength and determination of a man.

Finding himself facing the raging sea, the mighty cyclops, the song of the sirens, and even the fearsome duo of monsters Charybdis and Scylla, who brought death to countless sailors, Odysseus was not the only one forced to use his wits and strength to fight the enemy. Back in Ithaca, Odysseus’ wife and son were fighting their own battles against the suitors who had flocked to their kingdom in hopes of marrying Penelope and taking Odysseus’ place in Ithaca.

What brings this story to life is the added imagery that enriches the text and really allows the reader to see the events of this epic journey right there on the page. The subtle style of the art doesn’t distract from the text, but it allows the text and the reading experience to become more cohesive. For fans of the original version of Homer’s epic poem, you will still find the wit, charm, and elegant description on these pages, but you will also be able to see an interpretation of the pure, raw emotion that all of the different characters experienced throughout their trials.

This graphic novel allows the reader to connect to the struggles that we face to attain what we want the most. People are not unfamiliar with the idea of bad luck, but many of us don’t face a string of bad luck in the same way that Odysseus does. For Odysseus, his bad luck came from a more divine place, but as I was reading this I found myself thinking about times in my life when it felt as though I just couldn’t catch a break; I began to sympathize with Odysseus and felt sorry for how much this man had to struggle to return home.

In the same breath, I also found myself admiring Odysseus’ wits and his uncanny ability to get himself out of countless tricky situations. I always like it when the mind becomes more of a sharpened weapon than any sort of blade and that is the case for Odysseus. Don’t get me wrong, there is certainly enough battle, blood, and death brought to life in these pages, but all of that takes a backseat to the wiley schemes that Odysseus comes up with to get him and his companions out of trouble. Although he receives divine intervention when it comes to some of his more risky endeavours, Odysseus’ wisdom and guile are nothing to be trifled with.

For anyone who is a fan of mythology, or for anyone who is a fan of this classic tale, I would highly recommend picking up Gareth Hinds’ graphic novel version of “The Odyssey.” This has heart, humor, drama, romance, and plenty of action.

5 out of 5 stars!