Graphic Classics: O. Henry (Graphic Classics (Eureka))

Reader Reviews
Graphic Classics continues is incredible series of illustrated classics with "O Henry," an American short story author and the master of the twist ending. Almost everyone who has gone through the US school system has encountered O Henry at some point or other, most likely in "Gift of the Magi," but the remainder of his catalog is not as generally well-known. This volume, # 11 in the Graphic Classics series, has some of the most variety of the series. From cowboy adventure yarns to morality tales to straight, melancholy tragedies, O Henry seems to have written a little bit of everything. The majority of the Graphic Classics series have focused on horror, which seems really suited to the format, but it is great to see that adventure has a place as well. This volume contains: "An Unfinished Story" - A quick snippet about exactly who qualifies for heaven. "The Ransom of Red Chief" - A cartoonish take on a Dennis the Menace-style tale of kidnapping a spoiled bully. "The Caballero's Way" - A brilliant tale of the Cisco Kid, famed bandit and caballero. The illustrations are superb, completely complementing the romantic nature of the yarn. Ah, for the love of Tonia Perez, what would we all not dare? I could happily buy a whole book in this style. "The Gift of the Magi" - THE classic O Henry tale, illustrated by Graphic Classics's regular Lisa K. Weber. Her pretty art adds the necessary touch on this familiar and beautiful story. "After twenty Years" - A clever story of friendship, with the art giving the right rough and ready feel. Touching and sad. "A Strange Story" - A VERY strange story, with cartoonish illustrations. A funny break from the heavy tales preceding. "The Marionettes" - Rick Geary's Victorian style is great for this story of free will, heroes and villains, and why people do what they do. "The Furnished Room" - A straight-forward tragedy, full of loneliness and death. "Roads of Destiny" - The struggling peasant/poet David takes three paths through life, but all lead to the same destiny. Three different illustrators lends power to the adaptation. "The Friendly Call" - An odd tale of loyalty and friendship. "A Madison Square Arabian Night" - A dilettante's dismay, a photograph of a woman... "The Eye of the Beholder" - An artist who paints souls rather than appearance, finds that not everyone appreciates having their true nature revealed.


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