Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

Title: Snow White: A Graphic Novel
By: Matt Phelan
Published: 2016
Call #: JGraphic Phela.M

Matt Phelan has made quite a name for himself, creating breathtaking historical fiction graphic novels, and his most recent book, Snow White: A Graphic Novel, holds to his high standard. Set in 1928, in New York City, Phelan creates a story told as if a silent black and white, noir film were transformed into a book.

Towards the beginning of the story, Samantha is sent away to boarding school by her well-meaning father and beautiful stepmother, formerly a top Ziegfield girl billed as the “Queen.” With a ticker tape reader feeding messages, a la the magic mirror, to the unhappy and evil stepmother, the plot quickly turns darker as she poisons her older husband and then attempts to have her step-daughter killed after learning she will inherit much of the estate at 18. Of course the reader knows all will turn out well for the heroine. She will be taken in by seven dwarves (or in this case boys), an apple will be bitten, the “queen’s” reign will end, and Snow (or Samantha) will be awakened by a prince. Though sparse in words, it does have its scary moments, so best for readers in grades 4 and up.

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