The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Manga Classics

by Twain

Crystal Chan and Chan (Artist)

Chafed by the "civilized" restrictions of his fosterhome, and weary of his drunkard father's brutality, 14 year-old Huck Finn fakeshis own death and sets off on a raft down the Mississippi River. He is soonjoined by Jim, an escaped slave. Together, they experience a series ofrollicking adventures that have amused readers, young and old, for over acentury. The fugitives become close friends as they weather storms togetheraboard the raft and spend idyllic days swimming, frying catfish suppers, andenjoying their independence.

• ISBN13: 9781772940169
• Publish Date: 2 November 2017 (first published 25 August 1992)
• Publish Status: Transferred
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Udon Entertainment Corp
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is another flawless adaptation into Manga done by the wonderful Chrystal Chan and Chan (the artist). I’ve now read a handful of the Manga Classics, and I’ve got to say, I am still in love with the concept. Converting classics into Manga form creates beautiful and approachable works of art. Chrystal is skilled at adapting the plots into the shorter length required by the style and Chan is fantastic at drawing all the details that would otherwise be lost when cutting descriptions. Together they’re a fantastic team capable of creating fascinating works.
I really enjoyed the adaptation for the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. While there are many parts of the story itself I do not love, I have no intention on blaming the manga version for that. I have to admit I was absolutely tickled seeing Huck in Manga form. Perhaps it is just me, but he totally reminded me of Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist. Needless to say the similarity made me even fonder of Huck than I had been previously (though I had not thought to consider Huck a “pretty” boy before this). I feel like the pacing was better done in the adaptation as well, and can easily see many people having an easier time getting through this version (not to disparage the classic of course).
There were certainly multiple points in the novel that were enhanced by the imagery style used. Huck dressing as a girl is an obvious one of course. Another scene that I felt was more impactful was the section containing the feuding families (the Grangerfords and the Shephersons). I felt the loss more keenly than I ever had while reading the original. There were many other scenes as well, but that one in particular really struck me.

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