Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel

May 15, 2010
It is an increasingly popular supposition that a story acclaimed through best-sellerdom should do well as a graphic novel, especially one as action-rich as Grahame-Smith's Regency mashup. With zombies invading Austen's plot, numerous elements take on new relevance. Kitty and Lydia's beloved militia regiment has quartered in the Bennets' neighborhood to dispel attacks from the "unmentionables." Elizabeth must fight her way through the undead to visit the ailing Jane at Netherfield and so has serious justification for a muddy frock. And with many of the characters skilled at martial arts, their exchanges go way beyond verbal sparring. Indeed, the most satisfying sequences come when Lizzy responds to Darcy's original proposal with a well-aimed kick to his gut and later dispatches Lady Catherine's ninja guard before disarming the Lady herself, disdaining to kill her honorably. VERDICT "Buffy" veteran Richards does lovely, period-detailed line work, and his panel designs and action sequences work well. But the black-and-white drawings have an unfinished feel, andlike Marvel's "Pride and Prejudice"many women characters look too much alike. No matter, however, since the bewitching Elizabeth and swoonworthy Darcy carry the narrative. For zombie fans, older teens and up.M.C.

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