Graphic Tales of the Supernatural is published by Rosen Publishing Group. Typical of Rosen, they are sturdy hardcover books that are durable for continuous high demand check out. The pages are colorful and printed on high gloss paper. It is a nonfiction series that includes six books with each volume focusing on a different group of supernatural creatures from folklore. Included in this series are:
- Werewolves:Stories of Deadly Shape-shifters –written and illustrated by Gary Jeffrey
- Vampires: Legends of the Undead –written and illustrated by Rob Shone
- Zombies: Tales of the Living Dead –written and illustrated by Rob Shone
- Witches and Sorcerers: Tales of Magic –written and illustrated by Gary Jeffrey
- Ogres, Trolls, and Giants: Monster Stories –written by Gary Jeffrey and illustrated by David West
- Ghosts: Stories of the Restless Dead –written by Gary Jeffrey and illustrated by David West
These six books follow a simple pattern throughout the series:
Background Information
This includes history and folklore definitions. The layout of this is similar to the DK Eyewitness books in that it is two to four pages of text with corresponding images or photographs inserted among the text.
Illustrated Legends and Myths
This next section includes three separate legends or myths about the supernatural creature being discussed. The stories are told in graphic or comic format using word bubbles, panels, and heavily illustrated.
More stories
This section includes three more tales minus the illustrations. They are short, usually about a paragraph or so long each.
Glossary
Included in the back of the book is a glossary of terms that might be unfamiliar to the reader. For example, in the back of Ghosts: Stories of the Restless Dead, Edwardian is defined as a period of time in Britain from 1901-1910, during the reign of Kind Edward VII
For More Information
Includes a list of websites and books that may be used to find additional information.
Index
The index not only cross-references information from the textual portions, but also from the graphic sections.
Overall the series is presented in a enjoyable format. The information is detailed without being overwhelming. The graphics vary depending on the illustrator. A majority of the illustrations tend to be disturbing as they are of the blood and guts variety; please note that Rosen recommends that these books are intended for ages 10 and up. David West relies heavily on computer generated images similar to ones that would be found in a low budget 3D video game, think early DOOM; not as enjoyable as some of the others. A look at the copyright page explains that this series is designed and produced by David West Books which may explain how this CGI was added and why they are the only non author/illustrator books in the series. Gary Jeffrey’s illustrations are more detailed, but a little darker. They are closer to what you may find in a comic illustrated for an adult audience. By far my favorites were the illustrations by Rob Shone which are bold and while gruesome, they are not as dark as the others.
Graphic Tales of the Supernatural series
Ghosts: Stories of the Restless Dead
Story by Gary Jeffrey
Art by David West
ISBN: 9781448819027
Ogres, Trolls, and Giants: Monster Stories
Story by Gary Jeffrey
Art by David West
ISBN: 9781448819058
Vampires: Legends of the Undead
Story and Art by Rob Shone
ISBN: 9781448819034
Werewolves: Stories of Deadly Shape-shifters
Story and Art by Gary Jeffrey
ISBN: 9781448819010
Witches and Sorcerers: Tales of Magic
Story and Art by Gary Jeffrey
ISBN: 9781448819003
Zombies: Tales of the Living Dead
Story and Art by Rob Shone
ISBN: 9781448819041
Rosen, 2011
Publisher Age Rating: 10 & up
