The P. Craig Russell Library of Opera Adaptations, vol. 1
THE MAGIC FLUTE Long out of print, the many adaptations that Russell has done of famous operas are finally collected again in 3 volumes, in the wake of his highly successful massive recent adaptation of Wagners Ring of the Nibelung. This first volume presents his adaptation of one of Mozarts most famous works, a farcical tale mixed with fantasy. The story begins as the Queen of the Night sets Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue her daughter, Pamina from the evil Sarastro. On the way, he meets the bird-catcher Papageno, who is persuaded to help Tamino in his quest. Taminos spiritual quest is counterpoised with Papagenos own earthly search for his one true love, Papagena. Both couples strivings are juxtaposed with the eternal conflict between Sarastro and the Queen of the Night.
"NBM's reprint of Russell's classic adaptation superbly displays the artist's skill at both writing and illustrating. Adapting comic opera-particularly one by Mozart-takes a confidence that borders on hubris. Fortunately, Russell, has the talent to back up his ambition."
-Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Russell has succeeded in combining opera and comics, taking advantage of the graphic medium to dramatize the operas emotional structures.
Janet Clarke- The Opera Companion "Russell is an artistic genius, gifted with the ability to use the art form of comics to tell a grand story in a way that captures the imagination. You don't need to be an opera buff to enjoy the story. This Library will make you stare at page after gorgeous page of intricately-detailed art. It's the perfect marriage of storytelling and design."
-Augie De Blieck, Jr., Comic Book Resources.com
"Each page is carefully formed with two goals kept in mind: how will this page help tell the story, and how can this page be a work of art in its own right? In the end, Russell suceeds in both ways with The Magic Flute." -iCOMICS.com
"Mr. Russell blends his art-deco backgrounds with skillfully executed character construction to bring the story gorgeously to light." -Joe Szadkowski, Washington Times "****This is a beautiful book that belongs on any fantasy art lover's shelf."
-Jeff Kapalka, Syracuse Post Standard
"Even if you're not an opera fan, you'll be struck by the majesty and detail of Russell's work."
-Andrew Smith, Scripps-Howard papers
"A shining example of what the medium can achieve in the right hands."-VOYA
"With his marvelous drawing and masterful use of color, Russell actually dignifies the deep silliness of Mozart's opera, making it a beautiful, magical tale of a strange quest in the name of love." -Karen Haber, Locus
"Dazzling artwork that is striking as much for its vibrant use of color as for its detailed images." -William Dowlding, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
ON SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL'S TOP RECOMMENDED LIST. "Russell beautifully visualizes Mozart's transcendent opera of heroism, love, and spiritual quests."
8x111/2, 144pp., full color jacketed hardcover: $24.95
ISBN 978-1-56163-350-0
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