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 Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung. This first volume presents his adaptation of one of Mozart’s 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. Tamino’s spiritual quest is counterpoised with Papageno’s 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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Paperback Edition:
8x111/2, 144pp., trade pb., $17.95
ISBN 978-1-56163-351-7
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The P. Craig Russell Library of OPERA ADAPTATIONS, vol. 2
In this volume, Russell’s classic adaptations of Richard Wagner’s Parsifal from the legend of the Holy Grail, Ariane & Bluebeard by Maeterlinck and Dukas, “The Clowns” taken from I Pagliacci by Leoncavallo, as well as two songs by Mahler: “The Drinking Song of Earth’s Sorrow" and “Unto This World.”
"Russell's mad passion for the stories and images he's adapting helps him pull off the obviously tough act of showing opera without music. The prize of the book is... Ariane and Bluebeard... and Russell opens up and roars like a star tenor, fiercely stylizing everything from the opera's architecture to its sunbeams and indulging in wordless passages that let him cut loose with enormous spectacles." -Publishers Weekly
"Bravo, maestro, bravo!" -Ray Olson, Booklist (complete review)
8x111/2, 128pp., full color jacketed hardcover: $24.95
ISBN 978-1-56163-372-2
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The P. Craig Russell Library of OPERA ADAPTATIONS, Vol. 3
This collection of Russell’s classic adaptations concludes with Pelleas & Melisande by Maeterlinck and Debussy, Salome by Richard Strauss and the all new The Godfather’s Code from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
"Russell's take on Pelleas et Melisande, is nothing if not ambitious. Salome, is similarly treated but arguably more satisfying." -Booklist
"...Ravishing...Epic... His ambitious plan to adapt the great works of opera into comics form is audacious, but his flowing, poetic lines and fanciful colors are an art in and of themselves."
-Publishers Weekly
"Highest rating (5Q). Russell continues to demonstrate his versatility and skill in this latest faithful adaptation." -Voya
"An admirable job!" -School Library Journal
8x111/2, 144pp., full color, jacketed hardcover: $24.95
ISBN 978-1-56163-388-3
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