The Adaptation: Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gringoire at the Palace of Justice

Instead of going over the plot, I think it would be better if I examined how well this works as an adaptation. Unlike the other pieces reviewed here, this was meant specifically to be an adaptation, rather than a dramatic or artistic work.

It seems that certain descriptions were ripped straight from the book. Certain sentences feel stiff or awkward, a result, it seems, from basing itself on early translations, which were very inconsistent. As an example, instead of saying men or women, the comic uses words like "male" or "female." It also can be awkward like when, early on, Gringoire remarks that the Parisians are "a pretty pack of boobies." The actual line is meant to be "A fine rabble of asses and dolts, these Parisians," but, likely not wanting to use "offense language," the line was changed. Of course today, this is unintentionally hilarious.

Claude Frollo

Another case is with the use of "old English," such as "thy" "thou" and adding "est" instead of "ed" at the end of words. It's mostly unnecessary, and most contemporary translations remove these things.

As an adaptation, it's fairly basic. There are some subtractions, like the absence of Jehan and the removal of more lude or violent scenes, like the "Key to the Red Door"  chapter.

It works for what it is.

Next: Art