The Count of Monte Cristo

 

Description:

A Conspiracy and a miscarriage of justice turn the gentle Edmond Dantès into an implacable agent of fate: The Count of Monte Cristo . Obsessed by vengeance and empowered by providence, the Count avenges himself on whose who have wronged him - but is this justice, or is this hubris? In the end, does even the Count know?

Alexandre Dumas' skillful narrative combines intrigue, betrayal, and triumphant revenge into a powerful conflict between good and evil. Now this exciting saga, rich and diverse, takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classics adaptation! 

My Review:

This adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s novel ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ was excellent. The visualization of the characters and plot made it so easy to follow and enjoy 1200+ pages in the condensed Manga version with the right trimmings. Therefore, the primary focus here was the story of the Count, how he came to be and his revenge plans.

Young Edmond Dantes had a lot going for himself in 1815. He was to become the new captain of a ship, marry his fiancé and save his father from poverty with his new earnings. Excitedly he looks to his bright future, but on his wedding day he is detained for crimes unexplained and incarcerated in a dark cell at Château d’If without any human contact. As the days, months and years pass, he endures through all stages of emotions and finally starts digging towards the neighboring cell. When he unites with the older man from the other side, they become very good friends and spend a lot of time together. He is the one who teaches him how to be patient and plan his revenge. He also gives him details for a huge treasure to take so he can move forth with his plan.

“All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope” 
― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

After his escape and obtaining his new riches, he becomes ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and learns of the fate of his father, his fiancé and the conspirators and traitors behind his arrest that ultimately destroyed his path in life. But he has suffered much, endured and prevailed, and he is looking right into the eyes of his betrayers, and they do not know who he really is. His plans work out beautifully, as he avenges them all behind their backs and plays them. 

***

There is a fine line between what parts to leave out of the novel, which sub-plots to keep and what elements to foreshadow so they make sense. I thought that this was very well planned out and executed. I did not feel like I was missing anything and the art was captivating. 
This adaptation is definitely very appealing especially if one has been shy of reading the original tome. It would serve as a great introduction and create and interest in the more hesitant. 
I thought it was very well done.

I received a copy of the ebook version of "The Count of Monte Cristo" in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.