“Over the course of his career, legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka adapted many of Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare Manga Theater collects these adaptations into one volume. The book includes the following: The Merchant of Venice (1959), Robio and Robiette (from Astro Boy, 1965), Macbeth (from Vampire “The Three Fortunetellers”, 1966), Hamlet (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1981), The Taming of the Shrew (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1981), and Othello (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1982). Shakespeare Manga Theater is sure to be popular not just with Tezuka fans, but also provide a fun and useful educational tool for schools interested in presenting Shakespeare in a format that is easier for readers to engage with.” (Ablaze)
Regarding theater, almost no author is more prolific than William Shakespeare. It can be said that when it comes to manga, Osamu Tezuka is also one of the most well-recognized artists ever to tackle the craft. “Shakespeare Manga Theater” by Osamu Tezuka combines the work of these two great artists to create an anthology of works that is both unique and memorable, if not a little unexpected and unpredictable as well.
Although the title “Shakespeare Manga Theater” isn't exactly clear, the main thing readers may want to know before diving into it is that this is a series of loose interpretations or Shakespeare-related manga and not actual adaptations, as the name may suggest. That's probably one of the more confusing and surprising parts of this anthology, as its resemblance to Shakespeare is barely more than in name alone. Of the six stories featured, only half have anything to do with the plot of their namesake, and even then, the interpretations are flimsy at best. Although Ablaze describes this work as a potential learning aid, any readers looking for an easier-to-understand interpretation of Shakespeare's works akin to series like “No Fear Shakespeare” will be highly disappointed.
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However, just because this manga isn't a scene-for-scene interpretation of Shakespeare's plays doesn't mean it's terrible or unenjoyable; it's just misleading. While the stories do not flow exactly like fans of the originals may expect, many contain fun, expected twists that make them enjoyable. Tezuka's interpretation of “Macbeth” adds a supernatural twist that allows the story to stand on its own and leave a memorable impression on the reader. “The Merchant of Venice,” which is arguably the most similar to its theater counterpart, is thrilling and fast-paced, allowing readers to familiarize themselves with the basics of the famous tale in a way that's easy to enjoy. It helps that Tezuka's comedic style shines through in all of their writing.
While Tezuka's take on the stories may not be wholly accurate, their art is captivating as always. If the style seems familiar, it's likely from their work on the well-known “Astro Boy” series from 1952. Like that series, the art here is fun and fluid. It attracts the eye and guides movement seamlessly through a dynamic array of geometric panel arrangements. The diagonal boxes almost cutting through the page help to illustrate all of the excitement and action.
Potential readers should realize that this manga and its contents are a product of its time. There's a message that warns as much in the opening pages, asking to be understanding of some of the more stereotypical artistic interpretations of other races, specifically people of color. While it is a bit jarring at first to see such depictions, the attempt to keep Tezuka's artistic integrity intact and the reasons behind it are at least noted.
Although Osamu Tezuka's “Shakespeare Manga Theater” is not quite perfect, it is not a bad read. Perhaps it would be beneficial to brand it as something other than a direct adaptation or potential learning device, as the interpretations are often loose at best and inspired at most. However, the heart is still there, especially in Tezuka's style, which brings the characters' antics to life. His passion for Shakespeare's stories is evident in his unique take on the tales, and that devotion that makes this collection worthwhile.
