Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, adapted and illustrated by Gary Gianni, introduction by Ray Bradbury, Flesk Publications 2009 hardcover graphic novel.
Verne wrote a great many wonderful books, and this is one of my favorites. This may also have been an early introduction to science fiction for me, but it was the Disney film that I saw, rather than reading the book.
I decided to read the book, and then came across this beautifully drawn graphic novel. Though by necessity the graphic version is shortened, it is close in plot and outcome. If you’ve only seen the film, I recommend the book, in print form or this beautiful graphic novel, the book and movie are quite different.
From the Flesk website: Gianni’s adaptation preserves the sense of wondrous adventure, while sacrificing nothing by way of plot or the finer nuances of character. This finely distilled narrative combines skillfully rendered depictions of the men and the machines they command. Their encounters with astounding marvels and terrible monsters, above and below the waves, create a rich and rewarding reading experience unlike any other.This oversized, hardbound volume will also include the full text of The Sea Raiders, a short story by H.G. Wells, accompanied by ten original illustrations created for this edition by Gianni. Jim & Ruth Keegan supply the colors.
Tip the Wink 
Read his Journey to the Center of the Earth and thought it kind of clunky. But I’ve read that the early translations of his books were pretty bad. So that might of been the problem.
There are better, more recent translations, but this graphic novel does a good job with less text.
There’s also the Classics Illustrated version.
I remember it.
Yeah, I remember the Classics Illustrated version too. LEAGUES was one of the first movies I remember seeing as a child. It made a big impression on me. I never read the actual book.
Disney took many liberties with the story, naturally, and I found this more interesting, and no singing.
I saw the movie of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as a kid and loved it! I went into a Verne binge and read a clunky version of 20,000 Leagues–probably the same book Steve read–and that ended that.
Verne had great imagination. The translation would make a difference.
I have only seen the film and that was a while ago. We do still have a dvd, so I should pull it out some time. I would not mind reading the book sometime too.
It was Gianni’s beautiful cover artwork that drew me in, Tracy, but it’s a great story.
I never seen the Disney movie. As a kid I saw a musical adaption with kid actors.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is one of my favorite stories of all times.
I think you’d enjoy the Disney movie, Anna.
” I found this more interesting, and no singing.” I can go along with that!
🙂
Is this Richard Robinson of The John Creasey fan site?
Best, Morgan
No, Morgan, not familiar with the Creasy site.
I can’t remember if I have this one or not, though I think I do I love Giani’s work and have several books that he illustrated.