A while back I read of 1984 by Orwell in a graphic novel format. I had done this at least once before with The Great Gatsby (two graphic novels, same title) and now have done it with Orlando by Virginia Wolff. Each time the dual readings allowed me to pick up different pieces of the puzzle and allowed for comparison that helped me see what “worked best” for my personal reading style.
With the first book, I was confused as to plot points and other pieces of information. The illustrations were crowded, text smooshed and it just was not an easy read. Then I found Orlando: A Graphic Novel Biography adapted by Jules Scheele (was out June 2026; read via an online reader copy). It was thankfully a slightly easier take on the story than Susanne Kuhlendahl’s adaptation, but it still keeps the tone and wording of the original story. Or so I assume. Afterall, I hadn’t really even heard of the book before I gained access to it via reader copies. It just feels “old fashioned” and true to a classically written story of the times.
I was less confused as the images were bold and colorful and advanced the story. It aided in the understanding of the theme (transgenderism, queer stories). I also was not confused about what was happening this time around when it came to the hokey-pokey goodies that Orlando gets themselves up to as there are moderate to graphic sexuality or sexual scenes included. When the transformation happens, yup that is a woman. The sex they are having? Yup, that’s a woman. That woman’s breasts? Dang! I think Dolly Parton might be jealous.
Also, Scheele adds modern queer icons to the images making this adaptation different from others, or at least the one I read before. This addition (some well known, others maybe less so) can be both a bit distracting and allows you to see what the point is trying to make because you can then compare and contrast the Orlando character with the real life counterparts.
Overall, this adaptation is much lighter, more free, more open and guides you a bit more into a conclusion the other did not. Which for me is that Orlando has always been a woman (in the stereotypical form), raised male until the day it was time to “come out.” And the other her husband at the end takes on some interesting characteristics that makes me think that Shell was not born the way they presented themselves in the end. I still get lost in the time travel aspects, there is a scene with a baby (there one minute, gone the next) I still wonder about, but I was picking up more of what they were putting down.
Unknowingly, I found a Kickstarter that was promoting this book. I supported it befoer I read the online reader copy. Now I get to try it all over again.
cbr18bingo OR This is Orlando 2
