Peter Pan by JM Barrie is one of the most enduring characters in fiction. First introduced in a novel titled Little White Bird, the story known around the world as Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, was first presented in the form of a play in 1904, as a children’s book, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens in 1906, and as novel in 1911, titled Peter and Wendy.
The story has been adapted many times, on stage, in film and more than once as a graphic novel, perhaps most significantly by French comic creator Regis Loisel, who reworked the tale into a stunning dark, adult-focused fantasy, in a six-volume graphic novel series, published in English by Soaring Penguin Press in 2013. Copies now fetch crazy prices (AmazonUK Affiliate Link).
Other takes, truer to the tale JM Barrie wrote include Peter Pan by Stref, aka Stephen White, working with colourist Fin Cramb, first published in 2015, a gorgeous adaptation much praised when first released by Birlinn’s children’s imprint, BC Books.
Stref’s adaptation of J M Barrie’s story was the first of its kind in the UK. As he’s previously explained on his official website, Stref adapted the script using Barrie’s own words, and produced the black and white artwork, then coloured by Fin Cramb.
“This book was six years in the making,” he relates, “and the extensive research that was done prior to production, ensured an authentic adaptation of the original author’s work.”
Reviewed by Dave Gibbons, co-creator of the Watchmen graphic novel, for the First Minister’s Reading Challenge, Dave declared: “This new graphic novel adaptation of Peter Pan by Stref successfully supplants the comforting cartoon visuals of Walt Disney and returns the story to the darker mood and imagery of the early 20th century. The formal compositions and fastidious linework echo the stage presentations of the original drama while transporting the reader to an exotic Neverland, where thrilling adventures await.”
“Stephen’s use of a ligne claire style for his line art gives a lovely simplicity to the visuals of the characters,” noted downthetubes contributor Jeremy Briggs in his review of the original release, “while his intensely detailed backgrounds, both in civilisation and on the island, bring a richness to the book. It has to be said that Fin Cramb’s colours, which often give the impression of watercolour painting, do much to enhance the art as well.”
Now, a very special, reworked edition of the graphic novel has been put together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the book. Featuring dozens of tweaks, redrawn panels, and four entirely new pages, in the works, seeking crowdfunding soon, is the definitive version of that adaptation, available in English for the first time.
Having seen some of the work Stref has put into this new edition last year when he was at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, all I can say is, if you’re a Peter Pan fan, you’ll want a copy of this beautiful 96 page graphic novel. If you’re a fan of Stref’s other comic work, such as his graphic novel, Raising Amy, or Tara Togs; or his work on The Broons and Oor Wullie, you’ll want this book.
Comic Scene are launching their crowdfunding campaign for this anniversary edition on Kickstarter soon, offering softcover, hardcover and deluxe hard cover editions. If successful , it will be published in September, just in time for Christmas.
• Join the pre launch page here for this very special edition of a wonderful story
• Read Jeremy Briggs review of the 2015 edition
• Stephen spoke to downthetubes about his work on Peter Pan here in 2015
• Stephen was also interviewed about Peter Pan by the Dundee Courier
- About the Author
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comic Previews, Comics, Creating Comics, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News