Rapunzel's Revenge

Bibliography:

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 159990070.

Summary:

This is the story of Rapunzel like you’ve never heard it before. Set in the Wild West, this graphic novel is also a fractured fairy tale. As a little girl, Rapunzel was stolen from her real mother and raised by Gothel, an evil witch. Gothel, through her magic, has imprisoned the land and the people around her. When Rapunzel finds out the truth, Gothel locks her up in a tree tower. Due to growth magic in the forest, Rapunzel’s hair gradually grows long enough that she can let herself down from the tower and escape. She soon meets up with Jack (yes, from the Jack and the Beanstalk story) and together they make their way to Gothel’s dwelling. It is the Wild West, and with Rapunzel’s long hair as a weapon, the two find themselves fighting outlaw gangs, breaking out of prison, stealing horses, and seeing their faces on “Most Wanted” posters. Rapunzel rescues her mother, and then destroys the source of Gothel’s magic, and thus Gothel herself. The land returns to its normal condition and the people are free. Rapunzel and Jack share in the happy ending, but that’s another story.

Analysis:

The authors have created a unique retelling of the classic story, and will reach a wide audience with the graphic novel format. Rapunzel is a strong female heroine, and Jack is a loyal and humorous sidekick. As with any graphic novel, much of the book is illustrations, and they are colorful, engaging, and show action well. The illustrations especially serve to show the setting of the story and make it possible to envision Rapunzel as a cowgirl in the Wild West. The text is well-written, and though more emphasis is placed on action than character development, Rapunzel and Jack are still fleshed out characters with whom readers can identify. The ending is satisfying, and the story’s themes include loyalty, honesty, family ties, courage, and persistence.

Reviews/Awards:

“While the witch's castle is straight out of a fairy tale, the nearby mining camps and rugged surrounding countryside are a throwback to the Wild West and make sense in the world that the authors and illustrator have crafted. The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”
School Library Journal, starred review

“This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine.”
Booklist

Connections:
* Read other versions of Rapunzel and discuss similarities and differences.