Book Shelf Revisited: From Book to Movie to Book Again

The not so past past has been a wonderful time for fantasy and science fiction books and films. One lucky story that has stood the test of both readers and cult film is that of The Last Unicorn.

Unlike many of the stories we get so wrapped up in of late, where Vampires and Were's run rampant, a more innocent creature is the focal point.The interpretations of the story can be different, but there is one theme that runs deep.

Love.
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The Last Unicorn
by Peter S. Beagle
212 pages

The original copyright says 1968, which I personally wouldn't have suspected. The story is beautiful, and hints at mytholigy at first. Telling how Unicorns were reacted to and treated in the past.

But the words of a hunter send the Unicorn on a journey to learn what's happened to her kindred. Through the pages and adventure, there are various lessons learned. The reader is introduced to a variety of mythological beasts at one point, only to have most of them to be revealed as fictitious.

But Love, in the end turns out to be the strongest thing by the end of the story. It is definetly a wonderful read. I do not know if a younger reader would find it an easy story to read, but it can be enjoyed by anyone.
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I loved the book. Honestly though, I was first introduced to the story via the film. It is enjoyable, though there are some discrepancies that finicky film watchers might not enjoy.

But that's a different story altogether, and this is a bookshelf, not a movie locker. ^_~

Comic books are a popular thing again, with the rise in the popularity of Manga. So the fact that this story made it's way into the graphic book world is interesting. Especially upon realizing the original copyright.

But then maybe I shouldn't be surprised, since it's a timeless story.
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The Last Unicorn
by Peter S. Beagle
Adapted by Peter B. Gillis
illustrated by Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon

This version is a lovely graphic rendition. Appropriate for comic book readers, or any collector that may have a copy of the original book itself. The artwork is amazing, and every time I pick my copy up I'm always afraid I might injure it in some way.

Honestly I never would have seen this book, if it Hadn't been gifted to me for my birthday earlier this year. I greatly appreciate it, because there's nothing better than a familiar story shown in a new way.
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I highly recommend any of the three incarnations of this book to you. And if you know of another one, feel free to let me know, okay?

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Originally posted November 26, 2011 at http://thebookshelfgoblin.blogspot.com