I have to admit, when I started reading this book it didn't seem like I'd enjoy it very much. The humor seemed overly crude (especially that "PHWOOAAAR" running gag) and the whole thing more concerned with getting a cheap laugh than actually telling the story.

As I read further, however, I found this to be quite engaging, with plenty of interesting tidbits about the source material. So, overall, this is a pretty great introduction to Dante's Inferno you can get through in an hour or so.

(Received via Goodreads Giveaway) ( )

Hunt Emerson's adaption is very funny and very adult. I read Dante's Inferno in its original form but I needed some inspiration for my next project and this is a perfect adaption to a classic. ( )

i've been putting off reviewing this because - well... there's only so much you can say when you're in actual awe of someone. i've been aware of hunt emerson in one way or another ever since childhood, mainly because i was a comic and cartoon fan and could recognise differences in style and approach from a VERY early age. as such i knew emerson was one of those, um, slightly freewheeling artists like leo baxendale - but like baxendale it's adulthood that has made me appreciate their art so much more. just as baxendale has written and drawn the odd mature work, emerson's "other" career has been his regular comics for the fortean times. as a long time reader of the magazine, his is sometimes the most engaging and initially easy to grasp of the magazine's dabbles into the wild world of forteana - a strip that not only shows his erudition, but his wit and humour... and his great grasp of graphic art. i'm a dabbler in the world of comics these days, and it's looking at books like this - an extended essay as much as it is an adaptation - that makes me not only realise how much there is for me still to go in my chosen field... but why i want to get there. i want to make something this wonderful and funny and creative. and yes, timeless... ( )

Hunt Emerson’s take on Dante’s Inferno is truly a divine COMEDY. The story is as good as ever with many an absurd, ribald twist. And while not all of the jokes had me rolling on the ground I did find my self thoroughly entertained throughout. Being a graphic novel the artwork has a fantastic cartoony quality fit for any issue of MAD or CRACKED. Emerson’s style is high on detail and sure to keep you looking far longer than the text balloons would require. Being black and white, it’s nice when the artist takes the time to flesh out the backgrounds. Be aware; this book does not shy away from minor nudity, but I don’t believe that anyone attracted to this book would be the type to get offended easily. As far as the physical book itself; the semi-rigid cover, printing and binding are all of surprisingly high quality. ( )

I haven’t read Dante’s Inferno, I am not well placed to comment on whether this is an accurate representation of the original but treating it as a graphic novel and a standalone tale I thoroughly enjoyed this sick, twisted and at time laugh out loud romp through Hell! I did try to read the notes at the end of the book, but started to find that I did not really care how accurate Hunt Emerson’s version was preferring to keep the comic fresh in my mind.

For someone who loves their comics I was extremely impressed with Hunt Emerson’s work and at the same time rather embarrassed that I had not encountered his work before now. The drawings are cartoons rather than what I would consider traditional comic art, there is no attempted realism in the drawing style and If I had to I would fit Hunt Emerson alongside Gilbert Shelton’s work (Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers etc) a fit that works in terms of the many detailed panels included in the book which warrant spending considerable time enjoying the incredibly detailed landscape and characters as there is nearly always some funny little character or amusing drawing to enrich the story unfolding in front of your eyes.

There really is so much to recommend this book and it has prompted me to read the book twice as well as search out more of Emerson’s work and some of the more cartoony works of graphic storytelling available. Just as I was thinking that I was starting to figure out what I did and didn’t like in the world of comics! ( )