Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

*Review created for Texas Woman’s University graduate level class*

1.       BIBLIOGRPAHY

Hale, Shannon & Dean. 2008. Ill. by Nathan Hale. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. New York. Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. ISBN 978-1-59990-288-3

2.       SUMMARY

Rapunzel grows up believing that the witch Gothel is her mother.  She lives the life of a pampered princess behind the garden walls; all the while feeling like something was missing in her life.  On her 12^th birthday she decides to find out once and for all what was behind the garden walls.  Mine camps, slaves and complete desolation is what she finds.  After meeting her real mother, a slave in the mines, Rapunzel stands up to Mother Gothel, and is then imprisoned. After escaping four years later, she decides to teach Mother Gothel a lesson on how to treat people, and rescue her mother.  On the way she meets Jack and Goldy the goose. 

3.       CRITICAL REVIEW

Ever wonder what would have happened if Rapunzel decided to get revenge on the evil witch?  What ensues is a hilarious look at a whole new side of Rapunzel, and her long locks.  Using her hair to fight crime, and right wrongs, Rapunzel, and her new friend Jack, set out to teach Mother Gothel a lesson about treating people with respect, and to rescue her mother from the mining camp.  High action and adventure move along the story as she meets different inhabitants, from the dwarves who use a pick ax to fish, ranchers, farmers, Witchy Jasper, a traveling band of fools, and of course, outlaws.  The vivid illustrations of the graphic novel help readers visualize the desolation caused by Mother Gothel, as well as to give the impression of the Wild West.

Rapunzel’s Revenge includes two common themes; it affirms that love is more important than power, as well as good triumphs over evil.  Sacrifices must be made, Rapunzel is imprisoned for four years before she manages to escape and rescue her mother, but eventually she triumphs over the evil Mother Gothel and rescues the land from her tyranny.  Rapunzel turns down Mother Gothel’s offer to take over her evil empire more than once.  The distinctive and often humorous language the Shannon and Dean Hale use helps accentuate the setting, “I’ll be swigger-jiggered and hung out to dry” is just one humorous example of the language used.  In addition, the illustrations are invaluable to the story, and provide comedic relief.  When Rapunzel escapes from her prison, “I managed to lasso the tree…swing gracefully from my prison…climb down the tree’s branches…and land triumphantly on the forest floor.”  The expertly done illustrations provide the more accurate view, such as swinging into the tree, falling onto most of the branches on the way down, and landing into a stream on her backside.  Both girls and boys are sure to enjoy the feisty Rapunzel, sarcastic and loyal Jack, and the hair whipping adventures they have in the Wild West. 

4.       REVIEWS

“A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens.”… Kirkus Reviews

“With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”… Publishers Weekly

YALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Teens

ALA 2009 Notable Children’s Book

5.       CONNECTIONS

Read Calamity Jack the sequel to Rapunzel’s Revenge

Read other graphic novels

Read other novels by Shannon or Dean Hale

Discuss the differences in Rapunzel, from the traditional fairy tale, Disney’s Tangled , and the graphic novel

Works Cited

Hale, Shannon. "Book's: Rapunzel's Revenge." Accessed August 7, 2012. http://www.squeetus.com/stage/books_rap.html.

Kirkus Reviews. "Rapunzel's Revenge." Accessed August 7, 2012. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/shannon-hale/rapunzels-revenge/#review.

Publishers Weekly. "Children's Review: Rapunzel's Revenge." Accessed August 7, 2012. http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-59990-288-3.