'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' is such a sweet, moving and heartwarming modern retelling of 'Anne of Green Gables' in graphic novel form, and sometimes that's enough. That it's also queer is a bonus.
Of the Kathleen Gros queer children's graphic novels I've read recently, this and 'Carousel Summer' (read review here) are my favourites. I'm sorry to say that 'Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)' is a dud; one of the most boring comics I have ever read, containing literally no conflict. But 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' stands out as being extra sweet, wholesome, colourful, and creative, containing updated modern messages and dialogue.
Anne Shirley herself is a sweetheart and relatable child, too. She's totally herself, and an artist and redhead - my kind of girl.
There is no overarching plot. Stuff just happens. It is pure, polished slice-of-life - the life of a twelve-year-old foster child. An adorable, realistic, coming-of-age dramedy, with themes of friendship, found family, chance meetings in life, tolerance, never judging and making assumptions, bullying, forgiveness, temperament and anger management, and teaching against rashness and impulsiveness. Easy lessons for kids to learn.
Plus, in my opinion, it is the best out of all the 'Anne of Green Gables' queer graphic novel adaptations that have come out of the woodwork lately, such as Rey Terciero's 'Dan in Green Gables' (hmm... ehhh) and Ivy Noelle Weir's 'Anne of West Philly' (oh good grief no). Sometimes the simplest route is the best one. Gros's colourful and cartoony artwork reflects this.
I absolutely love that 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' contains no homophobia whatsoever. Girls liking girls, no matter how young they are (twelve), is treated as normal, because it is.
Queerness needs to be normalised in children's media. No more censoring, hiding or lying. No more intolerance. No more cowardice. No more bigotry.
Maybe another reason I'm soft on 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' is because I haven't read the original classic novel since I was a kid myself, and cannot judge it as an adaptation, since I barely remember the source material.
I should reread 'Anne of Green Gables' soon.
In the meantime, I hold Kathleen Gros's 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' close and dear to my heart.
It should be made into a children's TV series. Animated or live-action, it doesn't matter.
Final Score: 3.5/5
EDIT: At last, I have reread the original 'Anne of Green Gables', and everyone was right, it is delightful and glorious. One of the best children's classic novels ever. I will write my own review of it soon, but right now I'll say that in also rereading 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)', I sort of (heh) understand why it doesn't quite hold up as an adaptation of such beloved literature.
For one, Anne in the graphic novel is far too quiet and shy, and unsure of herself, and less of an optimist. Why is she so introverted? She should definitely be out in nature more, and talk nonstop about it! She should be trying to make more friends, and what's this nonsense about her not being able to carry a tune?! At least she has her bad temper and other issues as flaws to work through, and she remains outspoken, and a creative artist.
Marilla and Matthew are too alike and share equally in raising Anne, which is baffling and antithetical to their characters' roles in 'Anne of Green Gables'. I don't think Green Gables itself is ever mentioned once; only the apartment, "Avon-Lea", which is very odd (Green Gables is in the title!).
The original messages and morals have been tweaked and updated (far less pious and preachy), and I understand why a lot of Anne's episodes from the novel had to be cut to fit into this short adaptation.
Finally, it makes sense for a modern retelling to make Anne and Diana a sapphic couple, hands down.
Of the Kathleen Gros queer children's graphic novels I've read recently, this and 'Carousel Summer' (read review here) are my favourites. I'm sorry to say that 'Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)' is a dud; one of the most boring comics I have ever read, containing literally no conflict. But 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' stands out as being extra sweet, wholesome, colourful, and creative, containing updated modern messages and dialogue.
Anne Shirley herself is a sweetheart and relatable child, too. She's totally herself, and an artist and redhead - my kind of girl.
There is no overarching plot. Stuff just happens. It is pure, polished slice-of-life - the life of a twelve-year-old foster child. An adorable, realistic, coming-of-age dramedy, with themes of friendship, found family, chance meetings in life, tolerance, never judging and making assumptions, bullying, forgiveness, temperament and anger management, and teaching against rashness and impulsiveness. Easy lessons for kids to learn.
Plus, in my opinion, it is the best out of all the 'Anne of Green Gables' queer graphic novel adaptations that have come out of the woodwork lately, such as Rey Terciero's 'Dan in Green Gables' (hmm... ehhh) and Ivy Noelle Weir's 'Anne of West Philly' (oh good grief no). Sometimes the simplest route is the best one. Gros's colourful and cartoony artwork reflects this.
I absolutely love that 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' contains no homophobia whatsoever. Girls liking girls, no matter how young they are (twelve), is treated as normal, because it is.
Queerness needs to be normalised in children's media. No more censoring, hiding or lying. No more intolerance. No more cowardice. No more bigotry.
Maybe another reason I'm soft on 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' is because I haven't read the original classic novel since I was a kid myself, and cannot judge it as an adaptation, since I barely remember the source material.
I should reread 'Anne of Green Gables' soon.
In the meantime, I hold Kathleen Gros's 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' close and dear to my heart.
It should be made into a children's TV series. Animated or live-action, it doesn't matter.
Final Score: 3.5/5
EDIT: At last, I have reread the original 'Anne of Green Gables', and everyone was right, it is delightful and glorious. One of the best children's classic novels ever. I will write my own review of it soon, but right now I'll say that in also rereading 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)', I sort of (heh) understand why it doesn't quite hold up as an adaptation of such beloved literature.
For one, Anne in the graphic novel is far too quiet and shy, and unsure of herself, and less of an optimist. Why is she so introverted? She should definitely be out in nature more, and talk nonstop about it! She should be trying to make more friends, and what's this nonsense about her not being able to carry a tune?! At least she has her bad temper and other issues as flaws to work through, and she remains outspoken, and a creative artist.
Marilla and Matthew are too alike and share equally in raising Anne, which is baffling and antithetical to their characters' roles in 'Anne of Green Gables'. I don't think Green Gables itself is ever mentioned once; only the apartment, "Avon-Lea", which is very odd (Green Gables is in the title!).
The original messages and morals have been tweaked and updated (far less pious and preachy), and I understand why a lot of Anne's episodes from the novel had to be cut to fit into this short adaptation.
Finally, it makes sense for a modern retelling to make Anne and Diana a sapphic couple, hands down.
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