I will be blunt. I have never understood the Peter & the Wolf story. However, with this graphic novel edition, things are shown in simple, mostly black and white illustrations by Bono (yes, that Bono). They are modern, awkward, smooth, abstract, realistic, beautiful and ugly. They are perfect for what is being presented.
Peter and the Wolf: Wolves Come in Many Disguises by Gavin Friday finally allowed me to have a better understanding of the work. Not having to just hear the story with music works for me. I am someone who is mostly a visual learner, but also needs a variety of ways to piece things together when I am reading. I have noticed that graphic novels allow all my senses to be used. Even hearing. While I do not have synesthesia, I like to think my imagination can allow everything to come into play for me to experience a work.
While most ages could read and enjoy Friday’s and Bono’s adaptation, in many ways this book is more for an adult reader than a child. It is an artistic piece. The use of the color red is important. The maturity of the ending is not for sensitive readers/listeners. And there are hints to the bigger picture that the young listener/reader might miss (such as why Peter is living with his grandfather).
The point of the book was to raise awareness for an organization that Friday and Bono were supporting. But the nice extra result was we get a classical tale done in a modern setting, yet not losing anything that came before