Eye Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray

I shall have to admit, from the start, that I have never read the original novel - so can't really compare it. However, I can say that as a stand alone read I was fascinated by it. The story is deceptively simple, running alongside the Faust myths: Dorian Gray sells his soul after seeing a portrait of himself - he is so much in love with the portrait that he wishes that he could remain the same way forever.

And it becomes so: the portrait ages, but Dorian remains the same - or so he thinks. It transpires that nothing can touch or kill him: including guilt; corruption; madness or death. Instead his portrait ages and changes reflecting his innermost self. Dorian finds it amusing at first, as does the reader, and uses the opportunity to sample all that life has to offer. It's not too long before he starts to lose his grip on humanity; without morals or consequences he has nothing to stop him - even murder. When he finally sees the portrait and realises what has been transpiring; sees himself for how he truly is he can not take it anymore; and slashes the portrait; killing himself.

This is powerful stuff; a seminal point in English literature and the graphic novel portrays this in a masterful way. The adaptation is the perfect mix of literature and illustration without an over-reliance on either. The artwork is stylised without detracting from the story -although slightly too whimsical for my taste in places.

An interesting read, I look forward to reading the next graphic novel from Self Made Hero Press.