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Kill Shakespeare #4
Kill Shakespeare, Vol. 4: The Mask of Night
Volume 4 of the award-winning series returns with a high seas tale of pirate battles, vengeance, and lost love. Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Shakespeare become pawns in a deadly game of survival between the legendary masked pirate Captain Cessario, his first mate Viola, and the new terror on the water, Titus Andronicus' forbidding war ship The Lavinia.
120 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 25, 2020
Notwithstanding a credibility-killing lack of rum (talk about willing suspension of disbelief; all REAL pirate stories have lots of grog in them—EVERYONE knows that), this was perhaps the most consistently entertaining volume of Kill Shakespeare yet. It’s also the briefest and most action-packed, so perhaps those two things go hand-in-hand.
Adventure on the high seas, swashbuckling, romantic drama, cannibals…what more could you ask for?
Oh, right—rum.
Still, jolly good fun.
Adventure on the high seas, swashbuckling, romantic drama, cannibals…what more could you ask for?
Oh, right—rum.
Still, jolly good fun.
January 23, 2015
I was pretty disappointed with this installment in the Kill Shakespeare series. The story lacked both the attention to small details and the more epic and important feel of the previous arcs. The art felt lazy in some cases and I particularly disliked Cesario's mask, which didn't look at all special or menacing; just tacky, and yet seemed to appear on practically every page.
From a feminist perspective I was super grossed out by Lucius' plots re: the pregnant Juliet and exasperated by the somewhat soapy feeling of Juliet and Hamlet's relationship in this volume. But I really liked Viola - her character was definitely the highlight of this volume, leading me to still rate this three stars and decide it's too early for me to stop reading.
From a feminist perspective I was super grossed out by Lucius' plots re: the pregnant Juliet and exasperated by the somewhat soapy feeling of Juliet and Hamlet's relationship in this volume. But I really liked Viola - her character was definitely the highlight of this volume, leading me to still rate this three stars and decide it's too early for me to stop reading.
December 10, 2014
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.25 of 5
What is happening to the Kill Shakespeare series? I feel as though there is nothing to review here with this issue.
Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Shakespeare are on a ship, Captained by a masked Cessario whose first mate is Viola. Cessario and Viola and crew appear to be pirates, but pirates who are afraid of another ship, captained by Titus Andronicus (okay...I'd be afraid of that ship, too). There are some battles aboard the pirate ship and ... well ... that's about it.
Previous books have followed more than one storyline and sometimes leave the reader breathless as the story whips and winds around, and there are sometimes so many different characters in play that you need to have your Shakespeare Spark Notes at hand. But this volume slows it down...way down. Which is a bit odd since they are racing away.
Although Othello is on the ship, we tend to only see him when we need a break from the monotony of dialog and he comes up, raging, out of his mind.
In Volume 3, we saw Hamlet, Juliet, Romeo, and Othello head to Prospero's island for battle. Now,fleeing and captives of Cessario, it seems that they have become pawns to others who are much less powerful (and less interesting) than Prospero.
The art is still fair. More vibrant art may have enhanced this rather dull story.
This book feels like 'filler.' As though everyone involved needed some time off and tossed together this volume. I hope it picks up again very soon.
Looking for a good book? If you've been buying the Kill Shakespeare series, you'll want to get this to keep your collection together, but if you don't pick up this book, you won't be missing out on much.
What is happening to the Kill Shakespeare series? I feel as though there is nothing to review here with this issue.
Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Shakespeare are on a ship, Captained by a masked Cessario whose first mate is Viola. Cessario and Viola and crew appear to be pirates, but pirates who are afraid of another ship, captained by Titus Andronicus (okay...I'd be afraid of that ship, too). There are some battles aboard the pirate ship and ... well ... that's about it.
Previous books have followed more than one storyline and sometimes leave the reader breathless as the story whips and winds around, and there are sometimes so many different characters in play that you need to have your Shakespeare Spark Notes at hand. But this volume slows it down...way down. Which is a bit odd since they are racing away.
Although Othello is on the ship, we tend to only see him when we need a break from the monotony of dialog and he comes up, raging, out of his mind.
In Volume 3, we saw Hamlet, Juliet, Romeo, and Othello head to Prospero's island for battle. Now,fleeing and captives of Cessario, it seems that they have become pawns to others who are much less powerful (and less interesting) than Prospero.
The art is still fair. More vibrant art may have enhanced this rather dull story.
This book feels like 'filler.' As though everyone involved needed some time off and tossed together this volume. I hope it picks up again very soon.
Looking for a good book? If you've been buying the Kill Shakespeare series, you'll want to get this to keep your collection together, but if you don't pick up this book, you won't be missing out on much.
July 23, 2017
READ MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://thebookaddictsblog.blogspot.pt...
Shakespeare and pirates. Who wouldn't want to read that?
I hadn't read the previous volumes, so it started quite confusing and abruptly for me, but I got hold of the story pretty quickly from then onward.
The illustrations were as they usually are: amazingly powerful and put us immediately in the right atmosphere that is necessary to a storyline like this. They were also vert graphic and violent. Very violent. I would not recommend this to everyone.
As for the story itself, I thought it was original, rude and badass. I felt like I was in a parallel universe where Shakespeare's characters were badass pirates and Juliet was in love with Hamlet and Viola was the bravest, most awesome pirate captain I have ever seen, yet they all talked in Shakespearean style!
With an explosive ending (in every sense of the word), I will get my hands on the previous volumes as soon as possible.
A retelling/adaptation well done, in my opinion.
Shakespeare and pirates. Who wouldn't want to read that?
I hadn't read the previous volumes, so it started quite confusing and abruptly for me, but I got hold of the story pretty quickly from then onward.
The illustrations were as they usually are: amazingly powerful and put us immediately in the right atmosphere that is necessary to a storyline like this. They were also vert graphic and violent. Very violent. I would not recommend this to everyone.
As for the story itself, I thought it was original, rude and badass. I felt like I was in a parallel universe where Shakespeare's characters were badass pirates and Juliet was in love with Hamlet and Viola was the bravest, most awesome pirate captain I have ever seen, yet they all talked in Shakespearean style!
With an explosive ending (in every sense of the word), I will get my hands on the previous volumes as soon as possible.
A retelling/adaptation well done, in my opinion.
March 3, 2015
A strange case of expanding the narrative world with familiar yet alternate version of Twelfth Night characters, yet sidelining the main Kill Shakespeare characters to rather soap opera-ish subplots: a baby with two possible daddies, a comatose and a raging guilt-trip. Viola and Cesario make an adequate leading pair, but it really would have tied up a loose end if it were Titus, not his grandson Lucius, who lost a leg in a sea battle with Antonio - sigh, less and less a treasure chest of Shakespearean wit, more a violent reimagining of quasi-Elizabethan dialogue.
May 13, 2015
Wasn't fond of the ending, thought that it was maybe a little rushed, but all around enjoyable (like all the other ones).
October 17, 2017
3.5 bumped up to 4.
This book was a departure from the previous ones. It's barely about our ongoing heros at all. They are there and they are semi-important to the story, but they aren't really what the story is about. This one introduces Cesario, pirate extraordinaire, his first-mate/love interest Viola, and his cardboard crew. They are pursued by typical psychopath cannibal Lucius, son of Titus. Speaking of Titus, he was sorta kinda mentioned in a previous volume, but I think I learned more about who he is in this world by reading the blurb about his character at the beginning of the book. Missed opportunity.
The art was at times really good. The seas, the ships, the swirling of water, was all done really well. Sometimes the characters were okay, sometimes they looked rushed. I think this book as a whole might have been rushed. As far as I can tell, this is the end of the series, which makes zero sense at all, because there is no conclusion. There is plenty of loose ends from the previous book as well (Sycorax, Lady Macbeth, and Romeo all had motivation for more action, but are not at all present in this volume). In fact, this volume doesn't make much sense at all. How or why were Juliet &co captured? What happened to Will (he's sick but ended the last one fine)? Other aspects were fine. This just seems like a filler volume. While the story of Cesario, Viola, and Lucius was okay on it's own, it just doesn't fit to the point of irritation. If I were to recommend this series (if it's truly the end, and considering this was published in 2014, I can only assume it is), then I would say just outright skip this volume. Which is sad, because I really liked the last one a lot.
This book was a departure from the previous ones. It's barely about our ongoing heros at all. They are there and they are semi-important to the story, but they aren't really what the story is about. This one introduces Cesario, pirate extraordinaire, his first-mate/love interest Viola, and his cardboard crew. They are pursued by typical psychopath cannibal Lucius, son of Titus. Speaking of Titus, he was sorta kinda mentioned in a previous volume, but I think I learned more about who he is in this world by reading the blurb about his character at the beginning of the book. Missed opportunity.
The art was at times really good. The seas, the ships, the swirling of water, was all done really well. Sometimes the characters were okay, sometimes they looked rushed. I think this book as a whole might have been rushed. As far as I can tell, this is the end of the series, which makes zero sense at all, because there is no conclusion. There is plenty of loose ends from the previous book as well (Sycorax, Lady Macbeth, and Romeo all had motivation for more action, but are not at all present in this volume). In fact, this volume doesn't make much sense at all. How or why were Juliet &co captured? What happened to Will (he's sick but ended the last one fine)? Other aspects were fine. This just seems like a filler volume. While the story of Cesario, Viola, and Lucius was okay on it's own, it just doesn't fit to the point of irritation. If I were to recommend this series (if it's truly the end, and considering this was published in 2014, I can only assume it is), then I would say just outright skip this volume. Which is sad, because I really liked the last one a lot.
April 26, 2020
I admittedly don't know how to feel about Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night. I am very conflicted with how to review the fourth volume of the series now. On the one hand, it was an improvement from the messy third volume, and a much more exciting an action packed one—who can resist a story of pirates and kidnappings and cannibals? At least for that aspect, the plot aspect, I really enjoyed the story.
But on the other hand, it felt bereft of the characters that I had met and learned about throughout the series. Hamlet and Juliet still are the stars of the show, but it was still far too focused on their love story and the regrets and resentment toward each other; their intrinsic motivations and quests seemed to have been pushed aside. And then Othello and Shakespeare himself were completely ignored this whole story, literally incapacitated on the pirate ship except for one spot when Othello had a raving fit about his wife. Other than that, they were nobodies in this story. Thankfully there were a couple of other characters, Cesario and Viola, who made the story worth reading in terms of character-driven stories—I really liked Viola in this book, from beginning to end—but unfortunately they were only within this one volume. Hamlet and Juliet, Othello and Shakespeare were all with us from the beginning, and it felt like this book failed them in the end. There are so many loose ends that need to be tied up for all of those characters, and none of it was delivered. A bit disappointing. Still, I suppose I can use my imagination from here on out and consider what happens next. I just wish the story had been longer and continued the lines from the protagonists and antagonists from the very beginning.
But on the other hand, it felt bereft of the characters that I had met and learned about throughout the series. Hamlet and Juliet still are the stars of the show, but it was still far too focused on their love story and the regrets and resentment toward each other; their intrinsic motivations and quests seemed to have been pushed aside. And then Othello and Shakespeare himself were completely ignored this whole story, literally incapacitated on the pirate ship except for one spot when Othello had a raving fit about his wife. Other than that, they were nobodies in this story. Thankfully there were a couple of other characters, Cesario and Viola, who made the story worth reading in terms of character-driven stories—I really liked Viola in this book, from beginning to end—but unfortunately they were only within this one volume. Hamlet and Juliet, Othello and Shakespeare were all with us from the beginning, and it felt like this book failed them in the end. There are so many loose ends that need to be tied up for all of those characters, and none of it was delivered. A bit disappointing. Still, I suppose I can use my imagination from here on out and consider what happens next. I just wish the story had been longer and continued the lines from the protagonists and antagonists from the very beginning.
May 29, 2023
It is good, but probably the weakest entry in the series so far. I didn't like how Othello and Will were written out so early--especially considering the fact that they would've been interesting as part of the worldbuilding of the series. And I'm still kind of confused as for why Viola and Cesario were made two different characters. Lastly, the ending leaves a little to be desired as it doesn't really feel like a self contained sequel or a setup for future stories. Still, it's a fun universe to play in, and something you could enjoy if you've read this many issues.
May 12, 2021
This reminds me of Soapdish, when things are getting dull put in the excitement of the sea. Sadly neither prove to be much success. There is a reason why no further volumes of "Kill" were produced (yes a spin off), the magic has been drained and cast members are closer to flotsam or jetsam. Feel free to avoid.
May 8, 2017
Pořád je to dobré, ale čtvrtý díl nic neposouvá.
October 18, 2017
This was much shorter than the others and, I'll admit, a little bit disappointing. I love Viola to little pieces, however.
October 24, 2017
A stand alone story arc with fierce pirate battles
July 13, 2018
LOVED this series. Hoping for more!
January 3, 2020
Is this supposed to be the ending because the 5th volume is a prologue? If so, so many plot points with no resolution.
April 1, 2021
I think this might be my favorite of the Kill Shakespeare series. They leave the book off on such a cliff hanger though. I'm ready to know more!
MVP: Viola
MVP: Viola
November 29, 2014
While starting to this newbie as if it was only intending to try and prove the adage that Shakespeare, if alive now, would be writing for either TV soaps or for graphic novels, this story did gain some strength in time for me to see what it was about. It's still very awkward in taking characters from each and all of the Shakespeare plays and combining them, and peppering the script with quotes, play titles and more. But it does still have some merit, in managing to transpose all of that onto a typical comic storyline, where the status or mantle of a superhero type is at issue, the solo character can undergo so much more drama than the collective can face, and the fantasy quest base of the plot is neither forgotten nor particularly furthered. The artwork and characters are quite strong, and I assume if I had been on the enchanted isle with Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, Shakespeare himself and more, I might have got a great deal out of this pirate-ship based drama. As it is this was a promising look at a just-about-clever-enough series, that showed itself off quite well.
December 8, 2014
'Kill Shakespeare Volume 4: The Mask of Night' takes place at sea. Our main story has moved off the crazy island. As usual, the art and story are good.
The story starts aboard masked Captain Cesario's ship. He and his first mate Viola find something stowed aboard their ship. It's not treasure, but it may prove of value. It's stowaways in the form on Juliet, Hamlet, Shakespeare and a crazed Othello. Surprises abound, especially when they run into Titus Andronicus' war ship The Lavinia. Viola makes some tough choices, and sets up the story for the next chapters.
The story, as usual was pretty good, but it did feel a bit like a middle story. The art was as good as it's been for this series. I liked this volume of the story. It's definitely graphic and a bit rough, so know that going into the story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The story starts aboard masked Captain Cesario's ship. He and his first mate Viola find something stowed aboard their ship. It's not treasure, but it may prove of value. It's stowaways in the form on Juliet, Hamlet, Shakespeare and a crazed Othello. Surprises abound, especially when they run into Titus Andronicus' war ship The Lavinia. Viola makes some tough choices, and sets up the story for the next chapters.
The story, as usual was pretty good, but it did feel a bit like a middle story. The art was as good as it's been for this series. I liked this volume of the story. It's definitely graphic and a bit rough, so know that going into the story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
February 16, 2017
The tale continues, and by the way this books ends, looks to continue even more, with Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, and Shakespeare being rescued by pirates. The pirates are being pursued by those who work for the the new ruler Titus.
I picked this book up because it continues a very clever series I am enjoying that retells Shakespeare by blending his characters into a new story.
I finished the book because the story drew me on. Now that this book is finished, I want to read more.
I would recommend this volume, and the entire series to Viddhu. I know he is exploring graphic novels, and I think these would appeal to him.
I picked this book up because it continues a very clever series I am enjoying that retells Shakespeare by blending his characters into a new story.
I finished the book because the story drew me on. Now that this book is finished, I want to read more.
I would recommend this volume, and the entire series to Viddhu. I know he is exploring graphic novels, and I think these would appeal to him.
October 8, 2014
This was awesome! I will be trying to get my hands on the previous volumes as soon as possible. Storyline independent, the artwork was fantastic and the writing was the perfect mixture of Shakespeare and everyday language. Set in an adventure on the high seas and this was a great read. I would highly recommend it.
Who should read it? Any comic fan that loves Shakespeare!
Please note: I received an advance copy through NetGalley.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com
Who should read it? Any comic fan that loves Shakespeare!
Please note: I received an advance copy through NetGalley.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com
November 17, 2014
Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, and Shakespeare are rescued by Cesario and Viola of the pirate ship Boreas. Disagreement between the crew and Cesario over how to dispose of their captives arose, but was rendered moot due to the Lavina's arrival. After being trapped in a rocky coast, a trade of Juliet and Cesario is made for the Boreas escape. Of course neither Lucius' evil plan nor Cesario's rescue attempt work out. The volume finishes in grand style with plenty of action and mayhem to help the plot along. An enjoyable read!
October 20, 2014
I’ve not read any of the previous episodes so came into this quite confused: knowing Shakespeare reasonably well, it was at first strange to find Othello, Juliet, Hamelt, Lear, Viola etc.. all together, along with Shakespeare himself.
This series of episodes take place mainly at sea in a pirate environment. It is a story of betrayal, mutiny, sea battles, love and lust. There is a lot of action, much of it bloody.
Quite well-illustrated
This series of episodes take place mainly at sea in a pirate environment. It is a story of betrayal, mutiny, sea battles, love and lust. There is a lot of action, much of it bloody.
Quite well-illustrated
November 21, 2014
A twist on Shakespeare with all the gore the Middle Ages and Pirates can bring to a story.
I was so sad when Cesario died, I wanted him and Viola to sail off together as he wanted to. But revenge is all the more dramatic when it's done for love, at least that's how it's in all the classics.
If you're into the dramatic, old English read, you'll enjoy this book. The illustrations are good and in the steps of Shakespeare all love ends tragically.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
I was so sad when Cesario died, I wanted him and Viola to sail off together as he wanted to. But revenge is all the more dramatic when it's done for love, at least that's how it's in all the classics.
If you're into the dramatic, old English read, you'll enjoy this book. The illustrations are good and in the steps of Shakespeare all love ends tragically.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
July 11, 2016
This series continues on roiling with treachery, regret, revenge and unrequited love. Even with all these intense passions, this volume seems like a pull back from the intense pace set by the first three volumes. This is still recommended and I look forward to future volumes.
January 29, 2015
Best volume yet.
August 2, 2015
Another awesome chapter in the Kill Shakespeare story. If you've liked it so far, you'll love this.
My one and only complaint is that it was comparatively short.
My one and only complaint is that it was comparatively short.
March 9, 2015
When will Vol. 5 come out?!?!?!?!? MUST HAVE IT NOW!!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews