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The Last Unicorn
Adapted for the first time from the novel by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn is a tale for any age about the wonders of magic, the power of love, and the tragedy of loss. The unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power. Adapted by Peter B. Gillis and illustrated by Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon.
167 pages, Hardcover
Published January 25, 2011
About the author
Peter B. Gillis
372 books20 followersPeter B. Gillis (born December 19, 1952) is an American comic book writer best known for his work at Marvel Comics and First Comics in the mid-1980s, including the series Strikeforce: Morituri and the digitally drawn comic series Shatter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 851 reviews
May 4, 2017
If you've been following me on social media for any amount of time, you probably know that the Last Unicorn is my favorite book.
You also probably know that I'm a bit of a curmudgeon.
So I went into reading this graphic novel with an unfair amount of skepticism. I wasn't just expecting to be irritated by a less-than-true adaptation of my favorite book. I was planning on it. I was pre-irritated.
Much to my surprise, I liked it. The art and the paneling were both complex and lovely. It's very true to the story. The depiction of the characters was just about perfect. The pacing and the story were intact.
Was it perfect? No. But I think it's about as close as you could ever hope to get.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best book-to-comic adaptation I've ever read. I'd be delighted if an adaptation of my book turned out this well.
You also probably know that I'm a bit of a curmudgeon.
So I went into reading this graphic novel with an unfair amount of skepticism. I wasn't just expecting to be irritated by a less-than-true adaptation of my favorite book. I was planning on it. I was pre-irritated.
Much to my surprise, I liked it. The art and the paneling were both complex and lovely. It's very true to the story. The depiction of the characters was just about perfect. The pacing and the story were intact.
Was it perfect? No. But I think it's about as close as you could ever hope to get.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best book-to-comic adaptation I've ever read. I'd be delighted if an adaptation of my book turned out this well.
July 4, 2017
I'm in love!
Ever since I was a child I was a fan of the story of the last unicorn and regularly watched the movie. A few years later, I read the book (though in the German translation). I've decided to do a re-read (of the English original this time) with my group this month and when looking for a nice paperback edition, I found this graphic novel.
The story is that of the book / movie (it's a mix of both versions - yes they vary slightly): a unicorn lives in a lilac forest and finds out that there are no others like it anymore. It goes looking for them, thus encountering a number of people while wandering the country (usually they are of the bad type, full of greed, malice and intrigue). However, finally, it also meets a failed but kind wizard, a compassionate woman, an evil king and his idealistic son, as well as a true demon- and discovers what happened to the other unicorns.
Although I'm sure most people know this classic fantasy story, I will not say any more, just in case.
Instead, let me tell you how utterly gorgeous this graphic novel version is! Just to showcase:
The colours are alive on the pages, every setting has its unique colour palette, the art itself is as fantastic as the story and very recognizable/distinct.
As much as I love the story itself, I'm glad I found this version that is actually even prettier than the art of the movie.
Ever since I was a child I was a fan of the story of the last unicorn and regularly watched the movie. A few years later, I read the book (though in the German translation). I've decided to do a re-read (of the English original this time) with my group this month and when looking for a nice paperback edition, I found this graphic novel.
The story is that of the book / movie (it's a mix of both versions - yes they vary slightly): a unicorn lives in a lilac forest and finds out that there are no others like it anymore. It goes looking for them, thus encountering a number of people while wandering the country (usually they are of the bad type, full of greed, malice and intrigue). However, finally, it also meets a failed but kind wizard, a compassionate woman, an evil king and his idealistic son, as well as a true demon- and discovers what happened to the other unicorns.
Although I'm sure most people know this classic fantasy story, I will not say any more, just in case.
Instead, let me tell you how utterly gorgeous this graphic novel version is! Just to showcase:
The colours are alive on the pages, every setting has its unique colour palette, the art itself is as fantastic as the story and very recognizable/distinct.
As much as I love the story itself, I'm glad I found this version that is actually even prettier than the art of the movie.
October 9, 2017
Breathtaking.
No words to waste. Just gaze and gaze and gaze ... until the magic wells up inside you too, and springs forth ....
P.S. Oh ... and more beautiful than the movie. I loved the movie (to the point of deciding to translate the book into Bulgarian, and later having a host of wonders happen to my life), but this soars to another level.
No words to waste. Just gaze and gaze and gaze ... until the magic wells up inside you too, and springs forth ....
P.S. Oh ... and more beautiful than the movie. I loved the movie (to the point of deciding to translate the book into Bulgarian, and later having a host of wonders happen to my life), but this soars to another level.
December 3, 2022
4.0 stars
I love the movie so it's not surprising that I love the graphic adaptation of the original novel. The artwork is gorgeous and the story stays true to the narrative I know.
I love the movie so it's not surprising that I love the graphic adaptation of the original novel. The artwork is gorgeous and the story stays true to the narrative I know.
March 8, 2017
The Last Unicorn (The Last Unicorn #1-6) by Peter B. Gillis (Adaptor), Peter S. Beagle, Renae De Liz (illustrator), Ray Dillon (illustrator) is a wonderful graphic adaptation of the novel. Gorgeous illustrations, easy to read fonts, followed story well, touching story, thought provoking, and I just loved it! A nice change from a normal novel. I got this book from the library.
May 27, 2011
"The Last Unicorn" was one of my favorite movies from my childhood, and a few years ago I got around to reading The Last Unicorn. When I saw that a graphic novel version had been published, I of course had to read it.
The story does not differ from the book or movie, but the illustrations alone are worth it. The style is similar to that of the movie, but care was taken to make each image beautifully rendered, and the way several scenes could be placed on a page while not chopping it up into little comic book blocks was artful. The entire book was so ethereal. Fans of the book/movie will enjoy rereading the story with the gorgeous art, and newcomers will have a wonderful introduction to a wonderful story.
The story does not differ from the book or movie, but the illustrations alone are worth it. The style is similar to that of the movie, but care was taken to make each image beautifully rendered, and the way several scenes could be placed on a page while not chopping it up into little comic book blocks was artful. The entire book was so ethereal. Fans of the book/movie will enjoy rereading the story with the gorgeous art, and newcomers will have a wonderful introduction to a wonderful story.
December 10, 2012
Did I really need to check the graphic novel after reading the book and watching the movie?
YES! I'm really glad I did, because this adaptation has gorgeous graphics and follows the storyline very well. The author was directly involved in the transcription, and one of the bonuses of the graphic novel is an extensive interview with Peter S Beagle about his start in the literary world and the genesis of the story, the difficult re-writes and the unexpected jump in popularity, the enduring succes of succesive reprints and the numerous adaptations.
I will not repeat the plot or analyze the characters, most readers are probably familiar with the story - it works well for both youngsters and old-timers like me. If you are not, I would suggest getting acquainted with it soon.
YES! I'm really glad I did, because this adaptation has gorgeous graphics and follows the storyline very well. The author was directly involved in the transcription, and one of the bonuses of the graphic novel is an extensive interview with Peter S Beagle about his start in the literary world and the genesis of the story, the difficult re-writes and the unexpected jump in popularity, the enduring succes of succesive reprints and the numerous adaptations.
I will not repeat the plot or analyze the characters, most readers are probably familiar with the story - it works well for both youngsters and old-timers like me. If you are not, I would suggest getting acquainted with it soon.
May 22, 2011
As a child, I greatly adored horses and, even more, their mythological counterparts, pegasi and unicorns. It should come as no surprise then that one of my favorite movies as a child was The Last Unicorn. It is very much one of those kid's movies that you either watched as a child and will thus adore forever, but, if watched for the first time in adulthood, definitely comes off as incredibly creepy. I can totally see why others don't like it, but it will forever hold a dear place in my heart.
For the most part, this graphic novel version of the story covers the same ground as the film. The look of the characters very clearly was inspired by the film version as well. The small additions to the plot in some places, and the subtractions (like the tree that freaked people out the most in the movie), made me even more curious to read the original novel. That is definitely a thing I need to do someday.
The graphic novel is definitely pretty and oh so colorful. However, its brevity means that a few things have to be cut. Much of the trimming took place in the latter half of the tale, making it rather confusing and, did I not know the story, I likely would have been confused by much of the time spent in King Haggard's castle.
For the most part, this graphic novel version of the story covers the same ground as the film. The look of the characters very clearly was inspired by the film version as well. The small additions to the plot in some places, and the subtractions (like the tree that freaked people out the most in the movie), made me even more curious to read the original novel. That is definitely a thing I need to do someday.
The graphic novel is definitely pretty and oh so colorful. However, its brevity means that a few things have to be cut. Much of the trimming took place in the latter half of the tale, making it rather confusing and, did I not know the story, I likely would have been confused by much of the time spent in King Haggard's castle.
Read
August 1, 2016Such an amazing addition to all my treasured memories of the movie. The animated film, The Last Unicorn was the first movie I saw in the theater. I remember falling head over heels in love with the unicorn and then bawling my eyes out over the intense face off with the ominous Red Bull. This graphic novel captured everything I love about the story. I loved it. Too bad I checked it out from the library because I need to own it and will most likely buy it soon so I can leaf through it at random. Stunning artistry and full of nostalgia.
June 2, 2019
I wanted to read this graphic novel because I really liked the movie when I was a child.
February 20, 2016
Classic tale!
This is probably one of my favorite childhood stories that isn’t quite a happily ever after in the typical Disney way. I would have to say it’s a close tie between The Princess Bride and The Last Unicorn as to what my favorite childhood film was. The Last Unicorn is has a bittersweet ending that is for sure and it’s composed of various characters. Quirky ones, comedic relief, pure evil, neutral, supporting roles and heroes. What more do you need? Oh, I know… UNICORNS.
Amalthea is such a strong character to me, she’s gentle, pure and kind, but when her kind is in danger she takes matters into her own hooves and sets off to find them if they are even still alive. Along the way, she gets into hairy situations and meets friends as well as enemies.
Schmendrick is amongst the quirky individuals and he is one of the supporting roles, he’s a clumsy wizard who has magic that scarcely works or at least in the way he wants it to. When the wicked Mama Fortuna captures the unicorn and places her in a cage, it is Schmendrick who saves the day!
I really really could talk about all of the characters involved in this story, there is so much growth, development, and feelings that are part of this beautiful classic tale.
I love love love this story, it just never gets old and now as an adult I can really appreciate it.
This is probably one of my favorite childhood stories that isn’t quite a happily ever after in the typical Disney way. I would have to say it’s a close tie between The Princess Bride and The Last Unicorn as to what my favorite childhood film was. The Last Unicorn is has a bittersweet ending that is for sure and it’s composed of various characters. Quirky ones, comedic relief, pure evil, neutral, supporting roles and heroes. What more do you need? Oh, I know… UNICORNS.
Amalthea is such a strong character to me, she’s gentle, pure and kind, but when her kind is in danger she takes matters into her own hooves and sets off to find them if they are even still alive. Along the way, she gets into hairy situations and meets friends as well as enemies.
Schmendrick is amongst the quirky individuals and he is one of the supporting roles, he’s a clumsy wizard who has magic that scarcely works or at least in the way he wants it to. When the wicked Mama Fortuna captures the unicorn and places her in a cage, it is Schmendrick who saves the day!
I really really could talk about all of the characters involved in this story, there is so much growth, development, and feelings that are part of this beautiful classic tale.
I love love love this story, it just never gets old and now as an adult I can really appreciate it.
June 16, 2018
This book is on several Top 100 SF-Fantasy lists, which is quite surprising as it seem impossible to find. It's been on my 'want' list for many years and until this graphic novel version showed up I had been unable to find it in any of my local libraries or books shops.
After reading this I find myself putting it into the same boat as 'A Wrinkle in Time'. I would probably have been great if I had read this as a young adult, but now, not so much. It's a decent enough story and you can read some hidden meanings and themes into it. Art in this graphic novel version was adequate, but I think they ruined it by printing a long interview with the author in 5 point font. Surely a couple of extra pages would have been better than squeezing it in as an afterthought with the smallest type possible.
Not really for me. If I come across a copy of the original book I might give that a try.
After reading this I find myself putting it into the same boat as 'A Wrinkle in Time'. I would probably have been great if I had read this as a young adult, but now, not so much. It's a decent enough story and you can read some hidden meanings and themes into it. Art in this graphic novel version was adequate, but I think they ruined it by printing a long interview with the author in 5 point font. Surely a couple of extra pages would have been better than squeezing it in as an afterthought with the smallest type possible.
Not really for me. If I come across a copy of the original book I might give that a try.
August 21, 2019
I decided to read this graphic novel version of Peter Beagle's book after the strong endorsement from Patrick (is he ever going to finish The Doors of Stone?) Rothfuss, who says its the best novel to graphic novel adaptation he has read. True to the story, even to the extent of using the author's own words, The Last Unicorn goes off to find others of her species, with the help of friends and the setbacks of evil foes, eventually discovering what happened to her brethren. Illustrators Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon, with adaptation help from Peter Gillis did an amazing job. Beautiful illustrations, great use of color, and easy to read text. In the end though, I did not like the story very much: perhaps some of the richness of the story was lost in this format so I may read the original.
October 29, 2014
it pains me to give this a "meh" review because i've loved the book & cartoon since i was a kid, and i'm sure the adaptor & artist put a lot of heart into this. the art is very pretty, but not really to my taste - maybe a bit *too* pretty (certainly molly should have looked older, and schmendrick less cute). the bigger problem for me was that the layout & pacing just didn't jive. it read like a storyboard for a cartoon, not a comic book. i don't think the dialogue or plot would have made sense to me if i didn't already know them by heart. but ya know, it's cool - i probably came to it with too many expectations. based on all the good reviews, i'm glad it's introducing new people to a wonderful story.
January 11, 2018
I loved the art in this book and it made me smile. I liked the characters and I liked the plot. I'm happy I read it.
January 1, 2021
Wundervoll!!! Kindheitserinnerung!!! Und die Zeichnungen sind auch so schön, ich bin verzaubert wie damals als Kind <3
January 9, 2021
In some ways it's a more complete adaptation than the Rankin-Bass movie was, but to my disappointment it falls a little flat two-thirds in, starting to rush its way through and skipping or downplaying a few good scenes. The art was serviceable but never great - the movie had some better design.
So it falls into the rather disappointing middleground between the original and the movie. It gives us more than the movie does but never as much as the book, and it also shows better visuals than the book does (obviously) but nowhere near as much as the movie. If you for some reason are unable to read the book or watch the movie, then this would serve... but I'd rather just pick those other two.
So it falls into the rather disappointing middleground between the original and the movie. It gives us more than the movie does but never as much as the book, and it also shows better visuals than the book does (obviously) but nowhere near as much as the movie. If you for some reason are unable to read the book or watch the movie, then this would serve... but I'd rather just pick those other two.
February 20, 2018
I had to buy this graphic novel version of The Last Unicorn for my daughter for her birthday. She is a big fan of the illustrators. This story adaptation meticulously follows the original plot and even retains some of its poetic feel. It is, however, truncated to the point that I felt it missed a lot of the subtle philosophical nuances that I love about the original. The artwork is, of course, exceptional!
January 12, 2022
Fantastic graphic novel adaptation of a wonderful classic fantasy book. Part of what makes this adaptation work so well is Gillis, the adaptor of the original story, using source material as best he could whenever he could. Beagle's stamp of approval is clear on this one. I was thoroughly impressed with the artwork matching the 1980s animated movie very closely. The interviews with Beagle and Gillis at the back of the book were happy bonuses for me.
August 4, 2019
Loved this graphic novel! It reminded me of the movie that I watched as a kid.
January 15, 2014
I rated this five stars for two reasons.
First, the graphic adaptation of the novel I love so much was excellently done - beautiful, breathtaking art (most especially the ones of the unicorn herself) and just enough of the important parts of the novel to satisfy me, seeing as you can only put so much into an adaptation.
I both recommend and warn against reading the novel close to reading the graphic novel, as I did. Beagle's narrative is "filled with wonderful turns of phrase and sparkles of wit" (Gillis, Peter B. "The Good Parts") to be sure, and that does not translate to images, most especially descriptions of sounds and scents and tones of voice. I felt a loss of these things as I read the graphic novel, but I understood there wasn't much chance of being able to include them. However, having read the book mere days prior, I remembered them, and it enhanced those moments for me. It's a bitter-sweet sort of combination.
The second reason I rated this five stars is that there are some extras I didn't know about when I purchased it: the art gallery, for one - which contains pieces from artists other than Ranae De Liz and Ray Dillon, as well as the sketches and black-and-white inked stages of some of the passages included in the main story; and a short story by Peter S. Beagle himself, for two - a historical fiction, if you will, about a Dutch man who wrote fantastic stories of far away places to which he had never been, one Dr. Olfert Dapper. I greatly enjoyed the story, and while the only real "fantasy" element of it is the description of the unicorn itself, the rest is still ripe with imagery and charm and wit as only Beagle can write.
And before you accuse me of being biased, I'll tell you plainly: I am biased. The man's work inspires me to write, and to write better than I do now.
First, the graphic adaptation of the novel I love so much was excellently done - beautiful, breathtaking art (most especially the ones of the unicorn herself) and just enough of the important parts of the novel to satisfy me, seeing as you can only put so much into an adaptation.
I both recommend and warn against reading the novel close to reading the graphic novel, as I did. Beagle's narrative is "filled with wonderful turns of phrase and sparkles of wit" (Gillis, Peter B. "The Good Parts") to be sure, and that does not translate to images, most especially descriptions of sounds and scents and tones of voice. I felt a loss of these things as I read the graphic novel, but I understood there wasn't much chance of being able to include them. However, having read the book mere days prior, I remembered them, and it enhanced those moments for me. It's a bitter-sweet sort of combination.
The second reason I rated this five stars is that there are some extras I didn't know about when I purchased it: the art gallery, for one - which contains pieces from artists other than Ranae De Liz and Ray Dillon, as well as the sketches and black-and-white inked stages of some of the passages included in the main story; and a short story by Peter S. Beagle himself, for two - a historical fiction, if you will, about a Dutch man who wrote fantastic stories of far away places to which he had never been, one Dr. Olfert Dapper. I greatly enjoyed the story, and while the only real "fantasy" element of it is the description of the unicorn itself, the rest is still ripe with imagery and charm and wit as only Beagle can write.
And before you accuse me of being biased, I'll tell you plainly: I am biased. The man's work inspires me to write, and to write better than I do now.
March 31, 2021
Even though pages and pages of gorgeous text were taken out from the original book in creating this graphic novel, this story remains a melancholic masterpiece and one of my favorites of all time. This reread was made even sweeter by my finding out that Peter S. Beagle finally won his lengthy lawsuit against his abusive former manager only yesterday. I couldn’t be happier for him; that man deserves so much better.
December 5, 2020
Eigentlich wollte ich ja den Roman haben und ich dachte auch, dass es dieser wäre, aber es war dann doch die Graphik Novel. Wunderschön illustriert, von daher fünf Sterne. Sie gibt ein bisschen mehr her als der Film, aber ich hab halt immer noch keinen Vergleich mit dem Buch...
July 13, 2012
One of my very favorite YA fantasies - funny, sad, tense, sweet, poignant. Just lovely. On my all-time top-ten-for-young-adults list.
June 10, 2017
This was a very good adaption of the novel. The artwork was wonderful and gave it more realism than the animated film. I loved the interviews with the authors and the storyboard artwork.
March 7, 2016
Omg!!! This was stunning!!!! I loved it!!! The art
February 5, 2022
Such a beautifully written story and the illustrations are very well done.
June 14, 2024
This book brought tears to my eyes multiples times. "The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone...."
Ugh I love this book so much.
Unicorn is perfect but wants to find family.
This story touches on youth, beauty, love.
if you love me let me go type.
Read this summer 2023
Ugh I love this book so much.
Unicorn is perfect but wants to find family.
This story touches on youth, beauty, love.
if you love me let me go type.
Read this summer 2023
August 12, 2024
Gorgeous!
September 16, 2024
This is a really beautiful story. I loved the animated film growing up and this book was just as magical.
While reading, I felt like a little girl again. Not just the faint flicker of nostalgia, may I add. I genuinely felt the same pang sitting in my art class at 17, that I felt at 5 sitting in my childhood home.
This book is beautifully written, entertaining, and has some really gutting quotes.
"I have been mortal, and some part of me is mortal yet. I am full of tears and hunger and the fear of death, although I cannot weep, and I want nothing, and I cannot die. I am not like the others now, for no unicorn was ever born who could regret, but I do. I regret."
While reading, I felt like a little girl again. Not just the faint flicker of nostalgia, may I add. I genuinely felt the same pang sitting in my art class at 17, that I felt at 5 sitting in my childhood home.
This book is beautifully written, entertaining, and has some really gutting quotes.
"I have been mortal, and some part of me is mortal yet. I am full of tears and hunger and the fear of death, although I cannot weep, and I want nothing, and I cannot die. I am not like the others now, for no unicorn was ever born who could regret, but I do. I regret."
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