After several attempts at revival since the Gilberton editions went out of print nearly 40 years ago, the Classics Illustrated brand name is back thanks to Papercutz Publishing's reprints of these child-friendly comics. In this case, the reprint is of the adaptation that Rick Geary did for First Comics/Berkeley Publishing in 1991.

I admit I was a little biased at first. I had never read an illustrated classic novel before, and was always under the impression that they were the simple versions of good books--read by little kids or those who were too lazy to read the real thing.

These books are definitely aimed towards the younger generation; anyone over the age of twelve should go to the library and check out the original work. Classics Illustrated editions are toned down versions of the great novels with a lot more pictures, but they certainty aren't dumb. If I were ten years younger, I would probably have given this graphic novel a perfect score.

Having read the original novel by H.G. Wells, I can say that this adapted version is very well done. It manages to squeeze the novel into 42 pages, and does a coherent job of it. There are some parts that where cut since these adaptations are for kids, but the comic still feels complete. Nevertheless, when you compress a story into 42 pages, you lose some of its fiber--such as character development.

For those not familiar with The Invisible Man, it's about a young scientist who develops a process to turn living creatures invisible. Of course, he uses the method on himself, turns invisible, and experiences such common side effects as mania and the need to terrorize a small English village.

I honestly enjoyed reading my first Classics Illustrated, but I am far above the target age, so I can't say I'll be reading a whole lot more of these. However, if you have kids and want them to enjoy comics--or, even better, want them to enjoy classic stories from the world's great authors--pick up one of Papercutz's Classics Illustrated reprints.

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