Anne Shirley Manga

On January 5, 2025, a new, serialized manga adaptation of Anne of Green Gables launched in the 144th volume of KADOKAWA’s B’s-LOG COMIC. The series is by manga artist Akane Hoshikubo, who is known for Houkago no Salome. The manga is based on Anne Shirley, the forthcoming anime adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. The anime is based on the Japanese translations of the Anne series by Hanako Muraoka, which were published by Shichobunko Publishing.

Image credit:
Art from the Anne Shirley manga.

Created January 28, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Maud of Green Gables

Maud of Green Gables: How L.M. Montgomery's Anne Enchanted the World is a book by Janet Wilson. Featuring Wilson's impressionist oil paintings, the limited edition picture book was released in September 2024 by Coach House Printing. The book celebrates the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery's birth. It tells the story of L.M. Montgomery's life, how she was inspired to write Anne of Green Gables, and how the novel became a beloved classic worldwide. Throughout the book, there are quotes from Anne of Green Gables and from L.M. Montgomery's autobiography and journals.

In an article in The Wellington Advertiser, Wilson spoke about her book and L.M. Montgomery saying, "It’s kind of everything you’d ever want to know about Green Gables, but maybe you didn’t...A lot of it is about her process, how she came up with an idea, how she fit it into her schedule and why it is so popular internationally."

You can purchase Maud of Green Gables through Janet Wilson's webpage and the Shop at Sullivan website. The softcover book is 36 pages long and measures 8.5” x 11.”

Here is the description of the book from Shop at Sullivan:

Maud of Green Gables: How L. M. Montgomery's Anne Enchanted the World celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of L. M. Montgomery! Featuring the captivating art of Janet Wilson.

This lovely non-fiction book explores the intertwined legacies of Anne Shirley's world and Montgomery’s life, tracing the story of Anne of Green Gables from conception to the 1908 publication, and through its meteoric rise to becoming a beloved classic in Canada and around the world.

Maud of Green Gables considers why L. M. Montgomery’s book has never been out of print and has been translated into over 40 languages, as well as why Anne Shirley is one of the most recognizable characters in all of literature. Much of this fascinating story is told in Montgomery's own words quoted from her autobiography, personal journals, and her debut novel, Anne of Green Gables.

ISBN-13: 978-1-0688776-0-5

Official Website:
Janet Wilson's webpage

Image credit:
Book cover of Maud of Green Gables.

Review:
Maud of Green Gables: How L. M. Montgomery's Anne Enchanted the World - a terrific review of the book by Helen K at CanLit for LittleCanadians.

Reference:
Thompson, Ellouise. (September 6, 2024). Eden Mills author offers colourful glimpse into life, work of renowned author L.M. Montgomery. The Wellington Advertiser. Retrieved from: https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/eden-mills-author-offers-colourful-glimpse-into-life-work-of-renowned-author-l-m-montgomery/.

Created December 3, 2024.
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The Blue Castle Graphic Novel

 

The Blue Castle is one of my favorite stories by L.M. Montgomery. I wanted to share an in-progress graphic novel adaptation of The Blue Castle by Maaike Bouhuyzen-Wenger. Maaike is a Canadian artist who is based in Toronto, and her specialties include printmaking and pen & ink drawing. She began drawing and designing her graphic novel in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the introduction to her project on Tumblr, Maaike writes that she thought The Blue Castle seemed "to be a good choice for my first graphic novel project – an opportunity to practice art work and learn from mistakes without the pressure of writing my own story and characters." She has currently concluded Part 2 of the story.

I just began exploring this adaptation, and I think the novel is a beautiful choice for her work. I'm excited to view both Valancy's personal growth and Maaike's artistic growth as the project continues.


External Links:
The Blue Castle Graphic Novel by Maaike Bouhuyzen-Wenger adapted from the novel by L.M. Montgomery
Maaike Bouhuyzen-Wenger's Website

Image Credit:
Page from The Blue Castle Graphic Novel by Maaike Bouhuyzen-Wenger adapted from the novel by L.M. Montgomery.

Created May 29, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel (2017) is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel by Mariah Marsden with illustrations by Brenna Thummler. The graphic novel is 232 pages in length. The lovely dedication reads: "To Lucy Maud Montgomery, who reminds us that nothing is more powerful than a girl with an imagination."

Here's the publisher's description of the book from the Andrews McMeel website:

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited graphic novel adaptation.

The spirit of Anne is alive and well in Mariah Marsden's crisp adaptation, and it's a thrill to watch as the beloved orphan rushes headlong through Brenna Thummler's heavenly landscapes. Together Marsden and Thummler conjure all the magic and beauty of Green Gables. Like Anne herself, you won't want to leave.
 — Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” and “The Marvels”

The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.

I read this graphic novel last year and enjoyed it a lot. The illustrations are bright and crisp with the glorious reds, greens, and blues of Prince Edward Island.

Some readers have found Anne's green, pupil-less eyes to be blank, puppet-like, and somewhat off putting. And it's true that her eyes are curious and odd.



Anne's strange eyes also made me smile. They reminded of a wonderful set of books I was given as a child (and still have today) that were part of a series called "The World of Fairy Tales" by Froebel-Kan. The tales featured photos of puppets in elaborate sets as a form of storytelling. Some of the puppets had blank stares too (see photos of my Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk books below). Don't the puppet's eyes look like Anne's?



Using puppets to create scenes helped retell classic fairy tales in a unique way in the Froebel-Kan series. Similarly, Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel is a unique retelling of Anne Shirley's story. I especially liked how the graphic novel captured Anne's most over-dramatic moments in spectacular fashion. You can just feel the drama.



Some of the most beautiful and touching pages were the ones without words, like this scene where Anne visits Matthew's grave.



I really enjoyed this retelling of Anne's story and recommend it.

Official Websites:
Andrews McMeel website
Brenna Thummler's website

Image Credits:
Book cover and panels from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler. Photographs of  Froebel-Kan's Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk book covers from "The World of Fairy Tales" series by World of Anne Shirley.

Purchase and read Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel:

Created May 10, 2024. Last updated June 4, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Manga Classics: Anne of Green Gables

Manga Classics: Anne of Green Gables is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's classic novel by Crystal S. Chan with artwork by Kuma Chan. The 308-page book was first published in September 2020 as part of the Manga Classics series. This series adapts classic literary stories, including Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, Jane Eyre, The Jungle Book, and The Count of Monte Cristo.

Re-told in the traditional manga format, the story is read from right to left, and the panels have black and white line art. This adaptation is faithful to the novel's details, and the back matter includes illustrations and notes on Green Gables.

Here is the description of the book from Manga Classics:

Siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert were planning to adopt an orphaned boy to help out around their farm, Green Gables -- instead, they got Anne Shirley. A plucky redheaded girl with a vibrant imagination, Anne turns first Green Gables and then the rest of Prince Edward Island on its ear. Manga Classics® is proud to be the only authorized manga adaption of Anne of Green Gables by the Heirs of L.M. Montgomery. This trade paperback volume presents a faithful recreation of this classic kids novel, from the Lake of Shining Waters to the Dryad's Bubble!

Reviews

"The familiar story is enhanced by the exciting new format and lush illustrations."
— Kirkus Reviews

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Green Gables from the Manga Classics series.

Purchase and read Anne of Green Gables from the Manga Classics series:


Created September 9, 2020. Last updated October 6, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Galactic Gables by Tom McHenry

Have you ever wondered what Anne Shirley would be like if she traveled to outer space? Well, comic and zine creator Tom McHenry has imagined it out for you.

In McHenry's one-off webcomic, Anne and Matthew Cuthbert are traveling through space. Anne is ashamed to be wearing a "horrid old wincey" spacesuit. Then she lightens up, smiling and asking Matthew about the blue planet they arrived at. When Matthew explains that it's called Earth, Anne replies, "They shouldn't call it 'Earth.' There's no meaning in a name like that. They should call it 'The Azure Orb of Delight.'"

McHenry's sci-fi comic based on Anne of Green Gables was featured in an article called, "When Classic Literature Gets Updated" by Graeme McMillan at io9.com. McMillan writes, "Move over, Pride and Prejudice And Zombies, a new updating of classic literature has come along to win your heart... Or at least make you laugh. Yes, it's Anne of Green Gables... in space."

On his livejournal, McHenry explains his inspiration: "Sara and I have been reading the original Anne novels (not my ill-fated science fiction sequels including Anne of Lavaworld and Rilla of Planetside) aloud before bed."

At io9, McMillan goes on to say, "The strip was just one of McHenry's "Future and Space Things" themed week of comics, alongside Space Yuppies. More proof that more people should be forced to come up with science fiction when they least expect it." I heartily agree. I enjoyed reading this fantastic and fun comic.

Created February 16, 2009. Last updated April 17, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of the Island Manga

Anne of the Island (Anne no Aijou or Anne's Love) is the fifth and final book in a five-volume manga adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables series (also known as Akage no An or Red-Haired Anne). The book was published in May 1998 as part of the Kumon Manga Library. Yumiko Igarashi, a Japanese manga artist, adapted and illustrated L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of the Island as a comic book. The volume was published by Kumon Shuppan and is 205 pages long.

The back cover describes the storyline as follows:

"Anne leaves Prince Edward Island when she goes to study at college. She spends her student days accompanied by her lifelong study mate Gilbert and she makes new friends like Philippa."

Anne of the Island follows the life of Anne Shirley as she leaves her home in Avonlea to attend school at Redmond College. Anne becomes friends with Prissy and Philippa and the three board together. Meanwhile in Avonlea, Anne's childhood friend Ruby Gillis dies of consumption. Anne and Gilbert have been close friends, but when Gilbert proposes to Anne, she rejects him. Anne returns home when her dear friend Diana Barry marries Fred Wright. At Redmond, Anne begins seeing Roy Gardner, but she realizes she does not love him. At the story's conclusion, Gilbert falls ill, and Anne realizes that he is her true love.

ISBN: 9784774301716

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of the Island.

Created February 16, 2004. Last updated January 29, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Avonlea Manga

Anne of Avonlea (Anne no Seishun or Anne's Youth) is the fourth book in a five-volume manga adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables series (also known as Akage no An or Red-Haired Anne). The book was published in April 1998 as part of the Kumon Manga Library. Yumiko Igarashi, a Japanese manga artist, adapted and illustrated L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Avonlea as a comic book. The volume was published by Kumon Shuppan and is 205 pages long.

The back cover describes the storyline as follows:

"Anne is now a teacher at the Avonlea school. The twins Davy and Dora move in at Green Gables to be taken care of and so a new life begins for Anne."

Anne of Avonlea follows the life of Anne Shirley from age 16 to 18. As the story opens, Anne worries about her cow Dolly entering Mr. Harrison's fields. As with most people Anne Shirley meets, she befriends her irate neighbor. Soon after, Anne begins teaching at the Avonlea School, and she experiences challenges as a new teacher. Life at Green Gables changes when Marilla adopts a set of twins, Davy and Dora Keith. Outside of teaching, Anne and her friends work to improve the village of Avonlea through their Avonlea Village Improvement Society (AVIS). The story concludes when Anne's best friend Diana Barry gets engaged.

ISBN: 9784774301709

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Avonlea.

Created February 15, 2004. Last updated January 29, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables Manga, Part 3

Anne of Green Gables (Akage no Anne), Part 3 is the third book in a five-volume manga adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables series. It is the third part of a three-part manga adaptation of the novel Anne of Green Gables and was published in February 1998 as part of the Kumon Manga Library. Yumiko Igarashi, a Japanese manga artist, adapted and illustrated L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables as a comic book. The volume was published by Kumon Shuppan and is 205 pages long.

The story begins with Anne's return to school where she meets her new teacher Miss Stacy. As Christmas approaches, shy Matthew finds a way to delight Anne with a new dress with puffed sleeves as a Christmas gift. Miss Stacey plans for the school to put on a Christmas concert. Marilla and Matthew attend the concert, and after watching Anne's performances, they decide to send her to Queen's Academy.

Although she is growing up, Anne still gets into trouble, dyeing her hair green and nearly drowning while pretending to be the Lily Maid. Gilbert Blythe come to Anne's rescue and tries to apologize and make amends, but Anne refuses to be friends with him.

Anne begins studying for the entrance exam to Queen's and places first on the exam. When Anne leaves Green Gables for Queen's Academy, she misses her family and friends. Likewise, Marilla, Matthew, and Diana miss Anne. Anne's work pays off and she wins the Avery scholarship.

Anne plans to continue her studies, but these plans change when Matthew dies. Anne decides to stay at Green Gables with Marilla and to teach nearby. At the end of the story, Gilbert gives up his teaching position at the Avonlea School so Anne can teach there, and the two finally become friends.

ISBN: 978-4-774301-69-3

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Green Gables, Part 3.

Created February 14, 2004. Last updated January 29, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables Manga, Part 2

Anne of Green Gables (Akage no Anne), Part 2 is the second book in a five-volume manga adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables series. It is the second part of a three-part manga adaptation of the novel Anne of Green Gables and was published in January 1998 as part of the Kumon Manga Library. Yumiko Igarashi, a Japanese manga artist best known for illustrating the manga series Candy Candy, adapted and illustrated L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables as a comic book. The volume was published by Kumon Shuppan and is 205 pages in length.

The story begins with Anne's disastrous tea party where she accidentally serves Diana currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. As a consequence, Diana's mother forbids Anne from associating with Diana, but she later changes her mind after Anne saves her daughter Minnie May's life. The plot line also covers Gilbert's recitation at the concert and Mr. Phillip's departure from the Avonlea school. Anne has other mishaps, including serving Mr. and Mrs. Allan a cake flavored with liniment. At the end of the volume, Anne falls off the ridgepole of a roof after taking a dare from Josie Pye.

ISBN: 978-4-774301-68-6

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Green Gables, Part 2.

Created February 13, 2004. Last updated January 29, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables Manga, Part 1

Anne of Green Gables (Akage no Anne), Part 1 is the first book in a five-volume manga adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables series. It is the first part of a three-part manga adaptation of the novel Anne of Green Gables and was published in December 1997 as part of the Kumon Manga Library. Yumiko Igarashi, a Japanese manga artist best known for illustrating the manga series Candy Candy, adapted and illustrated L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables as a comic book. The volume was published by Kumon Shuppan and is 205 pages in length.

The storyline begins with Anne's arrival in Avonlea and Marilla and Matthew's decision to raise her at Green Gables. Anne becomes friends with Diana Barry. The plot continues through Anne's early days at the Avonlea School where Gilbert Blythe hurts her feelings and Mr. Phillips punishes Anne.

ISBN: 978-4-774301-67-9

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Green Gables, Part 1.

Created February 12, 2004. Last updated January 29, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com