Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451

“This searing cautionary tale, in which ‘firemen’ destroy all printed material except magazines and comics, remains one of science fiction’s best-known works. And it is now, perhaps, one of the best graphic novels of 2009 . . . Where the novel felt scalding, the graphic novel feels necessary. It makes this cautionary tale hip to the present generation and updates it by transporting it to a newly vibrant medium. It’s slightly frightening that after more than 55 years, the retelling seems so pertinent.”—Laurel Maury, NPR

“With strikingly visual flames and the mechanical hound, the story is packed with elements that explode off the pages and burn themselves into the reader’s mind, even when “limited” to prose.  Artist Tim Hamilton’s style, clean with a muted color palette that erupts into jagged lines and eye-searing yellows and oranges when the arson begins, fits Bradbury’s 50s dystopian vision like a glove.  The bleak coloring reflects the life drained out of society, a dour world of ambition-free ‘happiness’ and senseless satisfaction.  The panel-to-panel progressions read clearly, and all of the thematic power remains on the page.”—Newsarama

“Tim Hamilton’s illustrations have brought new life to this venerable work.”—ICv2

"This adaptation of Bradbury’s iconic classic about the perils of censorship has an introduction by the author that is an insightful discussion of how a story can be altered even by its originator as it takes on new forms and lengths. Hamilton’s moody palette and 1950s version of 'the future' fit well with the original text. In keeping with the period feel, such visual details as characters’ noses project personal traits. Best of all, this rendition of the endangered books themselves shows well-thumbed copies of titles by authors teens will recognize as seminal, such as Darwin and Shakespeare. This is a good crossover graphic novel for classrooms but even better as a discovery for sci/fi readers browsing the shelves."—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia, School Library Journal 

"A graphic novel that even those who don't read graphic novels will love, this visualization of Bradbury's classic looks bold, bright, and almost too hot to handle. Even better: Hamilton, a noted artist who's been all over the map, worked directly with the [sci-fi] legend."—Library Journal

“It’s no wonder Hamilton’s comic novelization is authorized by Bradbury himself: this evocative button-pusher will almost certainly entice readers to seek out the original . . . Hamilton renders much of the story in triptych panels and moody, two-tone palettes that blot characters’ features into Munch-like skills. This mysterious and measured tone pays off during the fiery moments, when the art fractures into dazzling red sickles.”—Daniel Kraus, Booklist

"A faithful adaptation of the original, Hamilton's comics version conveys the social commentary of the novel, while using the images to develop the tone. He uses grainy, static colors and images obscured by heavy black shadows and textures to portray the oppressive nature of this world where firemen start fires instead of putting them out . . . The art solidifies atmospheric elements such as the fire and rain; fire, tapering and curling, is rendered into a crucial additional character. Since the original expounds the importance of valuing and preserving books and knowledge, adapting it into the comics form emphasizes the growth of the medium, as well as its potency across genres and subjects."—Publishers Weekly