Review of "Classics Illustrated: Twenty Years After," by Alexandre Dumas

 Review of

Classics Illustrated: Twenty Years After, by Alexandre Dumas

Five out of five stars

Synopsis of a novel not widely known

 Nearly everyone has heard of the novel, “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas, but few know that there were in fact six novels featuring the D'Artagnan character. They form a chronology and the second novel in the series after “The Three Musketeers” is “Twenty Years After.”

 Much has changed in the lives of D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis in the twenty years since the events chronicled in the first novel. Athos has returned to his estate, Porthos has married the widow of a lawyer and Aramis is now a priest. When D'Artagnan becomes involved with political intrigue, he seeks the aid of his friends with the goal being to serve the queen currently acting as regent, Queen Anne of Austria.

 The plot is complex, with former friends and enemies joining forces and splitting. It is a great story of adventure and intrigue over the French throne. The four main characters are once again fighting on the same side and are honorable men that keep their word.

 This comic is a synopsis of the novel and covers the essentials of the story. It is a good introduction, complete enough that it could serve as a primer in a high school English or literature class. While some deride the use of comic books as educational tools, I am one that is in favor of any way that can possibly entice young people to study the classics. This comic is an excellent tool to be used in that endeavor.