“ALL THAT GLISTERS IS NOT GOLD...” Seeking the hand of the rich heiress Portia, Bassanio realizes the need to make an impression – and that costs money. Antonio (his fat-cat friend in the City) is on hand to oblige – but there’s a problem with cash-flow, so an interest-free loan is secured from the sinister banker Shylock, whose sole terms require the forfeit of a pound of Antonio’s flesh in the ludicrous event of its non-repayment. And now the credit-crunch begins to bite, and it is left to Portia to test “the quality of mercy”...
Set in an opulent fantasy landscape populated by elves, trolls, and mer-men, The Merchant of Venice is part of Manga Shakespeare, a series of graphic novel adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays. Drawing inspiration from Japan and using Shakespeare’s original texts, this series – adapted by Richard Appignanesi and illustrated by leading manga artists – brings to life the great Bard’s words for students, Shakespeare enthusiasts and manga fans.
